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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. Thanks to all the members who renewed their membership and welcome to new members. The support of our membership is important to the achievement of our mission as stated above.
FROM THE PAST… Iditarod Pioneer December 26, 1914 IDITAROD BRIGHT CHILLDREN ENTERTAIN ON CHRISTMAS EVE The visit of Santa Claus to the children of Iditarod was made the occasion of one of the most enjoyable Christmas entertainments ever held in the north, which is saying a great deal. Everything that tradition and custom associate with the word Christmas was provided for the entertainment of the 1 The Tripod December 2022 youngsters -- Christmas tree, presents, sweetmeats, fruits, nuts, etc. and the children in turn provided an entertainment which was both a credit to their teacher and themselves.
Santa Claus was there in the person of genial Tom Shallow, and after distributing hundreds of gifts to the children and adults alike, refreshments were indulged in and then the hall was cleared for dancing, which lasted until the early hours of the morning, long after the kiddies for whom the entertainment was given were tucked in their beds. When the doors of the Arctic Brotherhood Hall were opened to the public at 8:30 p.m., Thursday a glorious spectacle presented itself to their view, and the children were exuberant in their expressions of pleasure and the grown-ups were unstinting in their praise of the arrangements for the entertainment. Two great Christmas trees reaching to the high ceiling were literally loaded down with presents for the children. The children's program as arranged by Miss.
Halley and printed in last week's Pioneer was then rendered and proved to be a treat of a rare nature. The self-command of some of the little ones and the artistic rendering of some of the numbers was a great surprise and reflects great credit on both the children and their teacher. Especially worthy of mention was the song "Snowflakes" by Sigrid McDonald, Catherine and Frances Austin. The little ladies won rounds of applause by their effective rendering of this really intricate and artistic number. Next in popularity were Billy Smith and Whitney Ray, whose baby voices enunciated their little pieces without embarrassment and in a wondrous winning manner. All the children acquitted themselves well.
At the conclusion of the program Santa Claus came tumbling upon the stage from a chimney especially prepared for his accommodation and was soon busily engaged in distributing the numerous presents. There were gifts for all. At the conclusion of the distribution of gifts refreshments were served consisting of ice cream, cakes, coffee, etc., at tables upstairs which were presided over by Mrs. Clark. There was plenty for everybody and a merry time was enjoyed. The hall was then cleared and in true Alaska fashion dancing was indulged in for several hours with Mrs. Mahler presiding at the piano. The officers of the Arctic Brotherhood, under whose auspices the festivities were held, desire to thank all those who assisted in the work and feel sure that their efforts were amply rewarded by the pleasure they provided for the little ones of the community.
ANNUAL MEETING The 2022 annual meeting of the Alliance was a two-part affair this year on November 30 and December 1 there was a Board of Directors and partners work session held in Anchorage. There were reports by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management on their trail accomplishments and activities in 2022. The Alliance Board members reviewed our 2022 activities and set priorities for 2023. On December 13 the official annual meeting was held on Zoom. The results of the election of board members were announced, the board members elected were-Seat E, Cook Inlet/Susitna - Judy Bittner; Seat F, Kuskokwim - Mike Tierney, Seat G, At Large #2 - Dan Seavey, Seat H, At Large #3 - Lesli Schick. Thanks to all the members who sent in their ballots and proxies. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2