v—"^ G H C j T OFT H h W i L L / W A W
Hi everybody, glad to be back with you fine folks of Adak. Casper took a
trip over to Atka Island to bring you back some news of the most beautiful
Christmas' Party that I.have been to in years. The picture of little Alautchil
fen with arm fulls of gifts from Santa Claus, and happiness written pn their tiny
'■faces, was made possible beoause of you folks residing here on Adak and .Casper
is proud of every last one of you. Santa by Ship, is the title of -.the; Story
that I have written for you: :.
Through the joint cooperation of the Commanding Officer's of the U.S.Naval
Station Adak, Captain Henry, Marine Barracks Adak, Major Henzel and the USS
‘HITCHITI (ATF-103) Lieutenant Donald C. Bennett, Christmas arrived a little
early to the Aleutian children on Atka Island.
On December 17 the HITCHITI crew, 9 Marines and 2 Adak Navymen (one of which
was Casper) traveled to the village of Vtka and gave a Christmas party for 56
Aleut Children. Mr. Louis Slattery, Bureau of Indian Affairs school teacher
^ carried opt all details of the party at the village. Lou even posted a sign on
the schoolhouse door which read "Christmas-- Party at 1 PAM., Bring your own
spoon." I got quite a chuckle out of the bring your own spoon bit.
The Marine Barracks at Adak instigated a driveto collect old toys and cloth
ing many months ago, as many of you probably remember, and under the expert
direction of SSGT John G. Matusko,- Painting and repairs pub the toys in operat
ing shape. Four hundred and eight toys were collected, which included a bicycle
and several tricycles. The Marines then turned the finishing touches over to
the Officer Wives of Adak who put the feminine touch into the gifts by wrapping
them to inspire the true Christmas spirit.and also prepared bundles of cloth ing.
The USS HITCHITI cooperated in the "Toys for Tots" program by transporting
the toys and clothing and two Christmas trees to Atka, which is located some
■5 100 miles east of Adak. HITCHITI baker James D. Gore, CS1, baked a tasty and
. beautiful 3 by 2 feet, layer Cake with a Christmas motiff. HITCHITI men also
•dug deep and supplied oranges, apples and icg cream for the party.
Upon arrival at Atka a truck was needed to haul the gifts, food, and men 5
v miles into the interior of the island to locate the village, and the govern
ment schoolhouse where the party was to be held. The schoolteacher Lou Slatte
ry, his wife and two boys are the only Caucasians residing in the village at
atica.
In addition to the Christmas party-the HITCHTT.I' supplied thfe'“ship*s Hospital
Ccrrjasman Charles "A. 'Costan, HM1, who visited andtreated no less than 6 patients
during the 3 day stay at Atka. HM1 Costan treated ailments thgt ranged from a
crayon lodged in-an infants nose to comforting a pregnant mother. Atka has-no
drug store, movie, gymnasium, bowling alleys, doctor, priest nor minister, It
boasts a’: school house, .two small general stores, four midwives and a growing
population of 117 Aleuts. . .....
Each child at the Christmas party was given 4 presents'and a bag of candy.
As S.anta gave the gifts to the children he talked to them and asked their name
and age....well, everything'went fine until a young Aleut walked up to Santa
With hair down to her shoulders, complete with Jaraids .and ribbons, and' Santa
asked for her name, and age. Then in a deep masculine voice from the little
child came the reply? R 0 BE ft T* As the story goes, Robert.is‘a boy 4•'years
of age.. . It is religious ’custom no”tto cut the childs hair until it is Baptized.
The Russian Orthodox priest has not visited the island in 5 years and Robert is
the son of a strict religious follower, so, Robert will keep his braids and
ribbons until the priest arrives.
Atka is the largest island of the Andreanof group. It has the honor of be*
ing the most westerly community in North America-much more westerly than the
Hawaiian Islands. CASPER wishes you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR......_ ,