Project Jukebox Survey
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David Krupa
Worked for the Oral History Program in the late 1990's and did several interviews.
As Interviewer
Interview Title | Archive #: Oral History | Project | Abstract |
---|---|---|---|
Ray Bane, Part 1 | 93-15-42 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
This interview with Ray Bane took place at his office in Anchorage, Alaska on August 3, 1992. Ray was working in the Subsistence Division of the National Park Service, and he generously took time out to discuss his role in the early subsistence research that provided baseline data for establishing management policy in the area that was to become Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. Ray was happy to find that the Jukebox project was aimed at elucidating multiple viewpoints on a critical period of Alaskan history and National Park formation. In particular, he expressed his hope that a permanent record such as this would be available to help people understand and remember the complex issues surrounding subsistence, land management, and the preservation mandate of the National Park Service. Ray expressed concern over the direction of the Park Service itself, and he also detailed the vehement local opposition to the parks when they were first formed. Importantly, he also discussed the profound impact of his experiences with Native peoples in altering his own vision of the relationship between humans and the natural world. He hoped that his contribution to subsistence policy reflects the deep cultural and spiritual ties to land and animals that he witnessed and participated in while working in Native communities throughout the Arctic. |
Ray Bane, Part 2 | 93-15-43 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
This is a continuation of the interview with Ray Bane in his office in Anchorage, Alaska on August 3, 1992 with David Krupa. At the time, Ray was working in the Subsistence Division of the National Park Service. This is a continuation of tape number Oral History 93-14-42. In this part of the interview, Ray talks about subsistence issues abd co-management in Gates of the Arctic National Park, |
Bud Helmericks | 2002-27-14 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
Bud Helmericks was interviewed on October 24, 2003 by Karen Brewster and David Krupa conducted at his home in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. As cultural anthropologist with Gates of the Arctic National Park, David Krupa was interested in hearing about Bud's relationship with the park. Bud was selected for this interview because of his long history as a bush pilot in northern Alaska, and because he has a home on Walker Lake within the boundaries of Gates of the Arctic National Park. Bud has many ties with the National Park Service. In this interview, Bud discusses flying in the Brooks Range in the early days, key people in the area at the time, life at Walker Lake, and how he has seen things change over the years. This interview has been edited. |
Pete and Renee Merry | 2002-27-01 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
Pete and Renee Merry were interviewed on October 29, 2002 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa at their home in Fairbanks, Alaska. Pete talked about his experiences flying in Alaska with particular emphasis on the Gates of the Arctic National Park area. He flew for Wien Airlines for many years in most parts of the Northern region, working his way up to piloting the jets. He still flys and works for Everts Air Fuel as an engine mechanic. He also has guiding camps in the Gates of the Arctic area. |
Steve and Kay Grubis | 2002-27-12 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
Steve and Kay Grubis were interviewed on September 26, 2003 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa (cultural anthropologist for Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve) at Pat Dubbs' house in Fairbanks, Alaska. They were in town to house-sit for the winter. Most winters they are up at their remote cabin in the Brooks Range, so they were just getting adjusted to being in town. Bill Schneider and Steve Grubis know each other from the years when Steve worked at the university. The Grubises were selected for this project because of their wilderness lifestyle, and their willingness to talk about how life within the Gates of the Arctic National Park area has changed over the years. In the interview, they emphasize how important knowledge of place is, and how observing the little things over days and weeks in the same place gives them a special perspective. |
Jack Reakoff, Interview 1 | 93-15-44 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
Jack Reakoff was interviewed by Bill Schneider, Dave Krupa and Carol Scott on October 14, 1992 in Wiseman, Alaska at an historic cabin that had been occupied by old-timer Charlie Breck prior to his death in 1991. Today the cabin is owned by Jack's parents Rick and June. Accompanying Jack were his children Jesse and Michelle, who were eager to hear their father discuss the history of their home. Jack is an important personality in Wiseman. In recent years prior to this interview, an entire generation of Wiseman old-timers had passed away, leaving Jack, at 35, the oldest of Wiseman's longtime residents. Jack's parents moved to Wiseman in 1971, and Jack has been living there on and off since. He has a great deal of respect and concern for local history, and he spent a lot of time listening to the old ones and in some cases following their example. He is perhaps the most active, and certainly most experienced, local resident involved in a mixed subsistence life, which includes hunting, trapping, gardening, and commercial fishing. At the time of the interview, Jack was busily engaged in the fall hunt, a hunt that had thus far yielded no meat. His wife Roma put in extra effort to take care of chores at home so that Jack could go out with one or two of his children twice daily in an extended search for moose. During the interview, Jack speaks eloquently about the importance of subsistence to the people of Wiseman, and shares his many carefully reasoned perspectives on game laws, federal and state agencies, and the bewildering issues surrounding land and resource management. This interview offers both a highly personal perspective on a unique and compelling life based out on the land, and a detailed discussion of the actual effects of management policies on rural residents of the Brooks Range. Jack's perspectives include a number of surprising conclusions and important challenges to common understanding of sensitive subsistence issues. |
Wallace and Florence Nictune | 93-15-31 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
The following tape was recorded with Wallace and Florence Nictune at their home in Evansville, Alaska on September 15, 1992. When interviewers Bill Schneider and David Krupa arrived, their letter describing the project sat on the kitchen table, and the Nictunes were very courteous and helpful as the prospects for making a recording were discussed. Outside, an early freeze-up was under way, but the Nictunes seemed well prepared and unconcerned. Their old dog snored in the corner, and smoke curled up lazily from Wallace's cigarette. Both Wallace and Florence expressed some sadness over the fact that they felt they were among the few people left in the area. Their own children had moved away, some as far away as the Lower 48. They said that there just wasn't enough opportunity in the village to keep people around anymore. When discussing the old times, they became a lot more animated, and from the recording the listener can get an inkling of the former hustle and bustle of the Koyukuk River and its distinctive communities. |
George Lounsbury | 93-15-59 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
George Lounsbury was interviewed on December 17, 1992 by David Krupa at George's home on Ester Dome, just outside Fairbanks, Alaska. George was surrounded by stacks of old photographs and other historic memorabilia from Wiseman, Alaska. The collection of materials were willed to him and his brother Jim ("Clutch") by the late Harry Leonard, a Wiseman old-timer who befriended the Lounsbury's during the pipeline construction days. Like his brother, George lights up whenever he's discussing Wiseman, an area that the two brothers have grown quite fond of since they began visiting there over twenty years ago. The Lounsbury's mined on claims near Wiseman that they inherited from Harry Leonard after his death. Harry Leonard's property, also inherited, has been upgraded with the addition of a Wiseman Historical Museum in one of the cabins. Many a weekend is spent shuttling back and forth between Fairbanks and Wiseman. George's interest in history led him to learn a lot of the local oral history, and on tape he tells many stories about colorful old-timers and important events in Wiseman history. He and Jim became close friends of Harry Leonard, and George tells stories about their friendship and some of Harry's endearing idiosyncrasies--including his tendency to treat his dogs as full family members, even going so far as to set a place for them at the dinner table. This tape is full of anecdotes that illustrate that the people of Wiseman are as interesting as the land itself. |
Walter Johnson, Interview 1, Part 1 | 93-15-19 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
Dr. Walter Johnson was interviewed by David Krupa on August 20, 1992 at his winter home in Anchorage, Alaska. Dr. Johnson was in Anchorage to visit one of his sons and to purchase supplies for a home he is building in Homer. Although retired, Dr. Johnson is very busy with a variety of projects, including lectures, building, and gardening. In anticipation of this interview, he took the time to organize and display a series of photos, records, and other memorabilia to augment the oral record. Dr. Johnson, like many others with long-standing ties to the Brooks Range, was at first hesitant to speak about complex and sometimes contentious history of the area. He was careful to distinguish his personal experience and general knowledge about the area, but because of his interest in history, he was able to provide an exceptionally rich reconstruction of early patterns of use and occupancy for the Koyukuk region. He also details some of his personal experiences while living in Wiseman: visiting with old-timers, hunting, running the local store, and working for the Alaska Road Commission. He explains that this remote subsistence lifestyle was nearly enough to keep him there for a lifetime, but the tug of social conscience drew him to a career of public service in medicine. His discussion includes early patterns of subsistence and mining for Natives and non-Natives, the social and cultural life of Wiseman in the middle of this century, and the impact of the many changes occasioned by the decline of mining, air travel, Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), the haul road, and finally, park formation. Dr. Johnson concludes that the area is a too tenuous and fragile environment to support large-scale population centers, and thus a carefully managed park is probably a good way to ensure that future generations will have access to wild and scenic country. What subsistence resources there are, he says, should remain with those who live in the area and not be subject to hunting pressures from guides and interlopers from urban centers to the south. Dr. Johnson fondly recalls the many phases of his involvement with the Wiseman community and says that he has no regrets. |
Walter Johnson, Interview 1, Part 2 | 93-15-20 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
This is a continuation of an interview with Walter Johnson conducted by David Krupa on August 20, 1992 in Anchorage, Alaska. This is a continuation of tape number Oral History 93-15-19. In this part of the interview, Walter talks about effects of tourism, and the future of Wiseman. |
Susan Holly | 93-15-40 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
Sue Holly was interviewed on September 16, 1992 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa at the National Park Service field office in Bettles, Alaska, where Sue works as a seasonal park ranger. Although the tourist season was winding down, an early freeze-up was threatening to complicate Sue and her husband's plans to move out to their trapping cabin along the John River. Snow was already on the ground, the season's moose had not been taken, and the river was already turning to slush. Still, Sue took these circumstances in stride, her ready laugh confirming that humor and patience are critical qualities for life in the bush. On tape, Sue discusses her and her husband Tom's lives as trappers and about the ambiguous feelings she has about the role of the National Park Service (NPS) in managing the area comprising Gates of the Arctic. Like many local people, they have endured some of the bureaucratic obstacles to subsistence that have been put in place by the NPS. At the same time, she values the protections offered by the park designation and would not like to see uncontrolled development in the region. Likewise, she enjoys her job with the park and relies on the income that it adds to the household economy. Sue describes what it is like to move back and forth between life in the village and life out on the trapline. She also gives excellent descriptions of the stresses, strains, and many joys associated with living out the winter trapping season in the isolation of their cabin along the John River. |
Joe Henderson | 93-15-18 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
Joe Henderson was interviewed on September 14, 1992 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa in Wiseman, Alaska at the general store that he and his wife, Sherry, recently restored and reopened. Sherry and Joe's young son, Eric, and Carol Scott also were present at the interview. Earlier in the day, Joe repaired the household water pump and shared fresh moose, a gift from a neighbor's successful hunt. The cabin radiated the warmth and coziness of a home nicely provisioned for the long Wiseman winter to come. Joe's quiet, soft-spoken manner contrasts with the strength of his convictions and views regarding development, the land "lock-up" of the National Park Service, and the seeming shortsightedness of policies that discourage the kind of tourism/guiding activities that he offers and feels could allow more people access to the park area. He is very articulate in describing the unintended effects of well-meaning policies aimed at preservation that are conceived in Washington and have little relevance to the Alaskan context. Joe also talks about his skills as a dog musher and trainer, and about his involvement with the filming of the feature film "White Fang," which made use of a number of Joe's dogs. He recalls the lessons he learned while in the midst of some of the best animal handlers in the world. Joe stresses the importance of positive feedback in training, and suggests that if a dog is making mistakes in harness, it is usually the fault of the trainer....a humble conclusion. |
William and Shirley English | 93-15-14 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
Bill and Shirley English were interviewed at their home in Anchorage, Alaska on August 4, 1992 by David Krupa. Before consenting to the interview, Bill took time to inquire about the purposes of the project, the background of the interviewer, and the nature of the information sought by the project. At the outset of taping, he modestly disavowed having much to say: ninety minutes later Bill had established an enduring and fascinating record of the early days in Wiseman, Alaska. He discusses early transportation with horse-drawn scows, mail routes from Fairbanks to Tanana and up the Koyukuk, hunting for sheep and caribou with his mother in the uplands, the first plane into Wiseman, the colorful characters who populated the Brooks Range in days past, and his experiences as a commercial pilot in Alaska when aviation was still largely a "seat of the pants" adventure. Both of the English's continuing fondness for the area and its people shine through in this interview, and the tape offers a fascinating glimpse of an earlier era of--perhaps surprisingly to some listeners--more vigorous human activity in the region. Bill recalls Wiseman when it was a community of 2,000: today perhaps fifty individuals reside there permanently. He concludes by saying that when times were good in Wiseman, when people could make a living, it was a warm, gentle, and cooperative community. He expressed his concern that the National Park Service, while doing important work in preservation, must not "lock away" land for the pleasure and use of a few elites at the expense of those who would make this their homeland. |
Bruce Collins | 93-15-07 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
Bruce Collins was interviewed on Thursday, August 6, 1992 by David Krupa at Bruce's office in Anchorage, Alaska. Bruce is currently Aviation Manager for the National Park Service, but from 1981-1991 he was Chief Ranger for Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, stationed in both Fairbanks and Bettles. Poor flying conditions kept Bruce grounded in Anchorage and made time available for this interview. He used the occasion of the interview to express his enthusiasm for the vast and diverse landscape of Alaska, and his growing awareness that the challenge of the Park Service in Alaska is to act as a wise steward for "global resources" unmatched in size and ecological integrity. He discusses the difficulty of conveying to outsiders the enormity, integrity, and diversity of Alaska and its paradoxical vulnerability to environmental insult. Like Ray Bane, he seemed intent on preserving a record of the unique period of park formation in Alaska; and sensitizing a new generation of park personnel regarding the depth and intensity of local concern over the impact of park formation upon historic patterns of use and occupancy on park lands. He discusses the struggle between the preservation mandate of the park and the needs of local communities. He also expresses his fear that park lands are in real danger of being compromised by political realities such as state claims to transportation corridors and increased hunting, mining, and trapping pressures at the margins of protected lands. |
Bill Brown, Interview 2, Part 1 | 93-15-01 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
Bill Brown was interviewed on October 22, 1992 by David Krupa at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Bill was visiting Fairbanks from his home in Gustavus, Alaska to finish work on Denali Mountaineering Project Jukebox where, instead of being the interviewee, he did the interviewing. In this first part of a two part interview, Bill gives a brief summary of his career in the National Park Service, then goes on to detail the process of defining and protecting historic sites as part of the National Park Service's mission along the Koyukuk River and in the Central Brooks Range. Bill shares the perspective of a historian as he discusses the long history of Native presence in the area and the successive waves of European interest and occupation based primarily on mining, and more recently, oil development on the North Slope. He discusses how the relative isolation of the Brooks Range and the fragility of the environment affected its frontier development. He goes on to chronicle Native involvement and reaction to Western encroachment, and concludes with a brief overview of Alaska's land and resource history and its impact on national parks in Alaska. |
Bill Brown, Interview 2, Part 2 | 93-15-02 | Gates of the Arctic National Park |
This is the continuation of an interview with Bill Brown on October 22, 1992 by David Krupa at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this second part of a two part interview, Bill talks about the formation of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, and some of the land management issues that the new park had to deal with. |
LeNora Conkle | 95-71-11 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
LeNora Conkle was interviewed on October 19, 1993 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa at her home, the Eagle Trail Ranch, near Nabesna, Alaska at Mile 58 on the Tok Highway. The road down to her place was under some scrutiny, since she wanted to make some improvements and the National Park Service had informed her that she had to get a permit to do the work. She and her late husband, Bud, built the road and adjoining airstrip. So, she had been involved in lots of meetings on that issue with the National Park Service and the Department of Transportation. LeNora and Bud came to Alaska after WWII, when he got out of the service. He learned to fly and then got into the guiding business at Tanada Lake, and later at Wolf Lake. In this interview, LeNora tells about their life in the hunting camps and the life she and Bud made together. Now she lives in the house they built, and there are many reminders of their life. The many pictures, setting-strip, float pond, visitors, young people that admire her, the life she has led, and even the fight to preserve her claim are evidence of her commitment to the way of life she and her husband shared. |
Kirk Ellis | 95-71-01 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Kirk Ellis was interviewed on June 11, 1993 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa at his family's homestead, Devils Mountain Lodge, at the end of the Nabesna Road in Nabesna, Alaska. In this interview, Kirk talks about his early childhood experiences, describing a fascinating and unique life requiring self-reliance and awareness. His gift for storytelling becomes apparent as he tells us about: his mother driving off wolves who were killing dogs in the dogyard; his father teaching him how to handle crisis with calm and precision by giving Kirk the terrifying task of killing a charging grizzly; his mother's great strength in taking care of the entire homestead and homeschooling the children when Bill was away on guiding ventures upon which the family depended for money; and the day to day joys and dangers of living over one hundred miles from the nearest medical facility. Kirk also describes following his father into guiding and flying, and how he had to build a plane from used parts because he could not afford to buy one outright. Kirk provides great insight into the meaning of the guiding life for him and his family, especially its importance as a way of remaining tied to a magnificent, if fragile, environment. His testimony shows how his family's guiding business has been sustainable because they have paid careful attention to game populations and their health. The word respect came repeatedly to mind: respect for the awesome power of land, animals, mountains; respect for the skills and judgment needed by those who would make this place their home. Kirk discusses how the guiding business has changed, and how the National Park Service's management regime has negatively impacted their lives. He makes the point that the regulatory structure has the unintended effect of forcing guides into trying to carry more hunters and increase hunting pressure to overcome the spiraling costs of operating a guiding business in a political environment hostile to professional hunts. He concludes by reflecting on the future of guiding, and suggests some new directions--such as carrying more mountain climbers, tourists, and hikers--that he and his family are moving into to compensate for the closing window on big game guiding. |
Cole and Lorene Ellis | 95-71-02 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Cole and his mother, Lorene Ellis, were interviewed on June 11, 1993 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa at the family homestead, Mile 42 on the Nabesna Road in Nabesna, Alaska. In this interview, Cole and Lorene speak about the joys and hardships of their lives at the "end of the road," high in the Wrangell Mountains. They candidly discuss what this life means to them and how guiding, despite its recent vilification in some circles, has been for them a way of life rooted in love and respect for the land and animals upon which they depend. They discuss the effect of park development on their lives, and admit that the future for big game guiding looks limited. They recognize that the pressures upon land and resources are growing steadily from all directions, and in this respect they have common interests with the National Park Service. They speak of their fears and hopes for the future and of their yearning to be understood in their own right as hardworking people with ties to the area that go much deeper than those of the recently arrived officials who, by virtue of their federal mandate, will exert great control over the Ellis' fate. |
Dr. Andy Embick, Part 1 | 95-71-08-01 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Dr. Andy Embick was interviewed on July 25, 1993 by David Krupa at the Embick home in Valdez, Alaska. The family's love of outdoor sports and recreation covers the walls; variously sized skis, backpacks, mountaineering equipment, and kayaks are neatly stored in hallways, basement nooks, and garage rafters; guide books, manuals, and Alaskana fill the bookcases. His home has the feel of a well-provisioned base camp, and Andy the demeanor of a capable expedition leader. On tape, Andy talks about his kayaking experiences in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. He discusses the joys, difficulties, and dangers of the sport and provides good insight on how parklands can either facilitate or hinder opportunities for this sort of radical recreation. He argues that kayaking is one of the few means for people to gain access to otherwise remote areas of Alaska. He also says that Alaska is home to some of the last, greatest, and most pristine undammed rivers in the world. A long-term view, Andy suggests, would recognize and cherish this uniqueness and promote recreational access instead of building roads such as that being constructed along the Copper River between Chitina and Cordova. |
Dr. Andy Embick, Part 2 | 95-71-08-02 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
This is a continuation of an interview with Dr. Andy Embick by David Krupa on July 25, 1993 in Valdez, Alaska. In this part of the interview, Andy talks about the thrill and enjoyment of whitewater kayaking, a bear encounter, the future of kayaking in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and his book Fast and Cold: A Guide to Alaska Whitewater. |
Bill Etchells | 95-71-17 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Bill Etchells was interviewed on October 22, 1993 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa at his homestead near Kenny Lake, Alaska. Bill moved to Alaska in the early 1960's. There were pictures of his son adorning the cabin. There were some antique guns, a radio and TV, and a few books in the cabin. When the interviewers met with Bill, he was splitting his winter's wood. He says that a bad back gives him some trouble, but he seems to live a pretty rugged life: hunting, packing water for the horses, using the horses for farm work and for skidding logs out of the woods. |
Jean Huddleston | 95-71-09 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Jean Huddleston was interviewed by David Krupa on July 27, 1993 at her apartment in Copper Center, Alaska. Jean had spent a long day working as a volunteer at the George Ashby Memorial Museum, named in honor of her late father. Jean's interest in local history has led her children to jokingly refer to her as a "living fossil." Despite being exhausted, Jean carried on her roadhouse family's sense of decorum by preparing a dinner "just in case" anyone dropped by. As taping began, the delicious aroma of broiling turkey filled the room. In this interview, Jean talks about her life as a child at the Copper Center Roadhouse. She gives colorful accounts of some of the many characters who frequented the roadhouse in earlier days. Interestingly, she says that the roadhouse's role as grocery store and restaurant were more important than lodging guests. She discusses the unending work and occasional pleasures associated with the operation of the roadhouse, and chuckles over her first frightful experience with the meat slicer. From Jean's recollections, we get a sense of the closeness and interdependence of people living in the Copper River Valley during the middle part of this century. |
Art Koeninger | 95-71-18 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Art Koeninger was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 22, 1993 in his apartment above the Spirit Mountain Artworks store in Chitina, Alaska. In this interview, Art talks about what brought him to the Chitina area and the many issues, opportunities, and challenges that kept him there. Historic preservation and community service are key themes in this interview. He feels strongly about giving back to the community and this is apparent in his interview. |
Sam Lightwood, Part 1 | 95-71-14-01 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Sam Lightwood was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 21, 1993 at his homestead in Kenny Lake, Alaska. His wife, Marian, was present during the interview, but didn't talk on tape. Sam made his living homesteading, teaching, and running a local newspaper. Marian taught school at Kenny Lake for many years before retiring. Their post and beam construction house and the impressive homestead is a tribute to the Lightwood's skill and perseverance. In this first part of a two part interview, Sam talks about what brought the Lightwoods to Kenny Lake and about the community spirit that makes this area special. |
Sam Lightwood, Part 2 | 95-71-14-02 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
This is a continuation of an interview with Sam Lightwood by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 21, 1993 at his homestead in Kenny Lake, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Sam talks about the Kenny Lake community, development, guiding, farming, and the impact of the establishment of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. |
Cleo McMahan | 95-71-12 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Cleo McMahan was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 20, 1993 at his home near Gakona, Alaska. Cleo and his wife, Daphne, lived just off the Richardson Highway, overlooking the Tok Highway with a beautiful view of the mountains that Cleo spent so much time flying in. He came north during the Depression, worked several Civilian Conservation Corps jobs, and then learned to fly. With that he had a way to get into the woods and he soon was taking folks out and guiding hunters. Cleo's sons lived adjacent to him. At the time of this interview, Cleo's eyesight had deteriorated a bit so he couldn't keep his license, but he wanted to get into flying ultra lights, since he wouldn't need to have a license to fly them. If you are interested in learning more about Cleo, his daughter, Sally McMahan Pollen, wrote a book about him entitled Papa was a Bush Pilot. |
Sy Neeley, Part 1 | 95-71-03-01 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Sy Neeley was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on June 13, 1993 at his home in Glennallen, Alaska. His wife, Carol, operates Carol's Bed and Breakfast in their home. The weekend's lodgers were on their way out the door when Sy took a few hours off to do this recording. This break was a rare occurrence for the Neeleys, who not only run several businesses -- the B & B, a sanitation service, tax preparation -- but also provide volunteer services to the Glennallen community. The previous day, the Neeleys had attended the funeral of a fourteen year old boy who, like the Neeleys' own daughter in 1971, had died tragically in an accident during the bright days of June. The coincidence of timing saddened them all the more and gave them pause to reflect on the many accidents that had claimed the lives of too many youngsters in this tiny, close knit community. Sy is a natural storyteller and his eyes light up as he recounts the exploits of fondly recalled old timers. In this first part of a two part interview, he describes growing up the Chistochina and Nabesna area, construction of the highway, and early methods of transportation. He talks about the ingenuity of the early pioneers, including an early bootlegger who used the seat tank to hold bottled contraband, which was delivered en-route to legitimate booked deliveries. He talks about friendships with old timers, like Bill Cameron, a worker at the Nabesna Mine. He describes the elaborate, world-class, big game hunts executed by the esteemed guide, Harry Boyden, who later sold his land to the Ellises (see tape Oral History 95-71-02 for further accounts of Boyden). Sy's interview contains a lot of gems like this, colorful and humorous anecdotes from a life spent listening, laughing, and living amidst the great community that is the Copper River Valley. |
Virginia Pete | 2001-02-05 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Virginia Pete was interviewed by Ruth Ann Warden of the Park Service, Dave Krupa and Bill Schneider on February 2, 2001 in her home in Tazlina, Alaska. Her sister, Gloria Stickwan, and her grandson (a young boy of 3 or 4) were present. Virginia was selected by the Village Council for the interview. Gloria works for the Copper River Native Association on cultural documentation. Virginia is a little hard of hearing, but she understood all of the questions and does a good job developing answers to the questions and presenting important themes such as the Army occupation of Dry Creek and how her family was forced to move out -- without compensation. Virginia now lives in a neat little house set back from the highway. Her beadwork is set out on a side table and there are several historic pictures and lots of recent ones on the shelves and walls. |
Inger Jensen Ricci | 95-71-06 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Inger Ricci was interviewed by David Krupa on July 20, 1993 at her home in Anchorage, Alaska. Her husband Charles was also present. The Ricci's interests in backcountry hiking and Alaska history have converged in the hobby of using metal detectors to search for historical artifacts, and their enthusiasm for the "hunt" was contagious. A recent journey along the old Valdez Trail, used by the stampeders in 1898, produced a number of interesting artifacts discarded or lost by the early pioneers. The Ricci's generally donate the materials they find to local museums. In this interview, Inger fondly recalled her experiences as a child, and growing up as the daughter of the master carpenter at Kennecott during its heyday in the 1920s. Her memories help form a picture of an isolated, yet very happy, community that was a children's paradise. She talks about the fullness of her life there, a feeling shared by other "Kennecott Kids" who, in the summer of 1991, gathered again at McCarthy and Kennecott to reminisce about their life at this unique mining community. Inger talks about the love for the area that people felt, and of her grief when the mine closed in 1938, shortly after she and her husband had returned in hopes of raising a family there. She also talks about the joys of seeing her childhood friends at the reunion, which was remarkably well-attended given the fact that many had not been back to Alaska - let alone Kennecott - in over one half century. |
Ruby Sinyon | 2001-02-03 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Ruby Sinyon was interviewed by Bill Schneider, Dave Krupa and Ruth Ann Warden on February 2, 2001 at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Interpretation Center in Copper Center, Alaska. Ruby is from Chistochina and she came to the National Park Service offices with other members of the community who were attending a meeting. In this interview, Ruby talks about the hard times growing up in the area. Her story also extends into Nabesna and her husband's seasonal work at the mine there. Anne Worthington of the National Park Service was also present during this interview. |
Georgia Strunk | 95-71-15 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Georgia Strunk was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 21, 1993 at her home in Glennallen, Alaska. They did the interview in her huge living room with its large and numerous windows that look out on the mountains. Georgia and her husband, Ed, did some hunting, but their primary activity was running a business and supplying hunting guides with food that was flown out to their camps. Georgia and her husband came to Glennallen after the 1964 Earthquake destroyed their business in Anchorage. Georgia enjoys Glennallen because of the close proximity of the church and her role at the Cracker Barrel. She is active in community events and donates time to the library. In this interview, Georgia talks about her businesses, hunting, supplying hunting guides, changes she has seen in Glenallen, and impacts from establishment of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. |
Henra Sundt, Part 1 | 95-71-04-01 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Henra Sundt was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on June 13, 1993 in Gakona, Alaska. This interview was conducted at her summer home next to the Gakona Lodge. Henra's son, Roy, and her granddaughter, Kari, also were present during the interview. Henra, was living mostly in Anchorage, and was spending her first weekend of the summer in Gakona, tending to the lawn, seeing friends, and tidying up. When Bill Schneider and David Krupa arrived, Henra was busy clipping the grass growing up around the towering spruce in her front yard. In this interview, Henra recalls her life experience with relish and humor. In this first part of a two part interview, she gives an excellent account of traveling along the precarious and precipitous "goat" road from Valdez to Glennallen and on to Gakona, where she and her husband got their start. She describes many of the colorful characters who passed through the Gakona Lodge and records some of her own adventures, including hiking across the mountains to visit her husband at Slate Creek. She tells of her struggle to carry on alone after her husband's death. She and her son, Roy, give a darkly humorous account of some historical deaths, burials, and reburials in the Gakona area. The interview provides a good perspective on early life along the highway and the characters who passed through. |
Henra Sundt, Part 2 | 95-71-04-02 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
This is a continuation on the interview with Henra Sundt by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on June 13, 1993 in Gakona, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Henra talks about artists who stayed at Gakona Lodge, making a living after her husband's death, the school in Gakona, roads in the area, deaths and burial, and learning from Alaska Natives. |
Michael Swisher | 95-71-19 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Michael Swisher was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 23, 1993 at his homestead on the Old Edgerton Road in Kenny Lake, Alaska. The timing of the interview with Michael was unfortunate, because his mother had just been medivaced out after a fall and he had been awake much of the night making the arrangements and seeing his wife and mother off. In this recording, he talks about coming to Alaska, homesteading, the various ways he obtained income, living in Kenny Lake, and the National Park Service. |
Joseph Virgin | 95-71-16 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Joseph Virgin was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 21, 1993 at his home at Mile 140 of the Glenn Highway in Nelchina near Glennallen, Alaska. In this interview, Joe describes the history of the Alaska Central Mission and its role in providing medical service, a radio station, and the Bible College. |
Fred Williams, Part 1 | 95-71-13-01 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Fred Williams was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Dave Krupa on October 20, 1993 at his home in Copperville, Copper Center, Alaska. Fish Bug Lane is what he called his road. A 1964 snowmachine sat in the front yard: he just had it all overhauled. Fred and his wife, Halle, have three springer spaniels. Fred is a major collector of rifles; he has a whole room full of them. In this interview, he talks about his experiences as a fish and game biologist in the Copper Basin area. It is clear that he loved the time that he spent out in the field, which amounted to 75% of the work then. Now biologists spend 25% of their time out in the country. A large part of his job involved taking fish surveys from aircraft. His back room is stocked with antique guns which he says he can't resist. The basement has many testimonies to his interests, history books, animal trophies, and a display of his old Fish and Game badges from Alaska and Wyoming where he also worked. In this first part of a two part interview, Fred talks about his job as a fisheries biologist, subsistence, federal and state regulations, and his feelings about land preservation, the National Park Service and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. |
Fred Williams, Part 2 | 95-71-13-02 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
This is a continuation of an interview with Fred Williams by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 20, 1993 at his home in Copper Center, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Fred talks about protection of fish, access to park lands, and effects from increased tourism. |
Jack Wilson | 95-71-10 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Jack Wilson was interviewed by David Krupa on July 28, 1993 at Jack and his wife's liquor store and office supply along the Glenn Highway outside Glennallen, Alaska. Near Jack's desk, a small model Supercub hung from the ceiling tiles, where it turned lazily in the summer breeze. On the far wall, a lifetime of flying and guiding activities were chronicled in an impressive mosaic of snapshots: Jack and his plane perched precariously on a glacier; Jack and clients with trophy sheep; Jack behind the controls of the Cessna 180. Outside, Mt. Sanford, Drum, and Wrangell were periodically appearing and disappearing from behind a wall of billowing clouds. These mountains were Jack's aerial workplace for more than three decades as he operated Wilson's Air Service out of the Gulkana airstrip. In this interview, Jack talks with great modesty about his experiences as one of Alaska's most talented glacier pilots. He discusses how he got started, learned to land safely on glaciers, and some of the special skills required for bush flying in the extreme conditions found in Alaska's mountainous areas. He also discusses some of his memorable clients, recalling that he was especially impressed with some of the mountain climbing expeditions that he flew for in the 1970s. At that time, climbing parties were larger and often carried out the climb like a military campaign. The Japanese teams, he says, were exceptionally well-organized and professional, displaying a singularity of purpose and will: much like the focus needed by a pilot trying to make high country landings in adverse conditions. |
Colby Coombs | 2000-17-11 | Denali Mountaineering |
Colby Coombs was interviewed on May 29, 2000 by Dave Krupa at Daryl Miller's home in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this interview, Colby talks about mountaineering, his connections with the natural world, climbing in Alaska, and his work to educate others about proper climbing techniques and preparation skills. Most importantly, he provides a detailed account of a 1992 climb of Mount Foraker where his climbing partners, Ritt Kellog and Tom Walter, were killed by a slab avalanche and Cody was injured, and shares lessons he learned about controlling risk and paying attention to weather. |
Michael Covington | 2000-17-07 | Denali Mountaineering |
Michael Covington was interviewed on June 9, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the National Park Service Ranger Station in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this interview, Michael talks about his career as a climber and mountaineer and founding of his guiding business Fantasy Ridge. He tells some truly astonishing stories of epics and near misses on various peaks in the Alaska Range and around the world, and shares the philosophy that sustains him. Finally, he reflects on his gradual disenchantment with commercial guiding, and wonders about how places like Talkeetna will be able to keep their pioneer character in the face of rapid development. |
Art Davidson | 2000-17-23 | Denali Mountaineering |
Art Davidson was interviewed on July 6, 2000 by Dave Krupa on the deck of Art's beautiful and secluded home outside Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Art talks about his climbing and mountaineering career, especially in the Alaska Range. In particular, he provides an eloquent, if not harrowing, account of his most well known climb: the first winter ascent of Denali in 1967. Art also shares his experience of losing climbing partners and dealing with issues of survival, as well as his love of the mountains and his environmental ethic. |
Paul Denkewalter | 2000-17-22 | Denali Mountaineering |
Paul Denkewalter was interviewed on July 6, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking store in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Paul talks about his experiences climbing in the Alaska Range, including on Denali. Paul's intensity and grace shows through in this interview as he shares stories of climbing some of the most challenging routes in Alaska in the company of other eminent Alaska mountaineers. He gives us an insider's view of climbers, group dynamics, and the changes in mountaineering technology that have helped climbers to reach higher and go farther. |
Jim Donini | 2000-17-19 | Denali Mountaineering |
Jim Donini was interviewed on June 30, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the National Park Service Ranger Station in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this interview, Jim shares his climbing philosophy and technique, providing great descriptions of climbs in Alaska such as the Diamond Arete and Northeast Spur on Mount Hunter, the Cobra Pillar on Mount Barrille, and his recent epic with Malcom Daly on Thunder Mountain. Jim describes the mentality necessary to keep pushing in the face of adversity, and knowing when to turn back. He also explains why he prefers climbing with one partner only, and offers excellent profiles of climbing partners such as Jack Tackle, Malcom Daly, Greg Crouch, and John Bragg. Jim reflects on the ways that improvements in climbing and rescue technology can paradoxically lead to greater peril because of a false sense of security among mountaineers. He also talks about his project to climb and document the "seven real summits:" the most difficult peak to summit on each continent. |
Annie Duquette | 2000-17-20 | Denali Mountaineering |
Annie Duquette, known as "Basecamp Annie," was interviewed on July 1, 2000 by Dave Krupa at Denali's 7,200 foot basecamp. The interview took place in her weatherport "home away from home," just before it was to be disassembled and slung off the mountain at the close of the climbing season. In this interview, Annie talks about her work as basecamp manager. She gives an especially intimate look at daily life on the mountain, as well as the characters who are drawn to such extreme places. She also reflects on the challenges and rewards of her work, the many trying situations she dealt with, and the changes she has witnessed as Denali's popularity grew. There was a special poignancy during the interview not only because Annie was leaving soon, but also because she shared the grief of the whole community in the loss of NPS rangers and pilot Don Bowers in an airplane crash only weeks before this interview took place. |
Bob Gerhard | 2000-17-17 | Denali Mountaineering |
Bob Gerhard was interviewed on June 23, 2000 by Dave Krupa at Bob's office at the National Park Service Regional Headquarters in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Bob talks about his experience as a ranger at Denali National Park, being involved with search and rescue operations, and the establishment of a regulatory management system for mountaineering at Denali. Bob's understanding of the history of NPS backcountry policy and management is exceptional, and he has been one of the Park Service "insiders" not afraid to take on difficult and sometimes unpopular positions in the interests of protecting the Park experience on Denali. His reflections offer an insightful perspective on the many challenges faced by those managing an increasingly popular climbing destination. |
Dr. Peter Hackett | 2000-17-12 | Denali Mountaineering |
Peter Hackett, MD was interviewed on May 30, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the National Park Service Ranger Station in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this interview, Peter describes high altitude physiology, processes of acclimatization, and symptoms of conditions of those who become ill. He helps dispel misperceptions about altitude sickness, and offers practical advice for avoiding trouble and spotting symptoms in team partners. Peter also explains why he eventually moved on from Denali to continue his research in more comfortable conditions in Colorado. On the day of the interview, Peter was headed up Denali once more, this time to act as team physician on a NOVA sponsored ascent of the mountain. |
Jim Hood | 2000-17-13 | Denali Mountaineering |
Jim Hood was interviewed on June 2, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the National Park Service Ranger Station in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this interview, Jim talks about flying helicopters and search and rescue operations on Denali, and provides vivid details of day-to-day operations, conducting high altitude rescues and dealing with challening flying conditions. With considerable understatement and humility, Jim provides a first hand account of flying helicopters in one of the most dangerous locations in the world. Flying at altitudes that stretch and even exceed the design specifications of his craft, Jim describes rescue work in conditions where there is no margin for error and "mechanical failure is not an option." |
Jay Hudson | 2000-17-15 | Denali Mountaineering |
Jay Hudson was interviewed on June 8, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the Hudson Air Service hangar in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this interview, Jay discusses growing up with his pilot father (Cliff Hudson), how he became a pilot himself, and the many changes he has seen in the air taxi business over several decades. He talks about the challenges of flying in the mountains and dealing with bad weather, landing on glaciers, and participating in rescue operations. He also mentions the relationships he has with climbers, and his thoughts about the consequences of intense use of Denali and the role of National Park Service management. Shortly after this interview, tragedy struck when Hudson Air Service pilot Don Bowers and his National Park Service passengers were killed after failing to reach basecamp in bad weather. |
Dave Johnston | 2000-17-31 | Denali Mountaineering |
Dave Johnston was interviewed on December 15, 2000 by Dave Krupa at Johnson's walk-in cabin off the Talkeetna Spur Road near Talkeetna, Alaska. In the interview, Dave gives a detailed account of the 1967 winter climb of Denali, sharing great stories of the physical as well as interpersonal challenges of survival in epic circumstances. He also reflects on his motivations for climbing, challenges that lay ahead, and the changes he has seen in the world of mountaineering. |
George Lowe | 2000-17-08 | Denali Mountaineering |
George Lowe was interviewed on May 31, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the bunkhouse of Talkeetna Air Taxi in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this interview, George describes how he became a climber, what drew him to Alaska, and what particular challenges he faced on the routes he pioneered in Alaska - some of the most demanding and audacious climbs anywhere in the world. George also weighs in on the critical issue of National Park Service management of climbing on Denali, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of search and rescue fallbacks for climbers. |
Ian McRae | 2000-17-26 | Denali Mountaineering |
Ian McRae was interviewed on August 19, 2000 by Dave Krupa at Krupa's cabin outside Fairbanks, Alaska. Ian provides a wonderful and entertaining window into the "Fairbanks climbing scene," carrying on an eccentric and decades old Fairbanks tradition of pioneering "sloggers" who get up routes via low tech approaches and more grit than gear. He reflects not only on numerous memorable climbs, personages, and epics, but also on the philosophical "games climbers play" in the pursuit of their distinctly hazardous adventures. He broaches the topics of synchronicity, intuition, and even spiritual elements of climbing - often felt, but seldom explicitly expressed by fellow climbers. |
Daryl Miller | 2000-17-01 | Denali Mountaineering |
Daryl Miller was interviewed on April 27, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the National Park Service Ranger Station in Talkeetna, Alaska. Daryl is a gifted storyteller, a skill displayed here as he describes his varied life and assays the special challenges and opportunities for mountaineering in the Alaska Range and on Denali. In this interview, Daryl talks about his experiences as a climber in the Alaska Range, being a mountaineering ranger for Denali National Park, being involved in rescue operations, and dealing with the challenges of managing climbers and the climbing program. For more about Daryl's philosophy about mountain safety and climbing, see, "Survival is Your Own Responsibility: Thoughts From A Retired Mountaineering Ranger" an essay he wrote that appears on the Denali National Park website. |
Brian Okonek, Part 1 | 2000-17-14 | Denali Mountaineering |
Brian Okonek was interviewed on May 31, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the bunkhouse of Alaska-Denali Guiding in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Brian describes his experiences as a climber and guide, giving a step by step account of a guided climb up Denali's popular West Buttress route. He also talks about being involved in rescue operations, assisting with high altitude medical research, and management of climbing and guiding on Denali. |
Diane Okonek | 2000-17-16 | Denali Mountaineering |
Diane Okonek was interviewed on June 6, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the bunkhouse of Alaska-Denali Guiding in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this interview, Diane shares her love of the mountains and reflects on her experience and philosophy as a guide. She provides a remarkable and detailed description of the "nuts and bolts" of guiding trips on Denali, and of the special human rewards of helping people to safely experience one of the world's premiere alpine environments. |
Roger Robinson | 2000-17-02 | Denali Mountaineering |
Roger Robinson was interviewed on April 27, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the National Park Service Ranger Station in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this interview, Roger talks about being a mountaineering ranger at Denali National Park, interacting with climbers, working to establish clean camping regulations on the mountain, and being involved with search and rescue operations. Roger's humility and warmth of character make this interview one of the most engaging accounts in the Denali Mountaineering Project Jukebox collection. |
Paul Roderick | 2000-17-09 | Denali Mountaineering |
Paul Roderick was interviewed on June 8, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the main headquarters of Talkeetna Air Taxi in Talkeetna, Alaska. On the day of the interview, poor weather made it possible for Paul to take a short time out of his busy day to reflect on flying in one of the world's most dynamic and perilous environments. In this interview, Paul talks about how he has gotten to know the Alaska Range as a pilot, the special challenges of mountain flying and glacier landings, and the ways that being a climber helps him in his work. Paul gives us an inside view of how climbers and pilots coordinate their efforts, both in the "routine" of put-ins and take-outs, but also in emergency situations. He shares some insights about how he copes with the dangers and deaths that inevitably come with mountaineering and bush flying. |
Leon "Pete" Sinclair | 2000-17-04 | Denali Mountaineering |
Pete Sinclair was interviewed on May 8, 2000 by Dave Krupa at The Elliot Bay Bookstore/Café in downtown Seattle, Washington. In this interview, Pete describes the famous 1959 first ascent climb of Denali's West Rib, shares stories of other Alaskan adventures, and gives a superb description of his climbing career and work as a climbing ranger in Wyoming. Pete's account is both compelling and humorous. He also discusses group dynamics, dealing with crises, decision making and risk taking, changing attitudes amongst climbers, and issues of overcrowding on Denali. |
Ralph Tingey | 2000-17-18 | Denali Mountaineering |
Ralph Tingey was interviewed on June 23, 2000 by Dave Krupa at Ralph's office at the National Park Service Regional Headquarters in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Ralph talks about his experience as a climbing ranger at Denali National Park. He offers a lively account of search and rescue activities and protocol, the special camaraderie of climbing rangers, and the evolution of rescue craft. He also discusses the practical means of controlling risk, as well as the psychological factors that can keep situations from turning into tragedy. Ralph's love of the mountains, climbing, and the mountaineering culture are clearly evident in this interview, as is his level-headed assessment of risk and challenge. |
Mark Twight | 2000-17-21 | Denali Mountaineering |
Mark Twight was interviewed on July 1, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the National Park Service Ranger Station in Talkeetna, Alaska. In this interview, Mark describes his climbing philosophy and technique of "extreme alpinism" in an intriguing account of how he and partners Steve House and Scott Backes climbed the Czech (Slovak) Direct Route in about 60 hours of continuous climbing. Mark also describes the special challenges of Alaskan climbing and psychological effects of extreme alpinism. He takes us into that eerie realm of extremity, fatigue, and total commitment that can lead to tragedy or transcendance, a distinction as fragile as a front-point on blue ice. |
Leslie "Les" Viereck | 2000-17-06 | Denali Mountaineering |
Les Viereck was interviewed on May 23, 2000 by Dave Krupa at Les' home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Les recounts his experience as a member of the Thayer Expedition who made the first successful ascent of the South Butrress of Denali in 1954. He recalls this climb not only as a remarkable achievement, but a tragedy due to the death of Elton Thayer. Les describes the climb and subsequent epic in great detail, adding fascinating observations about crew dynamics, observations on high altitude ecology, and the foodless trek across the Muldrow Glacier that he and Morton "Woody" Wood took in order to get help for the injured George Argus. Les also reflects on his ongoing commitment to protection of parklands, and the threats to Denali that come with increasing visitor use. |
Barbara Washburn | 2000-17-24 | Denali Mountaineering |
Barbara Washburn was interviewed on July 8, 2000 by Dave Krupa at the home of Brian and Diane Okonek in Talkeetna, Alaska. On the day of the interview, Bradford and Barbara Washburn were in Talkeetna waiting for clear weather so they could visit key locations in Denali National Park, such as Fake Peak, in an effort to clear up remaining mysteries about Captain Cook's claimed ascent of the mountain. In this interview, Barbara gives a modest account of her exceptional accomplishments, including a wonderful description of her trip up Denali in 1947 and the camaraderie of the climbers. She offers a remarkable window into life, not only as a woman adventurer, but as a social pioneer living a life for which there were few, if any, role models at the time. She describes how Amelia Earhart inspired her, as did the tenacity and adventurous spirit of her husband, Bradford. Barbara's warmth and humor show through in this interview, and it is easy to understand why she has become an inspiration to other women adventurers. |
Bradford Washburn | 2000-17-25 | Denali Mountaineering |
Bradford "Brad" Washburn was interviewed on July 8, 2000 by Dave Krupa at Brian and Diane Okonek's home in Talkeetna, Alaska. On the day of the interview, Bradford and Barbara Washburn were in Talkeetna waiting for clear weather so they could visit key locations in Denali National Park, such as Fake Peak, in an effort to clear up remaining mysteries about Captain Cook's claimed ascent of the mountain. In this interview, Brad, who is truly the "dean" of the mountain, shares in amazing detail his extraordinary journey over more than half a century to explore, document, and share the mountains that he loves and that have been the focus of his life. He talks about some of the expeditions he has made in Alaska, including Denali and Mount Lucania in the Wrangell Mountains, and elsewhere in the world, his technique for aerial mountain photography, and his map making efforts. He also discusses setting the West Buttress Route on Denali, his concerns about preserving wilderness, and his recent effort to research Cook's Sourdough Expedition. |
James Wickwire | 2000-17-05 | Denali Mountaineering |
James "Jim" Wickwire was interviewed on May 9, 2000 by Dave Krupa at Jim's legal offices in downtown Seattle, Washington. In this interview, Jim describes his climbing experiences throughout the world, including the ill-fated trip to Alaska where he lost his climbing partner, Chris Kerrebrock, in a freak crevasse fall on the Peters Glacier. Jim's account is candid and insightful, as are his reflections on what motivates him as a climber. Jim's accounts are a virtual "who's who" of the climbing world, for he has partnered with some of the very best. Jim gives us important observations on a subject with which he has perhaps too much familiarity: death in high places. |
Morton "Woody" Wood | 2000-17-03 | Denali Mountaineering |
Morton "Woody" Wood was interviewed on May 6, 2000 by Dave Krupa at Woody's home in Seattle, Washington. In this interview, Woody gives a harrowing account of the Thayer Expedition who made the first successful ascent of the South Butrress of Denali in 1954, one that explains why most of the team did little serious climbing after this accident. He recalls this climb not only as a remarkable achievement, but a tragedy due to the death of Elton Thayer. Woody describes the climb, subsequent accident, and the rescue epic in great detail. Woody also discusses dealing with Elton's death, climbing philosophies, and changes with climbing equipment. He also shares how his abiding love of wild places was not diminished, nor was his deep appreciation for the closeness of his climbing partners in the face of daunting circumstances. Woody also talks about his experiences as a teacher and a park ranger, and his love of Alaska and wilderness. |
Brian Okonek, Part 2 | 2000-17-10 | Denali Mountaineering |
Brian Okonek was interviewed on June 6, 2000 by David Krupa at the bunkhouse of Alaska-Denali Guiding in Talkeetna, Alaska. This is the continuation of an interview started on May 31, 2000. In this second part of a two part interview, Brian talks about developing his guiding business, leading guided trips on Denali, the guide's role, and maintaining safety with clients. He also discusses challenges faced on the mountain, issues of altitude, and dealing with illness and injury in the group. Finally, with great warmth Brian shares his love of Alaska, climbing, and outdoor adventure, including dog mushing. |
As a Person Present at Interview
Interview Title | Archive #: Oral History | Project | Abstract | People Present |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lucille Brenwick | 2001-02-01 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
This interview was held at Lucille Brenwick's home in Copper Center, Alaska, a neat and comfortable house located next to the National Park Service offices. Lucille's great-niece, Ruth Ann Warden, of the Park Service, conducted the interview with Bill Schneider and Dave Krupa. In the interview, Lucille reflects on and compares life before leaving for Chemewa, a BIA school in Oregon, with life outside, and life when she returned to the Copper River Basin. The interview is rich in the description of the people who helped her as a girl growing up across the Copper River from Copper Center. Lucille also recalls the impact of the 1918 Flu Epidemic, and the people who lived and worked around the roadhouses. |
David Krupa |
Jim Hannah, Part 1 | 95-71-05-01 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
Jim Hannah was interviewed on June 14, 1993 by William Schneider, Dave Krupa, Ann Worthington and Jenna App at the National Park Service's airplane hangar at the Glennallen Air Field in Glennallen, Alaska. In this interview, Jim reflects upon the conflicts between the Park Service's preservation mandate and the many varied interests that compete for access to and use of park resources. Jim rests firmly on the side of preservation, and suggests that there are very few subsistence users of the park. He expresses concern about the many pressures on the fragile ecosystem of the Wrangell-St. Elias area, pressures that threaten to repeat the exploitation and degradation of the environment in the Lower 48. He is steadfast in his commitment to seeing that the mistakes of the past not be replayed here in Alaska, at least not in the thirty or so million acres comprising National Parklands. Jim talks with candor about the many difficulties of his Alaska assignment, including isolation, local resentments, and the vastness of the area over which the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park personnel must preside. He urges new park personnel in Alaska to stick to their vision and not to be swayed by local or corporate interests that he feels would unwisely exploit the land and animals. His advice to those who may have had use of or interests in the area prior to park formation: Alaska is a vast land; there is enough land ownership and enough multiple use areas for everyone. |
Anne Worthington, David Krupa, Jenna App |
Jim Hannah, Part 2 | 95-71-05-02 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
This is a continuation of an interview with Jim Hannah on June 14, 1993 by William Schneider, Dave Krupa, Ann Worthington and Jenna App at the National Park Service's airplane hangar at the Glennallen Air Field in Glennallen, Alaska. In this interview, Jim talks about subsistence, resource management, and National Park Service policies. |
Anne Worthington, David Krupa, Jenna App |
Sy Neeley, Part 2 | 95-71-03-02 | Wrangell-St.Elias National Park |
This is a continuation of an interview with Sy Neeley by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on June 13, 1993 at his home in Glennallen, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Sy talks about old timers,Big Carl Carlson, Henra Sundt, and Thad Conkle, and changes that have occurred in the Copper River Valley. Perhaps his most humorous story revolves around Big Carl Carlson (see tape Oral History 85-87 for more on Carlson), a man famous in his younger days for being able to lift two 250 pound counterbalances during the July 4th celebrations. In his old age, Carl enjoyed his drink and cared little for appearances. Sy suggests that Carl may have launched the tourism industry in Alaska one afternoon as he stood on a street corner outside his favorite watering hole in Copper Center. A bus pulled to a stop in front of Big Carl and as a woman exited she was shocked by the unexpected sight of Big Carl, stooped with age, hulking, drunk, flashing not only his big gray eyebrows but also the "better part of a man's business." It seems he had relieved himself and neglected to button his trousers. Sy's interview contains a lot of gems like this, colorful and humorous anecdotes from a life spent listening, laughing, and living amidst the great community that is the Copper River Valley. |
Bill Schneider, David Krupa |