The Daily Alaska empire., 1945-06-11

of some of his early experiences on
 Il the Yukon, describing conditions as they existed then and comparing
 our present advantages with the hardships of those early days m l Alaska. While in Fairbanks he served as representative from the
 Fourth District, and at one time iwhen not busy with legal matters
 acted at choirmaster and director i of the Choral Society of Fairbanks, which numbered 80 voices. This
 society met twice a week to vocalize
 and enjoy the refreshments that
 were always on hand at such gather ings. When funds for refreshments ran low, the society would give
 concert, charging S3.50 admission and never netted less than Sl,000 in an evening In 1909 this group of artists presented MT Roden with a gold watch, which he still proudly displays on proper occasions. He also told of the first visit he made with Charlie Raatikainen in 1933 to the site on which Pelican now stands; how they walked in four feet of water along the shore line to measllre distance and secure infor- nation necessary for making appll- cation to the Government for settling this part of the Tongass Ma tional Park. In those days Tony Schwam would fly them over from Juneau for S10. Lisianski had been the last white man to visit these waters previous to this period oi time. Mayor Wetche gave a short address of welcome stating that while it was customary i'll most places to present a gold key to the city at such gatherings, there had never been any keys to the doors in Pelican, and consequently all doors were open and each man was ex- pected to make himself at home wherever he happened to find him self.
 Judge Alexander spoke next and said he was sure that Pelican was on the road to big things. The loca- tion is ideal said the Judge, and conditions for the development ot Pelican are without doubt better than any member of the party had previously anticipated" Others called upon were Judge Hellentha Ralph Rivers, M. E. Monagle, Kalle Raatikainen and Clara van Sant. MT Rivers told of having known MT Roden during his own childhood and related antidotes of the period covering their friendship. MT. Mon agle thanked the people of Pelican for their hospitality during the stay.' MT. Raatikainen replied to some of Mir. Roden's remarks in a most characteristic manner, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Mrs. van Sant, who has just discon- tinued her services with the Pelican Cold Storage Company, spoke briefly on how she felt toward the people who had been so very kind to her during her years stay in Pelican. The climax of the evening was a tribute to Mrs. Hilda Raatikainen by MT Roden and applauded by all present. Mrs Raatikainen," said MT. Roden, gave up a comfortable home to follow her husband into the wilderness in which the town of Pelican was built. There was no place to sleep, nor cook when she ar rived here She was alWay an in- spiration to those who endured the hardships of the early days. Always cheerful, always willing to help in any way possible, always doing the kind deed in a quiet, efficient man. ner, and continues to be shining example to us all"
 The party left Monday morning on the Aurora for their homes and places of business in Juneau, but planned to stop over at Lemesurier Island to visit MT. and Mrs. Joe Ibach, and inspect the large collee- tion of Alaskan relics that fill the home of this Well-knoWn and we'll loved couple.