Palmer, Alaska
The trail system in Alaska is incredibly extensive, providing a great way to explore the state's vast wilderness. Jerry and I decided to take on one of these trails, starting at the bottom of Bodenburg Butte Summit and making our way up the steep dirt path. Although it was tough and tested our endurance, we were able to conquer the challenge and enjoy the breathtaking views from the top. However, the challenging nature of the trek also posed some dangerous risks. As we were exploring the breathtaking views at the top, we found another trail down the Bodenburg Butte Mountain that seemed much easier. The 500 steps down the steep mountain were a relief, but little did we know we had emerged into a different parking lot. With no map and spotty service on our phones, we were faced with the daunting task of walking 6 more miles on a heavily trafficked road with little food and water left. Thankfully, my loving husband trekked back over the mountain to retrieve our vehicle from the other parking lot and drive over to pick Bruno and I up. With lots of prayers and stamina Jerry hiked back and about 2 hours later my knight and shining hero shows up again to rescue my butt😂. So my butt was rescued from the Butte. Apparently we are not the only ones who have made this little bumfungled mistake, otherwise known as our adventures in Alaska.
Pardon me as I wonder aimlessly through the history part of Palmer
In 1867, the United States purchased the territory of Alaska from Russia.
This influx of newcomers brought significant changes to the region, including the establishment of new towns and industries such as mining, logging, and fur trapping. However, the arrival of outsiders also caused harm to the Indigenous people, who were forced off their land and faced violence and illness. The impact of the Spanish Flu, which killed millions worldwide, was particularly devastating to the Ahtna and Denalina communities.
These prospectors formed the nearby communities of Anchorage, Knik,
Matanuska, and Wasilla, and contributed to the eventual construction of the rail line from Seward to Fairbanks in 1916. One merchant from Knik, George W. Palmer, operated a small unmanned trading post near the Matanuska River that would later give the town its name.
**The Matanuska Colony Project**
In 1935, the Federal Government started a program to relocate poverty stricken farm families from the mid-west to Alaska. The Federal Government chose 203 families from rural Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota to form a farming colony that would become the town of Palmer.
Families were promised 40 acres of land by lottery, a house, a barn, and a $3,000 loan to all to be paid back on a note to the federal government.
These families arrived by train in May of 1935, but home construction and land clearing were grossly behind schedule. The planning began hastily in Washington D.C. And had many challenging issues. Such as adapting to farming in the north, mismanagement of the project, and skyrocketing debt. The colonists were only allowed to use the government approved colony store, and to make sure the Colonist were following the government guide lines they were given a special currency called “Bingles” that could only be used at the colony store, these families were not allowed to make money from other sources. Over half of the families left this project within the first few years returning to family members or to work for the railroad. The government had to replace these slots with new families from other states.
The A.R.R.C eventually gave way to the locally controlled Matanuska Valley Farmers Cooperative Association (The Co-op) in 1939. The Co-op continued the Colony model of providing distribution, marketing, and processing support to its members, but with more local control.
World War II and the Japanese invasion of Attu and Kiska islands on the Aleutian Chain in 1943 prompted the construction of military bases along the Alaska Railroad and numerous infrastructure projects including the ALCAN highway. This investment in the territory created a population boom in Alaska, which helped develop a sustainable market for agriculture in the Palmer area.
The St. Mihiel was a vital transportation link not only facilitated the movement of colonists to Alaska, but also played a significant role in the defense and development of the state. The St. Mihiel served as a key mode of transportation for troops and supplies during the early years of World War II, helping to establish and support important military bases in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Without this reliable transport ship, the development of Alaska may have been significantly hindered, and the colonization efforts may not have been as successful. The St. Mihiel's contributions to Alaska's growth and defense will not be forgotten.
On July 22, 1941 the St. Mihiel was transferred to the Navy. With Seattle as a home port, she continued to serve Alaska calling regularly at ports on the mainland
The St. Mihiel, a ship that served in the US Navy during World War II, had a variety of important duties. In May 1943, it participated in the occupation of Attu, an important strategic location. During this time, the Ship's Doctor played a crucial role in taking care of the wounded and men with frostbitten feet, earning a Medal of Honor for his efforts. The St. Mihiel also had the responsibility of transporting servicemen's families back to the States, and even played a part in studying the first Japanese Zero to be captured during the war. Its service in Alaska and Hawaii lasted until September 23, 1943.
During November 1943, the St. Mihiel was serving in World War II, but was soon repurposed for a different role. The Army drafted her and sent her to a shipyard in Boston for repairs and alterations. In May 1944, she emerged from the shipyard with the Red Cross symbol on her hull, indicating that she was now a hospital ship. With the capacity to hold 509 patients, she sailed to the Mediterranean to provide medical assistance to allied troops. However, on a return trip to the United States, she ran aground near Bermuda and had to be taken for repairs in Charleston. Once back in the water in March, she spent the rest of the war in the European Theatre.
The St. Mihiel was a versatile ship, serving as both a troop transport and a hospital ship during World War II. After her service in Europe, she was sent to the Pacific, where she continued to provide vital support to the U.S. military. Despite being involved in some minor repairs at Pearl Harbor, she successfully traveled to various destinations, including Saipan, Okinawa, Yokohama, Ortaru, and Manila. Her final stop was in Los Angeles in 1946, marking the end of her active duty.
The St. Mihiel received one Battle Star during World War II, after which she entered the shipyards for the last time in 1957 for dismantling before being sent to the scrapyard.
Through the efforts of the Palmer Historical Society, many members of the local community became involved in the process of bringing the bell back from the shipyard. In addition, the St. Mihiel Ship bell is back in Palmer, and the bell has been installed in its current location in time for the unveiling of the bell on June 15 for the sixty-fifth anniversary celebration of the Pioneer Colonists. It is with great honour that the monument was formally dedicated on Saturday, June 17, 2000, when original Colonist parents in attendance were the first to ring the St. Mihiel bell on the Palmer site for the first time.
I would say that Palmer, Alaska has been a very Educational visit!
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