During the long days of short Alaskan summers it was critical to build, plant, harvest, and prepare for winter. Did the early pioneers of Strawberry Point take time off to celebrate July 4th or to enjoy a sunny day?

The Fact of the Matter Is. . .

From the Files of Gustavus Historical Archives & Antiquities (GHAA)

www.GustavusHistory.org

Q - During the long days of short Alaskan summers it was critical to build, plant, harvest, and prepare for winter. Did the early pioneers of Strawberry Point take time off to celebrate July 4th or to enjoy a sunny day?

A - Absolutely. Traditional gatherings, picnics, games, music and relaxation were a well-deserved respite after long hours of backbreaking chores. July 4th was eagerly anticipated with the planning stages almost as exciting as the day itself. Hand-cranked ice cream was made possible by tiny, snagged icebergs floating or beaching themselves along Gustavus shores. And if the strawberries came on a little early, the gourmet delights were nearly endless. Just as today, celebrations at various homes or picnic grounds (arriving by horse & tractor drawn wagons in the earliest days) were carried out, rain or shine. Following are some July 4th “firsts” and other highlights spanning the first 4 decades of settler history.

Ninety years ago. The first American Flag (48 stars) known to have waved over The Flats can be seen in this 1918 July 4th photo taken by Abraham Lincoln Parker of his wife Edith (holding flagpole) and his 4 “Sons of Thunder”. Charles Parker (with cigar) was in uniform on short furlough before shipping overseas in WWI. Les & Bert Parker shown with their patriotic, bow decorated guitars. Youngest son Glen Parker is wearing his best shirt and tie.

Eighty years ago. On July 4th, 1928 a group of homesteaders were on a wilderness tramp when they “discovered” a beautiful lake. Investigating, they were unable to locate an outlet after exploring the entire perimeter. It was “very deep on the east, shallow on the west with beautiful white sandy bottom”. Close by were “mammoth granite blocks measuring 30’ square and 8’ thick”. The band of pioneers would return that winter to “wonderful skating as smooth as glass”. Many subsequent July 4ths would find the settlers packing a picnic to their favorite swimming hole. Named Lake Independence in honor of July 4th , there is some debate whether the official “Bartlett Lake” name preceded or post-dated the find. Earlier natives and the late 1800s cannery in Bartlett Cove undoubtedly knew of its location. In addition, GHAA has an old Parker letter that indicated Jack Dalton (famous prospector in Southeast Alaska) was doing some early 1900’s prospecting in that area before the arrival of any of our homesteaders.

Seventy-seven years ago. On July 4th, 1931 the Matsons, Parkers, and Whites had a beach party “with ice cream, watermelon, lemonade, and roast bear (!)”. That night the first documented fireworks (found so far) exploded over The Point skies with little one’s eyes as big as saucers, and big people’s hearts filled with awe.

Sixty-six years ago. July 4th , 1942 a group of WWII sailors (quite the sensation) joined the small community celebration in a rollicking good time of food, games, and lively conversation. Gustavus was always starving for outside news. The men, whose ship was anchored in Icy Straits, were homesick and grateful for the hospitality. Wild local daisies were dyed red, white, and blue and woven into a wreath that was tossed off the dock in honor of the war dead. It was a moving, impromptu moment as the Captain spoke a few solemn words.

July 4th, 2008. Who will be in Gustavus? What will they be doing? What photos (labeled with what, where, who, and when!) will our descendents be looking at 100 years from now? Remember, today’s minutes quickly turn to history with the dawn of a new day. Happy Independence Day to everyone from GHAA!

During the long days of short Alaskan summers it was critical to build, plant, harvest, and prepare for winter. Did the early pioneers of Strawberry Point take time off to celebrate July 4th or to enjoy a sunny day?

The Fact of the Matter Is. . .

From the Files of Gustavus Historical Archives & Antiquities (GHAA)

www.GustavusHistory.org

Q - During the long days of short Alaskan summers it was critical to build, plant, harvest, and prepare for winter. Did the early pioneers of Strawberry Point take time off to celebrate July 4th or to enjoy a sunny day?

A - Absolutely. Traditional gatherings, picnics, games, music and relaxation were a well-deserved respite after long hours of backbreaking chores. July 4th was eagerly anticipated with the planning stages almost as exciting as the day itself. Hand-cranked ice cream was made possible by tiny, snagged icebergs floating or beaching themselves along Gustavus shores. And if the strawberries came on a little early, the gourmet delights were nearly endless. Just as today, celebrations at various homes or picnic grounds (arriving by horse & tractor drawn wagons in the earliest days) were carried out, rain or shine. Following are some July 4th “firsts” and other highlights spanning the first 4 decades of settler history.

Ninety years ago. The first American Flag (48 stars) known to have waved over The Flats can be seen in this 1918 July 4th photo taken by Abraham Lincoln Parker of his wife Edith (holding flagpole) and his 4 “Sons of Thunder”. Charles Parker (with cigar) was in uniform on short furlough before shipping overseas in WWI. Les & Bert Parker shown with their patriotic, bow decorated guitars. Youngest son Glen Parker is wearing his best shirt and tie.

Eighty years ago. On July 4th, 1928 a group of homesteaders were on a wilderness tramp when they “discovered” a beautiful lake. Investigating, they were unable to locate an outlet after exploring the entire perimeter. It was “very deep on the east, shallow on the west with beautiful white sandy bottom”. Close by were “mammoth granite blocks measuring 30’ square and 8’ thick”. The band of pioneers would return that winter to “wonderful skating as smooth as glass”. Many subsequent July 4ths would find the settlers packing a picnic to their favorite swimming hole. Named Lake Independence in honor of July 4th , there is some debate whether the official “Bartlett Lake” name preceded or post-dated the find. Earlier natives and the late 1800s cannery in Bartlett Cove undoubtedly knew of its location. In addition, GHAA has an old Parker letter that indicated Jack Dalton (famous prospector in Southeast Alaska) was doing some early 1900’s prospecting in that area before the arrival of any of our homesteaders.

Seventy-seven years ago. On July 4th, 1931 the Matsons, Parkers, and Whites had a beach party “with ice cream, watermelon, lemonade, and roast bear (!)”. That night the first documented fireworks (found so far) exploded over The Point skies with little one’s eyes as big as saucers, and big people’s hearts filled with awe.

Sixty-six years ago. July 4th , 1942 a group of WWII sailors (quite the sensation) joined the small community celebration in a rollicking good time of food, games, and lively conversation. Gustavus was always starving for outside news. The men, whose ship was anchored in Icy Straits, were homesick and grateful for the hospitality. Wild local daisies were dyed red, white, and blue and woven into a wreath that was tossed off the dock in honor of the war dead. It was a moving, impromptu moment as the Captain spoke a few solemn words.

July 4th, 2008. Who will be in Gustavus? What will they be doing? What photos (labeled with what, where, who, and when!) will our descendents be looking at 100 years from now? Remember, today’s minutes quickly turn to history with the dawn of a new day. Happy Independence Day to everyone from GHAA!