Title taken from news clipping. Photograph used in a February 17, 1959 issue of The Washington Daily News. The news paper clipping also had a capion that read: "A push for Washington 'home rule' got under way this morning when two models...
(3:09 min.) (01 of 09) 1. Early life Les's father went north with the gold rush; when he found that the claims had all been staked, he and his partners opened up a paint and wallpaper store. Les moved to Fairbanks with his wife and eldest...
(4:49 min.) (02 of 09) 2. Important issues. Les was interested in statehood and getting a fair share for Alaska; he was less interested in specific issues. Proponents of statehood wanted to get out from control of the Department of the...
(03 of 09) 3. Coal; constitutional convention Coal was needed in Fairbanks and was shipped to Korea. Les believed that he was in the middle in terms of political knowledge. He believed there was some political maneuverings to make Bill...
(3:00 min.) (04 of 09) 4. Statehood issues Taxes need to be fair and equal. Money should not be raised except to fund services for the state. Church and State need to be kept separate.
(5:20 min.) (05 of 09) 5. The convention It was a cold winter. Les drove some of the delegates to the University, where the convention was held. Sessions lasted most of the day and near the end there were evening sessions. Les briefly...
(06 of 09) 6. Consultants and committees There were consultants at the convention to offer advice and assistance, including some consultants who were pushing an agenda. Each of the committees made a good effort and the document as a whole...
(4:27 min.) (07 of 09) 7. Most wanted statehood A majority in Fairbanks and Anchorage wanted statehood. Southeast was the only part of the state with reservations. One delegate resigned just prior to ratification because he objected to a...
(3:45 min.) (08 of 09) 8. Rural/Urban divide The borough concept might have been an error. There are some problems between the city and the Borough. Les felt a young state needed a strong executive.
(4:20 min.) (09 of 09) 9. After the convention. Les played a very valuable role in bringing people together. There was great camaraderie among the delegates. Les went home and showed his father a copy of the constitution. His father read...
61 second film clip, color with audio track narration Clips show the celebrations after Alaska was declared a state. Narration briefly describes the events leading up to statehood.
The Alaska History Nugget series was created in...
(4:03 min.) (02 of 08) 2. Statehood convention Issue revolved around who should be in control of Alaska's resources, the territory or the Federal Government. Finds that Alaska Department of Fish & Game manages far better than Federal Fish...