War in Alaska - 1942

Japan Struck At Dutch Harbor. Three Waves Of Planes Went Over...

Teller's Alaskan Territorial Guard stands ready to defend the Territory...

Teller is war crazy. According to them, the Japanese are almost here. Bomber came over again! Battle of some kind off the Aleutians...Days of Uncertainty.

Olive Rose Fults, 1942

You may not know much about them, but for Alaskans the Territorial Guard remains a testament to our participation in the war (WW2 that is). Hard to believe that over 6,000 volunteers from 107 communities in Alaska joined the Guard - some as young as 12 and others almost 80!

My Dad was a Captain in the Alaska Territorial Guard and was really proud of how the group they dubbed the "Eskimo Scouts" came together to defend the Territory. These were tough times, but Alaskans are tougher. Bonanza grew out of this Alaska spirit and we're proud to say @ Bonanza Alaska Wins!

An Alaska Diary - 1942

Breakin' In The Team Was A Big Part Of Our Lives...
When Dad would break in the team each winter, he would be gone for hours and always come back bloody - the dogs would bite him! But he always won and we got where we needed to go.

Wes Fults, 1942 (Age 4)

Wes Fults, tests out his junior dog sled.

The Fults family prepares to cross the sound from
Teller to Teller Mission.

Getting around Alaska has always been a little bit different. You've got your boats, your ATVs, your bush planes and more. Most often for us, the Fults family of Teller Mission, it was the dog sled. To me, my Dad's dog sled was easily the greatest thing on runners. I liked it so much, my Dad built me a junior dog sled - just like his!

Only problem was getting the dogs to cooperate, much less let me touch them! I kept trying though and to this day, whenever I see a husky I think of Alaska and all our dog sled adventures. Guess Alaska tenacity just stays in your blood and in your bones. And maybe that is why it also means that @ Bonanza --- Alaska Wins!

An Alaska Diary - Winter 1942

Saw A Mysterious Light Beyond Point Spencer...
We went to Teller in afternoon. Sled turned over on the way. Wesley went with dogs after deer. Had ptarmigan for supper. Saw mysterious light again. I think it is a star.

Olive Rose Fults, Winter 1942

Dad, Me & Mom
Circa 1942, Teller Mission

That's my Mom - always watching the weather and the sky. We moved to Teller Mission in 1939 when I was just a year old. My Dad, John Wesley, Sr., was a teacher with the Alaska Native Service and Mom was along for the adventure. What an amazing time it was - the war, the weather, living the Alaska life. Guess once you've lived it, it never gets out of your system. Maybe that's why doing business in Alaska is like coming home. And maybe that's why it always means that @ Bonanza - Alaska wins!

Wes Fults