A Creek, a Hill, and a Forty: The early years of Alaska's Matanuska Colony, seen through a colonist's letters home, by Ray Bonnell

Publication August 15, 

I live in the area. As both a resident and former history major/teacher/buff, I thoroughly enjoyed this look at life back in the "good ol' days". 

Of courses, as the book tells us, those "good ol' days" weren't always so good. I've read many books on the creation of the Matanuska Colony but this one, based on the letters home from colonist Margaret Miller, provides the personal touch many others don't offer. That she was quite detailed and wrote well is another plus. Nor does she shy away from the more difficult, even controversial topics involved, ranging from the difficulties faced initially.... they lived in tents until homes were built and life was difficult… as well as the various organizational issues and, sigh, political issues that increasingly became a part of her family's life.  It's actually rather fascinating.

Yet, I found that it was the more mundane, personal touches that hit home the most. People they'd formed friendships with giving up and leaving. Lack of not just jobs, but even those available were usually some distance away, plus limited educational opportunities for their children. The fact that winning a single milk cow in a drawing might be the difference between success and, well, going hungry. In other words, peeks into the real lives of these pioneers. I did laugh at how little has changed in politics, too, as I read the section of the "Ice Worms" vs the producers, ie the colonists. The tales of vehicles having to be replaced due to the rough, early roads. And we complain about pot holes? Somehow I believe they'd marvel at even the most primitive road today that runs through the area. And, oh, the complaints of dogs running loose throughout the community. Hmm, where have I heard this lately? In other words, a personal look at life in the not-so-long-ago "good ol' days".

Bottom line, while this obviously won't be as personal for many readers, if you're a history buff or just curious about what life in Alaska was once like, you'll enjoy this well-written, nicely presented story. The author also includes list of the original colonists and the state they originated from, as well as a lengthy list of sources used. Something tells me I may be driving over toward Palmer in the near future to check out some of what I'll call "that was then, this is now" comparisons to the old b/w photos generously used throughout the book.