Marie Mitchell

Susan "Sue" Will was interviewed on November 20, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at Sue's office at the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Sue talks about her archeological field work on the Haul Road and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAPS) project, her interest in mining history (particularly with Wiseman, Coldfoot and Hammond River area), her feelings about being the first woman recruited to work with TAPS, and the role of archeology in relation to TAPS and the Arctic. She also talks about the changes in the landscape along the Haul Road and TAPS after the discovery of oil in Prudhoe Bay, her opinion about the intent of the Haul Road as a trucking route to haul materials north, and a brief history of Wiseman, Alaska. Sue's educational and professional background has ranged from archeology to mining compliance to resource management, giving her a unique perspective in how to manage the land and resources for the future.

Robin Mills was interviewed on December 18, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at Robin's office at the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Robin talks about becoming an archeologist, his educational background, and his fieldwork and teaching experience. Specifically, Robin talks about doing historic archeology in Coldfoot, Alaska, discusses the excavation sites, and explains the history of mining and settlements in the area of Coldfoot, Wiseman, and the Koyukok River. The third part of the interview (Tape 2) is Robin discussing historic photographs he brought with him, and appears as audio captions in the Robin Mills Slideshow.

Michael "Mike" Kunz was interviewed on November 14, 2006 by Marie Mitchell in his office at the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Mike shares his knowledge of the development of the Haul Road and the Hickel Highway, and why Haul Road and Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) archeology played an important role for understanding Alaskan prehistory and history. Mike also discusses his interest in archeology, geology, and natural sciences, his studies at Eastern New Mexico University, past and present methods used in archeology, reasons archeology is a valued profession, and the archeological field work he has been involved with in Alaska. He describes his position as Supervisory Archeologist during the Haul Road excavations, his impression of the Haul Road and TAPS archeology, and his memories of the largest construction job in the most remote part of the world.

Jack Reakoff was interviewed on November 16, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at his house in Wiseman, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Jack talks about the changing lifestyle of Wiseman as a result of the Haul Road, the history and culture of Wiseman, his involvement in tourism as a result of the Dalton Highway, how technology has influenced his lifestyle, and his views on subsistence living, commercial development along the Haul Road, and management of natural resources. He also reflects on the past, present and future of Wiseman and living there.

Heidi Schoppenhorst was interviewed on November 16, 2006 by Marie Mictchell at the Boreal Lodge in Wiseman, Alaska that Heidi and her husband, Scott, own. In this first part of a two part interview, Heidi talks talks about her experiences growing up in a remote, wilderness area; her hunting stories with family and friends; her impressions of the community of Wiseman, both past and present; her views regarding the construction of the Haul Road, both positive and negative; her appreciation of the natural resources and the culture in Northern Alaska; her interest in the tourism industry, particularly in providing services for visitors to Wiseman; her work experience in Wiseman and Coldfoot, Alaska as a postmaster, cook, interpreter, and hunting guide assistant. She also discusses the necessity of hunting and gathering the natural resources to offset the high cost of living in Wiseman.

Oliver Backlund was interviewed on November 21, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at his home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Oliver talks about his family background; his service in the U.S. Navy; his professional work experience as a surveyor and location engineer with the State of Alaska Department of Highways in 1961; his qualifications as a registered land surveyor and certified photogrammetrist; and a brief history of the Winter Ice Road (known as the Hickel Highway), the hardy crew who built it, and being responsible for monitoring progress and assisting the foreman with location logistics.

Harold Tilleson was interviewed on November 28, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at Elmer Rasmuson Library on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Harold talks about his responsibilities during the construction of the winter ice road from Livengood to Sagwon (known as the Hickel Highway); working as a heavy equipment operator; naming of the winter ice road the Hickel Highway; and the tenacious crew hired to build the road. Many of his stories demonstrate a spirit of triumph and comradeship among those who worked on construction of the road.

Bruce Campbell was interviewed on December 20, 2006 by Marie Mitchell at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Bruce talks about becoming a civil engineer, working for the Bureau of Public Roads and the Alaska State Highway Department, serving as Assistant Commissioner of Highways, his involvement with the Hickel Highway when he was Executive Vice President of Burgess Construction (1969-1971), and his work on design and construction of the Haul Road (1969-1974).

Dennis Nottingham was interviewed on December 19, 2006 by Marie Mitchell in his office in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Dennis talks about construction of the North Slope Haul Road (Dalton Highway) and his role in design and construction of the Yukon River bridge. He discusses the challenges of engineering and building in the cold conditions of Alaska and dealing with permafrost, the unique design and structure of the bridge and building it strong enough to withstand flooding and being hit by moving ice during spring breakup, and the timeline of the project in coordination with the broader road construction project and work being held up while Native land claims were settled.

Earl Finkler was interviewed on December 8, 2006 by William Schneider and Marie Mitchell at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Earl discusses his involvement with the North Slope Borough as a Planning Consultant, Planning Director and Deputy Planning Director, his views about proposed policies for the maintenance and management of the Haul Road; and his impression of the landscape and culture in the North Slope Borough, in particular the preservation and management of the natural and cultural resources.

Brett Carlson was interviewed on November 17, 2006 by Marie Mitchell in Coldfoot, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Brett talks about his childhood in Alaska, his economic and accounting educational background, and his involvement and work experience in the travel and tourism business. He also talks about leading tours to Coldfoot and Wiseman, driving the Dalton Highway, how the Coldfoot Truck Stop & Cafe started, and his work with Northern Alaska Tour Company.

Rodger Murray was interviewed on November 4, 2006 by Marie Mitchell and Jessica Brooks at the offices of Sourdough Express in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Rodger talks about being a truck driver on the Dalton Highway (Haul Road), dealing with a rough road and challenging driving conditions, and the community and camaraderie formed by the truckers.