My
Family, the story of Alaskan Pioneers
My
grandparents, Hazel and Alfred Owen, moved their family shingle mill from Lake Washington to Ketchikan,
Alaska
in 1939 to seek a better life for themselves and their seven children. Alaska, then as now, is full of opportunities for young
people.
In June of 1941, Alfred was hired by the Territory of Alaska to manage the Employment Office in Kodiak. The family soon settled into the town, and made many life long hyphen needed friends. Alfred soon found himself on the City Council and representing trade unions. He became a spokesman for the working man. Later he became the Chief Clerk for the Army Base at Fort Greeley. as the base was under construction prior to WWII.
During the war years Kodiak was a boom town with thousands of soldiers, marines, sailors and constructions workers who were recreating in town. The naval/army base construction was in full swing. The harbor was filled with freighters waiting to be unloaded. The naval aircraft, PBY was seen leaving the base for patrol of the Aleutian Chain. Kodiak city had many practice alerts to prepare for expected enemy aircraft raids. "Blackouts" of all city lights were strictly enforced . Large guns were in place on the mountain above the city, the base and on the surrounding islands. A submarine net and mines guarded the harbors. Fort Abercrombie, which was heavily fortified back then, is now a state park and one of the sights you will enjoy while in Kodiak.
In the fall of 1942, Hazel and Alfred took the family to spend the winter on Marmot Island which is located 32 miles north east of Kodiak city. Alfred learned how to trap fox from a gentleman who came to Alaska in 1898 to participate in the "Alaska gold rush". The family loved to listen to the stories of the "early days" as told by "old" Bob Chamberlain. They enjoyed living in isolation, learning to survive in the wilderness without contact with the rest of world except by way of the short wave radio. "Sometimes they could even hear Tokyo Rose" broadcasting war news over the radio.
In 1945, Alfred with a partner, Tom Von Scheele, had 48 - foot seine boat, the F/V Marmot, built in Seattle. It was an exciting day when this beautiful boat was lowered and set into the water.
My
grandfather, Alfred Owen became a Representative to the Territory Legislature in
1948, later a Senator from the third division of Alaska. He and
Hazel were very active in fighting for
statehood They made
several trips to Washington, D. C. to testify before Congressional
committees. Statehood was finally granted in 1959. Alfred was elected to become the first Senator, representing Kodiak Island, the
Aleutian Chain and the Pribloff Islands in the State Legislature.
He played an important role in forming the new state government which
included writing the legislation that created the
Department of Fish & Game.
In 1947, my grandparents purchased a salmon saltry and set-net fishing sites. These sites were fished by members of my family for over 50 years. During these 50 years, the Owen family established a hand-pack salmon cannery at Village Islands. A world class brown bear hunting lodge operated on the premises during the 1970's. Guests were welcomed from all around the world.
My
parents brought me to Village Islands at the age of two. While growing up, I
fished with my family in the set-net operation and later with my dad on the
salmon-seiner, M/V Sea Prince. I have always loved this place, and now I want to share
this wonderful Alaskan retreat and
wilderness experience with you. It is one the choicest places on
Kodiak Island... perhaps in world!
You will enjoy seeing the hundreds of nesting birds on the Village Islands as you motor, kayak, or hike around the islands. The ocean around the islands is teeming with fish. Flocks of sea birds can be seen diving on the schools of fish as they gather food for their young. The ever popular puffin is often seen flying, swimming, or diving around the islands. Land otter caring for their young are a favorite sight. The eagles that nest near by, frequently soar overhead, checking out the bird islands and looking for lunch for their young. Spotted harbor seal are often seen at low tide sleeping on the rocks. A visit to a seal island rookery south of the Lodge in Uganik Bay is a must. Whales are often seen feeding in the bay. They are usually present in the spring, fall, and winter. It is great fun to see the humpback whales frolicking during their resting times between dives. It is a thrill to catch sight of these giant fishermen.
The upland is the home to many
migrating song birds. Some years we have the golden eye duck nesting in the
cottonwood trees at the lodge. Hiking the uplands or the islands is always a
treat. Wild flowers are ever where. If you are here during salmon berry
season, you can eat your fill of these delicious berries. If you bring some
back to the lodge, we will make salmon berry shortcake or pie for you. Keep
your eyes open for the Kodiak bears. They like eating salmon berries too. Early
risers will often see deer swimming between the islands.
In the vicinity of the lodge
are a number of Native Alutiiq village sites dating back 3500 years. Of course,
no disturbance of the sites is allowed by the Federal Government. But they can
be viewed. The house pits are best seen before the lush growth covers the
landscape. But the lodge has a site on its own property. You can view the
kitchen middin from the lodge.
You will find warm Alaskan
hospitality, a great chef, and home cooked meals with many Alaskan specialties
such as: sourdough pancakes, fresh fish barbeques, special halibut & salmon
chowders, dishes prepared from delicately smoked salmon & cod, fresh vegetables
from our gardens, fresh salmon berry & rhubarb pie when in season, and many more
dishes than I can list here. One of my favorites though, is an Old Russian dish
called perok. We also offer a breakfast menu to accommodate your particular
taste, and we are always willing to adjust the menu if you have special needs.
We look forward to seeing you around a campfire on the beach.
I have a Coast Guard license and am authorized to train others in boating safety. We carry VHF radios with us at all times. Our safety equipment is the best. We even have satellite e-mail for your convenience.
We hope to see you here soon to experience this wonderful place,
Jayson Owen