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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. New bridges on Trail The above report was in the winter 2021-22 Pathways Across America magazine published by the Partnership For The National Trails System in an article reporting 2021 national trails highlights. From the past… Iditarod Pioneer, May 22, 1915.
PREPARING FOR FOURTH OF JULY A citizens meeting was held last Sunday afternoon in the hall of the Arctic Brotherhood, at which it was decided to commence preparations immediately for the celebration of Independence Day in Iditarod in a manner appropriate to the demands of the district. On account of the beautiful weather and the inclination of the people generally to enjoy the opportunity for outdoor life, there was but a small attendance, but the businessmen of the town were well represented, and the sentiment expressed was unanimously in favor of the celebration. In a general way the plans for the observation of the holiday were discussed and three committees were appointed to work out the details. The meeting was called to order shortly after 3:00 p. m. by Mayor F. M. Stanton, who stated the object of the 1 The Tripod MAY 2022 gathering and called for nominations for chairman.
On motion Mr. Stanton was unanimously elected to preside, and William Ansley by the same procedure selected as secretary. A motion was made and seconded that the citizens of Iditarod give a grand public celebration in honor of Independence Day, and it was carried unanimously. After discussion of various plans, the meeting proceeded to select committees, and the following were named-Finance Committee-Ramps Peterson, Percy G. Charles and Cyril P. Wood Program Committee-F. M. Stanton, J. H. Smith, and C. A. Derry Sports Committee- R. C. Button, Earl Byer and Claud Baker It was understood that these committees would be authorized to add to their numbers, and it is likely that when the plans of the celebration are more definitely agreed on the committees will be considerably augmented.
The sentiment of the meeting seemed to favor the following of the usual plans for such celebrations, which would include patriotic exercises, with an oration by some prominent citizen, probably by Judge Bunnell, who will be here at that time, if his services can be obtained, athletic sports of various kinds, including such stunts as greased pole climbing, mule races, blueberry pie eating contest for the youngsters, etc., all of which may be designated as athletic contests, river sports including swimming contests, diving contests, canoe races, logrolling, gas boat racing, etc., which will be one of the main features of the celebration. All to conclude with a grand ball in the evening.
The tentative plans for the celebration seem to meet with general approval and it is likely that the Finance Committee we'll soon interview the citizens and ascertain the extent of the funds that will be available, so that the program committee can be prepared to outline the general plan of the celebration. Everything points to the certainty that 4th of July in Iditarod this year will be an occasion long to be remembered. National Trails Day© This year National Trails Day© is Saturday June 4. The history of the creation of National Trails Day© starts in 1968. October 2, 1968 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signs into law the National Trails System Act, establishing national recreational, scenic and historic trails.
October 13, 1976-Formed to give a voice to the national hiking community, American Hiking Society becomes an official organization after receiving its 501c3 designation and holds its first board meeting. 1988 – National Trails Agenda is initiated as a cooperative venture between the National Park Service and American Trails to look at trail issues and develop recommendations to satisfy America’s current and future need for trails. 1990 – The National Trails Agenda issues a set of recommendations in a report named “Trails for All Americans” that focuses intently on the importance of trails in America. 1991- American Hiking Society in response to the National Trails Agenda report conceives of a program to highlight the importance of the National Trails System and simultaneously advocate for increased trail use and volunteer stewardship.
The program is dubbed National Trails Day© and proposes highlighting one day each year to celebrate America’s trails and their use. The day selected was the first Saturday in June. June 5, 1993 – American Hiking Society launches its first ever National Trails Day©. Hundreds of organizations participate around the country. Summit on the Outdoor Recreation Economy The 7th Annual Confluence: Summit on the Outdoor Recreation Economy will be in Haines, September7-9. Slated topics include outdoor recreation infrastructure financing trends & opportunities, active transportation and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the future of tourism and outdoor recreation. 2