Date: 05/05/2008
Name: Laura Wile
City/State: San Diego, CA
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Your site was sent to me by Madeleine Kafader whose father lost his life in that fatal plane crash so many years ago. I know that the information she gained from this website meant a great deal to her and her family. It's a wonderful tribute and a great way to honor those that were lost, survived, and helped that tragic night. Thank you taking the time and effort to keep the memory alive.
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Date: 03/24/2008
Name: Madeleine Kafader Pavel
City/State: San Diego, CA
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My brother Robert Kafader sent your site to me regarding the (Gustavus) 1957 plane crash which took our father's life. I was deeply moved by the detailed account of the crash, the photos, and information regarding survivors. I was 3 yrs. old, my brother 2. Your site gave us many details of that fateful night which we did not previously know. Dad's surviving twin sister will be blown away, as none of the family knew of the tremendous effect of the plane crash on the community of Gustavus. We recently lost our mother (who never remarried) at age 83. She was a strong, independent, interesting career woman as a result of that plane crash. Unfortunately, our mother never knew of the Memorial site (in Gustavus). It is my brother's and my intention to make a visit to Alaska with spouses and children to visit the site.
Editor's note: Captain Robert K Kafader was the lead pilot & Captain of the National Guard aircraft and was considered to be an excellent pilot, one who would have done everything possible to save the life of his passengers--and he did. All passengers survived the crash. The 4 crewmen died.
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Date: 01/29/2008
Name: Will, Becky & Hunter White
City/State: Gustavus, AK
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We love the site & all of the family photos you have put on this site. What a great way to learn more about the history of Gustavus! Keep up the great job & we will continue to check in frequently.
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Date: 11/06/2007
Name: Jack Asher
City/State: Paris , IL
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You never know where a new bit of history will come from--In the early 1960s I was a young District Attorney in Juneau and I got notice of an apparent suicide on Lemesurier island --I notified the magistrate Pete Crosby (an old ex US marshall) and we chartered float plane from Afton Coon (I think) and with a state trooper and headed to Lemesurier Island. Joe was indeed dead of a gunshot wound to the head--gun in hand -- a note on a piece of cardboard partially covered with blood--the note said "there is a time to live and a time to die" --As all know there were no inhabitants on the island and the body had been found by a fishing crew--we convened an inquest amid mementos and photographs of John Barrymore and Dolores along with a huge amount of memorabilia and other photos--the jury was the fishing crew and the pilot-evidence was heard from a crew member of Joe's despondency over losing his wife Muz--The immediate verdict was death by a self inflicted gunshot--I have no idea of his heirs or what happened to the contents of the house --the gun would have gone to Juneau as evidence --Jack Asher, DA 1st Judicial district from statehood to 1966
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Date: 10/18/2007
Name: Tim Kelley
City/State: Anchorage, AK
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Dave Brann who helps me research the Alaska Lost Ski Areas Project forwarded your site to me. I am VERY impressed. The old-time trekking out to ski on sandy glacier moraines is one of the coolest Alaskan skiing stories I have ever heard! You have done a great job preserving your community's heritage!
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Date: 10/18/2007
Name: David Brann
City/State: Homer, AK
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My friend Wayne Clark introduced me to your site-what a great find! I've enjoyed the photos, especially related to skiing and the personal contacts provided by Linda Parker.
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Date: 09/10/2007
Name: Milo Sanchez
City/State: Washington, DC
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This site is not only an Alaskan Treasure, it is a true National Treasure (!) for its contributions depicting early pioneering & homesteading challenges, triumphs and defeats.
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Date: 08/22/2007
Name: T. Meyer
City/State: Reno, NV
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I was in your little community 2 yrs. ago. Wish I would have had access to this site before that time. It should be required reading for anyone planning a visit anywhere in the area! This is a treasure for the entire state of Alaska!
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Date: 08/06/2007
Name: Peter L. Thompson
City/State: Chicago, IL
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I fell in love with Gustavus/Glacier Bay years ago. This website is outstanding and an incredible historical contribution. It's the highlight of my day to check in to see what's new. Keep up the excellent work! Hope to bring my children some day.
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Date: 07/27/2007
Name: Mary Ann Schaar
City/State: Elmira, NY
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I spent 10 days in your little town earlier this month & fell in love with it. Enjoy your web site, keep up the good work! My son owns property there.
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Date: 07/19/2007
Name: David Stuart Dundas
City/State: London , OTHER
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Awesome Website !!! Very inspirational !! London, United Kingdom.
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Date: 07/13/2007
Name: Hank Mathews
City/State: Portland, OR
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Great site and THANKS. I am one of the grandsons of Verne & Janet Henry of Strawberry Point ( 1913-14 ).
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Date: 07/04/2007
Name: Karen (Scott) Van Meter
City/State: San Ramon, CA
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Hi, I'm Leora & Mike Feser's daughter, (one of the twins). We lived in Gustavus 1966 & 67. Dad was with the Flight Service Station (FAA) & died about 10 yrs. ago. Mom is 85 & going strong! I remember Jesse Buoy and loved Sally Lesh's "Mrs. Gumdrop" story!
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Date: 06/30/2007
Name: Reggie W.
City/State: Atlanta, GA
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Hey! Incredible! Been there and loved it. This history site gives roots to the tree. Makes a beautiful place all the more beautiful. Keep it going!
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Date: 06/17/2007
Name: Pattey Parker
City/State: Anchorage, AK
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Wonderful website - I'm the daughter of Charles Lincoln Parker Jr., Granddaughter of Charles Lincoln Parker. Have heard stories of Gustavus - nice to see the pictures.
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Date: 06/13/2007
Name: Michele F.
City/State: Jacksonville, FL
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I've enjoyed hours of reading stories of early Alaskan pioneers. I wish I could have been one of them! Keep up the good work.
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Date: 06/05/2007
Name: Laurie Taylor
City/State: Seattle, WA
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My husband and I hope to visit soon. We will look for the Salmon River bridge where the great Gustavus shootout almost occured! A gem of a site for those of us who love all things old!
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Date: 06/01/2007
Name: Dave and Judy Wackerbarth
City/State: Normandy Park, WA
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Thanks for giving Verne and Janet Henry's family the opportunity to share the stories and photos of our parent's/grandparent's homesteading adventures in 1914 at Strawberry Point.
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Date: 05/30/2007
Name: Brian Larson
City/State: Cleveland, OH
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Awesome!! The personal stories of pioneering life in the wilds is an inspiration to me. I will use some of this material for my students. Maybe they too can catch the spirit.
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Date: 05/28/2007
Name: Lynda Parker
City/State: Oklahoma City, OK
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This is a wonderful site. I have found Aunts and Uncles that I did not know existed until I started looking for my family. The photos are great! Now I know why my own brother looks different from me. He is the splitting image of the Parker look. God bless and continue the great job. Lynda
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