Tag Archives: Jon Van Zyle

A News Spot about Hope ’91

The book about the Hope ‘91 sled dog race is in the final stages, the proofing copies are next, and after both Jon and I have had time to thoroughly proofread the book, I’ll make any changes or corrections we … Continue reading

Posted in News & Information, Sled Dog History, Sled Dog Races | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

1991 Hope / Надежда Race

Since December my research and writing has been focused on the historic 1991 Hope Race from Nome, Alaska, to Anadyr, Russia. The genesis of this book came about during a visit to the Alaskan artist Jon Van Zyle in December, when I commented on an unusual sled displayed on the ceiling of his studio. That led to stories of the race, which led to pulling out a photo album, which led to an hour or more of poring over the photos, more stories, more artifacts from the adventures, and now, a few weeks later, Jon and I are working together on this book. Continue reading

Posted in Alaska History, Books, News & Information, Sled Dog History, Sled Dog Races | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

50 Years of Iditarod Adventures

Amazon Review: June Price 5.0 out of 5 stars Top notch overview of 50 years of Iditarod adventure Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2022 Having moderated a couple Iditarod related online groups in the past, I can attest … Continue reading

Posted in News & Information | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

All Alaska Sweepstakes

The historic All Alaska Sweepstakes is the oldest organized distance sled dog race in the world, with records kept by the Nome Kennel Club dating back to the first race in 1908. The race, which was held from 1908 to 1917, and commemorated with 75th and 100th anniversary races in 1983 and 2008, is the subject of All Alaska Sweepstakes: History of the Great Sled Dog Race, by Helen Hegener. Continue reading

Posted in Alaska History, Book Reviews, Books, Gold Rush History, Sled Dog History, Sled Dog Races | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Seppala House Update

The Seppala House Project STILL needs funds for moving and restoration, please donate generously: Continue reading

Posted in Alaska History, News & Information, Sled Dog History | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Leonard Seppala House

The Leonhard Seppala House Restoration Project is an effort to save what many believe to be a key piece of Alaskan history, the home of a legendary musher, three-time champion of the All Alaska Sweepstakes, who played a central role … Continue reading

Posted in Alaska History, News & Information, Sled Dog History | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Alaskan Adventurer Mary Shields

In 1974, the second year the 1,049-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race was run, Mary Shields became the first woman to finish the race, with the smallest team in the race (only eight dogs) and a part-Labrador lead dog named … Continue reading

Posted in Alaska History, Books, DVD & Video | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments