The Tripod, June 2017

Iditarod HistoricTrail Alliance June 2017 The Tripod PO Box 2323 Seward AK 99664 IditarodHTA@gmail.com http://www.Iditarod100.org The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. The Trail for all Seasons The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance promotes public awareness of the Iditarod Trail and its gold rush and AlaskaNative heritage by encouraging education programs and historical research, assisting in the protection, improvement, maintenance and marking of the trail and developing partnerships that foster stewardship commitments and support. Jules Mead (1938-2017) Jules Mead, long time Alliance board member and treasurer passed away April 18, 2017, surrounded by his family. Jules was born in Evanston, Illinois, to Paul and Louis Mead on December 20, 1938.

He is survived by his wife, Leslie Mead, and four children, Brian Mead, Kelle Deluca, Jennifer Dawkins, and David Mead. In 1965, Jules met Leslie in Evanston, Illinois, and married a year later. In 1972, with their young family, they made the trek to Alaska and immediately fell in love with its rugged beauty and vast opportunities. They settled in Wasilla and bought Teeland’s Country Store. In 1974 Jules gave a home to the newly formed Iditarod Trail Race, upstairs in Teeland’s Country Store. He supported the Iditarod as a sponsor, volunteer, treasurer, vice-president, and executive director. Jules was a great asset to the Alliance and will be greatly missed.

Celebration in Seward On June 4 the Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers and the Iditarod Trail Alliance celebrated the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Seward Bike Path, which is the first miles of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. (above Seward Trail Blazer Kem Strehlow serves hot dogs to guests at the celebration) The event was held in the Branson Pavilion on the Iditarod 1 Iditarod HistoricTrail Alliance New Iditarod brochure The Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers have put out a new brochure to encourage people to walk the first mile or so of the Iditarod National Historic Trail in Seward as it winds around Resurrection Bay. A copy of the brochure is being sent along with this newsletter.

If you would like copies of the brochure contact the Trail Blazers at PO Box 1923, Seward AK 99664 or sitblazers@gmail.com From the past… "Iditarod Pioneer" June 16, 1917 WILL FITTINGLY CELEBRATE GLORIOUS FOURTH OF JULY AT CREEK METROPOLIS At a meeting of the business men of Flat last Tuesday evening the initial steps were taken looking to a fitting celebration of Independence day at the creek town. Committees were appointed and a general outline of the programs discussed, and within a short time the committees will be able to make some definite announcements. The sentiment is generally expressed that this year in particular extra efforts be put forth to make the national holiday one of patriotic demonstration *, and the efforts of the various committees will no doubt follow along those lines.

While the time for preparation is limited, it has been shown heretofore that the lively creek town can organize a celebration of the nature proposed in an incredibly short period, and when the eventful day arrives it will be found that the plans have been carefully made and will be faithfully executed. * The United States had entered World War I on April 6, 1917. June 2017 Trail, where birthday cake, hot dogs and other refreshments wee enjoyed by the many people who attended the celebration. The Alliance's video on the history of the Iditarod Trail was played through the event from 11 to 4. There were activities for children, door prizes and information about the Iditarod National Historic Trail and the missions and activities of both the Trail Blazers and the Alliance. Great Outdoors Month June is Great Outdoors Month.

It started as Great Outdoors Week in 1998 and expanded into a month long event in 2004.

Here is Governor Bill Walker's Great Outdoors Month Proclamation: WHEREAS, Alaska summers are filled with abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation as Alaskan families and visitors fish, hike, boat, bike, swim, and participate in many more activities that provide physical and mental benefits; and WHEREAS, American kids today spend an average of 10 hours a day in front of a screen, and outdoor activity is touted by many leading health organizations as a remedy for the adverse effects caused by society’s increasing inactivity; and WHEREAS, diverse events during Great Outdoors Month provide all Alaskans, and especially our children, with exciting opportunities for recreation on the great waters, lands, and local park systems throughout our state, and these events help connect citizens of all ages to healthy, and fun outdoor gatherings; and WHEREAS, the economic impact of outdoor recreation is both large and growing nationally, exceeding $650 billion in annual expenditures, and in our state, where it is estimated at $11.5 billion and supports thousands of jobs; and WHEREAS, Alaska’s 23 national park units, 8 State Park areas, 2 national forests, and more attract millions of visitors per year and many of our important cultural and historic events and traditions are linked to places in our state which are parts of national, state and local park systems; and WHEREAS, the summer months are a crucial time each year for many Alaskans to spend time outdoors supporting themselves and their families through subsistence activities, filling freezers and pantries with supplies for the coming year.

The ability to support one’s family from the rich resources of our land is an important part of the Alaskan lifestyle and the heritage and culture of Alaska Natives. NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Walker, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim June 2017 as: Great Outdoors Month in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans and visitors from other states and countries to explore and enjoy, protect and conserve Alaska’s Great Outdoors. 2