GiiKONA NLA'S - Shirley Smith
V
The eclipse seems to he the big news
at Gakona this week. Sveryone is hoping
for a fine, clear day, so that the many
investigating teams in our area.will have
ample opportunity for viewing the
phenomina and taking their pictures.
It is certainly an honor for our area
to be in such a position, that we are able
to meet the many interesting people who have
come to Alaska to view the eclipse, he
haven’t seen much of the Navy team encamped
at Hogan Hill, but Mr. Carson, and Dr. Saito,
with their wives quite often appear at
Gakona for supplies.
Staying at Gakona Lodge is Dr. Peyton
Rhodes who is president of Southwestern
University of Memphis,Tennessee. Formerly
a professor of physics, Dr. Rhodes has
proved himself to be an intelligent and
well informed person, whom, we at
Gakona are very happy to have met. Dr.
Rhodes is commected with the research group
encamped at Gulkana FAA.
Your reporter learned today that tbor
company of Sears Roebuck furnished the
tents,cots, and many more of the damping
supplies, being used by the team of scientists
camped at FAA, while a wholesale grocery
firm of Memphis supplied the necessary
food stuffs.
Little League has been playing ball
at Gakona, if they keep on practising we* 11
soon have a really fine tearp.
Henra and Roy Sundt were in anchorage
for a few days, but are home now.
Mr. ana rs. non bunch, our now school
teachers at Gakona, are vacationing in the
states now, visiting! the parents of both,
who have never seen BabJ Bunch* This
will be the first meeting for Mrs. Bunch
and KenTs parents also.
The Smithfe*s with their three children
and Mrs. Helen Evans drove to Fairbanks
last Sunday/ They enjoyed the drive a nd
had a nice Weiner roast in the park at
Delta . They returned the same evening,
making a stop at Santa!s House, for souveriers
FOUR DAYS IN ALASKA
After one has been in a new regin for
four days, he is suppcded to be in perfect
condition to write a book wkich reviews
the economy , the politics and the future,
expectations of the place visited. If
he stays longer, he c comes wiser and sounds
off with more love and appreciation and
thoughtfulness.
I shall be in no position to attempt
a memorable document, now or laterf about
my first visit to the 49th state. As
a. member of the Southwesters Solar Eclipse
Expedition, encamped near the 'Gulkana
A ir strip, I have covered a lot of ground
and met a surprise ngly amount
people. My most outstanding imprission
is one of the friendleness and helpfulness
of every person met. No one seems feo find
it burdensome to assist in any way with
purchases and accommodations. This is
a tremendous contrast with p laces I
could name without effort.
Secondly I have been imp ressed with
the energy and competence of everyone.
People are not brash, but they seem to feel
confident of their abbility to ^he job
they are engaged in. They move ahead
with a sort of assurance of carrying
out what they are engaged in#
Thirdly, I have enjoyed the chance
to see some wide places where one can
sence again the spirit of adventure in a lane
where everything isnTt too easy, but
where progress and auccuss requires a sturdy
spirit and considerable skill in planning
ahead because of rugged everyday living,
especially away from the larger cities#
I hope that I shall be able to return
another time— maybe to write a better
book.
Peyton N. Rhodes
Southwestern at Memphis
ryc-6~¥rK
n new family has moved to Gakona•
They.are the Buck Boyce family and are
renting the house of Hartley, formerly
B ecks home here in the Valley, We do
welcome them and all the kiddies, Gakona
School will be bursting at the seams this
fall.
Seen again on the air strip Harley
and Chuck McMahan on Lappie’s horses,
surely is quite a sight. The kiddies
flock out from all over to see these fine
horses, and we do thank the Lappie!s for
letting the kiddies ride them,
V.M# F.