The Tripod, May 2019

Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance, PO Box 2323, Seward AK 99664 http://www.Iditarod100.org IditarodHTA@gmail.com The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance promotes awareness of the Iditarod Trail and its gold rush and Alaska Native 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. 2018 achievements In the winter 2018-19 issue of “Pathways Across America,” a publication of the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS), the 2018 achievements of the nonprofit trail partner organizations were reported.

The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance report: Outreach •Hired a summer intern with a PNTS grant for the 40th anniversary of the Iditarod National Historic Trail and the 5oth anniversary of the National Trails System Act to develop social media posts about the historic trail. More than 20 social media posts were created with over 20,000 views and 2,100 interactions. •Updated and revised the visitor guide for the Iditarod National Historic Trail, which was printed and distributed to communities and partners. •Partnered with the Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers to print and distribute a trail brochure with a map of the first mile of the Iditarod National Historic Trail and pointing out historic sites along the trail. •Sponsored an Iditarod Trail to Every Classroom teacher Alumni Workshop in the ninth year of the program.

During the first eight years (2010-2018), 120 teachers completed the year-long place-based service learning professional development program that connects youth and communities along the trail, promoting resource stewardship, recreation and community engagement. Protection •Partners developed a draft Iditarod National Historic Trail Southern Trek Stewardship Plan with the assistance of a Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program grant. •Successfully organized three first-time volunteer trail events, which experienced strong and enthusiastic community and local business support: Moose Pass Trail near Rocky Creek (400 feet of trail built), Upper Winner Creek (800 feet widened and brushed) and Crow Pass Trail in Girdwood (600 feet improved and widened). Capacity •Established a Challenge Share Agreement with the Chugach National Forest, U. S.

Forest Service, to promote the trail, story and stewardship of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. From the past… “Iditarod Pioneer” April 20, 1912 BASKETBALL SERIES OFF The fourth of the series of double games of basketball between Iditarod and Flat ended in hard feeling and unfinished last Saturday night. 1 The Tripod May 2019 The ladies’ contest was the closest and hardest fought so far witnessed. The Iditarod ladies were the victors by the score of 2 to 1. When the men’s game was played, the rivalry was intense and the rooters for the respective sides were wrought up to a high pitch. At the end of the men’s first half the score stood 18 to 9 in favor of the visitors. The Iditarods were clearly outclassed and sought to strengthen their position by substituting Wilson, Lomen and Fowler for Wood, Wolfe and Byers.

The Flats strenuously objected to the proposed change in the lineup, and finally withdrew from the contest, voicing their indignation in unmistakable terms and coupling Iditarod in general with the ball players in particular as a cheap lot of skates, working for a meal ticket and not caring how it was gained, just so the connection was made. For a time it looked like the affair might wind up in a free fight. The Iditarods contended that under the rules of the game they were clearly within their rights in making a change of players. They affirmed that it was their duty to win the game, if possible, by any means sanctioned by the established rules of the game. In these particulars the townspeople as a rule differed from the local sports committee and the men composing the team. Flat, in the first game, it was pointed out, took an awful drubbing without a whimper.

In every quarter condemnation as emphatic, though not so boisterous, as that expressed by Flat was heard. The opinion was practically unanimous that Iditarod had violated the rules of good, clean sport, regardless of the rules of the game. With this feeling so generally and openly prevalent, and realizing that in certain minor matters Flat had outdone Iditarod in point of good manners since the beginning of the series, the Iditarod Arctic Brotherhood framed a letter expressing regret of the objectionable attitude assumed by the home team and submitted it to the Flat Arctic Brotherhood. The answer to the letter will be read at the regular meeting of the Camp Iditarod next Monday night. It is said by individual members of Camp Flat that the reply would be in the same spirit that prompted the letter. It was decided by Flat not to continue the series.

They realize that the attendance would be greatly diminished, and the cost increased both to the patrons and the promoters of the sport. The proposed banquet at the end of the series, too, would have been costly. All in all, motives of economy undoubtedly had much to do with the discontinuation of the games. Budget and trails There is an informative article in the May newsletter of Alaska Trails on the effects of the proposed state budget on trails in Alaska. Go to www.alaska-trails and click on about, then resources then newsletters. Spring Board Meeting The Alliance board had a spring meeting in Seward on May 4.

With the help of Jonella Larson White (at the left) of the Foraker group members of the boards discussed the achievements of the Alliance over the years, the goals of the board members for the next 5 years, the partnerships the Alliance has with other agencies and groups and the mission of the Alliance. Jonella will use the information she gathered at the meeting to write a report which the board can use to write a five -year strategic plan and a business plan. At the end of the meeting, all the members agreed that it had been a very productive meeting and time well spent for the good of the Alliance.

Video shown this summer Our video “Iditarod National Historic Trail A History” will be shown at the Seward Community Library and Museum daily from May 13 to September 13 in conjunction with the Seward Community Library Association’s video about the 1964 Earthquake “Waves over Seward.” Donations by viewers are split between the Community Library, the Library Association and the Alliance. 2