(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...
(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...
(2:15 min) (22 of 27) Haul Road -- Environmental issues No visible long-term damage today. There was some in the early days. Some spots were really bad looking at the time.
(2:53 min.) (09 of 12) People's lack on interest in Statehood and politics; airplane business; dedicated mother; Toast Mistress Club; education; Alaskans -- not interested in regulations or laws; citizens -- some felt effects; Lathrop, Cap --...
(3:43 min.) (15 of 28) 15. Getting air time
George and a man named Grant Ruth trained as flight mechanics. George did some flying of the DC3's. He wanted to fly other aircraft but there were few civilian planes available for sale or...
(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.
(3:46 min) (24 of 27) Road planning and obstacles
Mining drove some of the road planning, but ease was a factor as well. Kennecott and Anaconda Mines were reasons to try and reach Nome. Native Claims Act put lots of right-of-way issues in...
(4:06 min) (21 of 27) Haul Road -- Anuktuvuk Pass vs. Detrich Pass
There was some uncertainty as to whether or not trucks could make it over the Detrich Pass. Winter Road only used for two years.
(4:15 min.) (06 of 28) 6. WWII Some of his friends went to Canada to fly with the Royal Air Force [RAF]; many of them did not come home. George went to Africa to build runways and supply aircraft. He was with Pan Am/World Airways (Pan Am...
(4:35 min.) (20 of 24) 19 Labor negotiations
The steamship companies retained lawyers to negotiate. Alaska Steamship Co. had Bogo, Bogo and Gates to represent them. Some of the smaller companies would represent themselves. John had a good...
(4:45 min.) (22 of 24) 22 Matanuska Colony project
Assisted in shipping the Matanuska Colony. Some stuck it out; others only lasted a few weeks. The company shipped everything: buildings, concrete, and people. Sewick worked for the Alaska...
(4:46 min.) (06 of 24) 06 Other tasks Besides doing the cooking and cleaning, the steward was baker, butcher, nurse, waiter, and, on some trips, musician. Cargo handling included shipping the dead; some wouldn't touch the coffins. Was...
(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...
(5:36 min.) (18 of 28) 18. Virginia's students
Virginia's students were varied -- a man who became a jet pilot, a prostitute, and a construction worker named Bullwinkle. She discusses some of her flights to Manly and other interior...
(6:23 min.) (21 of 24) 21 Purchasing agent (cont.)
Purchasing agent had to fulfill requests in an expeditious manner. Sewick maintained contacts with many suppliers. Sold off some of the company's property. Employees' had first chance to...
(6:50 min.) (10 of 27) Right-of-way issues
Standards of alignment, grade & bridges. Some were location dependent. Engineers' suggestions and approval process, no requirement for acquiring right-of-way. People always wanted roads to their...