Iditarod pioneer., 1915-07-31
QUAINT TOWN OF KODIAK
 INTERESTINGLY DESCRIBED

1 The uuaintest spot in Alaska IS Kodiak a Russian town that is owned by the United States.
 It is situated on Kodiak island, an island | in the Gulf of Alaska, approximately Tn the latitude of Scotland and the longitude of Honolulu
 The town of Kodiak is the oldest Russian settlement in the New World and few spots under our flag can compare with It tor out of f-theworld charm. It still retains its Rus sian customs and habits, mixed with Amerl- can ones.
 ] As the little steamer that makes lntre- uuent trips to Kodiak from Seward IS care l fully piloted through the rocks into St. PauTs harbor the little village clustered about the green roof of the round -domed Greek church and the old Alaska Commer- cial Company's trading store comes into view. It is little changed in appearance or spirit from the time when the company s house on the hill was a Russian barracks. | And the population of Kodiak is as cos mopolitan as one could wish Russian and l Aleutian were the original stocks. In the present day strain from almost every race can be detected in the few hundred lnhab- itants. Japanese, MaIays, MeXicans, For tuguese and what not formed the crews ot the whalers and seal hunting ships that Vls- ited the little port
 | Conversation is carried on in Russian lGnixed with Aleur, or vice versa, but as 9 rule they are a silent people, and conver- sation is discouraged.
 There is one thing, however that the town does enthuse over-and that Is dancing The one institution the town boasts of is its dance hall. Strangers are received according to their ability to dance.
 The dance halls hardwood floor, i'm ported from the States, is the first thng that the visitor is shown Every night there | is dance, and all Kodiak, even the younger priest, gathers for the affair.
 All colors and conditions are there. Rus sian blood from an early governor of the colony mingles with pure Aleutlan On one side the women and girls sit alone facing the men and boys. There IS no conversation between the sexes
 The musicians suddenly begin playing at furious rate, and youth crosses the floor, inclines his head slightly before the partner of his choice, all follow suit, and the dance | is on.
 Although some of the Russian families l are fairly we'll off and live in comfortable homes, the conditions among the half-breeds and natives are deplorable.
 | Because of their lack of knowledge con- corning personal hygiene and sanitation, the poor of the colony are deterloratlng rap idly. Tuberculosis finds them easy victims, for during the cold weather they live in doors as much as possible in hot, crowded, ill-ventilated houses.
 They live on seal oil, codfsh and sweets. So fond are the Kodakers of sweet things that 400 tons of sugar are imported annu. ally for use in Kodiak and the other small settlements on the island, and about seven tons of cheap candy.
 The church dominates the little colony, and the venerable priest IS the leader o1 the people Every year the natives look tor ward to Holy Week-the Upright week III the Russian calendar-and at its approach all work stops. Natives trapping in remote parts of the island hasten back to be pres ent at the celebration, for at Easter all must be confessed Enemies exchange the kiss of peace in public, and old scores are forgotten,
 There are few outsiders living in the little town, and each one is almost as queer as his setting. There is Uncle Harry Cope, 1 an EnS1lSulldll, WHO lo Hopf'iiy Alioii iiSN VI a native woman and has served as post master since American occupancy. He is the younger son of an old English family, and few years ago was in line for the title, but wisely declined.
 There is a New England sailorman, old Captain Finney, who now has no desire to return to his native place. lie has made and lost and again made money in the fur business, and although he still retains his Yankee speech, he has adopted the man. ners and customs of the people he has so long lived amid and with whom he will dle'
 Dr. Silverman is one of the most impor- tant men in the town He formerly was United States commissioner, but now he IS doctor, practicing lawyer, photographer, teacher, engineer and assistant to the post master.
 About once a month little steamer braves the rough seas of the gulf to bring news of the world, mail, papers and maga- | zines and some charlottesville Star.