The main artery of the North, the great Alaska Highway churns up endless stories.
Ron Brooks commented on a post that his father had worked on the highway. I messaged him, and we exchanged emails. Like so many of you, Tom has a treasure trove of information about his dad’s service on the Highway. And I’m delighted to share it with the rest of you.
Ron’s dad, Tom Brooks, had poor vision and the Canadian Armed Forces wouldn’t let him enlist. He worked on a homestead on the Eureka River outside of Hines Creek, AB when he heard about the Highway project and he rushed to help; worked in the Southern Sector as a civilian.
Tom took photos. Ron shared a photo of the camera he used—a Kodak Model B-5 Folding Pocket Camera.
James Miller commented and shared that he drove the Alaska Highway for a living back in the 1970’s; it was still gravel and a very different and more difficult route than it is today. He commented on one of my posts a week or so ago with a story and a couple of questions.
As a follow up, he messaged me a photo of the truck he drove back then.
Beautiful…
Here is the text of his message.
Dennis, this is a company truck owned by Hill and Hill Truck Line of Houston, Texas. Hill & Hill was one of the pioneers in serving the state of Alaska when it became a state. Hill & Hill sold out in the early 80’s and no longer in business.