These photographs of women in Alaska’s history tell a remarkable story. They tell many remarkable stories. They tell of women driving trucks, hoeing gardens, tending the sick, mushing dog teams, catching a moment’s rest, socializing with friends, skinning reindeer, exploring a remote land, wearing the latest fashions. In short, these women are doing things commonly associated with their gender roles but they are also often crossing those barriers.
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Kiana, November 1939. This portrait of Nellie Atoruk standing in
front of her cabin and cache hints at winter life in northern Alaska.
[Alice Wran Photograph Album, HMC-0617]
Kenai Lake, ca. 1941-1945. “Alaska Nellie” Lawing poses for a
portrait in the door of her cabin next to a few of her hunting trophies. A legend
in Southcentral Alaska, Nellie came to Alaska alone at the age of 42 in 1915 and
was the first woman to get a roadhouse contract from the railroad.
[Arthur O. Trosvik papers, HMC-0503]
All photographs taken from the holdings of the
UAA/APU Consortium
Library’s Archives and Special Collections Department.
© 2005
Consortium Library
University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508.