This is another letter from Rusty to Ced, mailed in Barrow while Rusty was staying there.
Sept. 2, 1944
Dear Ced,
Winter came yesterday with strong N.W. wind and snow. Ice, which had left, formed up to shore again. USN freighter Spica with part of ship’s company at oil base is at PT Lay. Skdaddled in time to duck crushing ice. First freighter of season which everyone is waiting for left Nome two weeks after we did. It comes from Seattle with years supply of grub and fuel (1400 tons) for Barrow. Got as far as Wainwright and had to go back to PT Lay. Most unusual summer here since Charly Barrow ever remember.
Last Sat boys got three walrus and one 12 foot polar bear. By Sunday they went out and got seven more walruses. Sorry I missed both hunts. If ice drifts north they will go out soon for whale. Have been promised two hunts and to fire whale gun. Natives will have plenty to eat, if whale is brought in, for the winter.
Sending you some ivory buttons for woman’s coat – one knife and mukluks and blanket. Paid sick boy at Nome $15 to carve latter for me. It is not very good work. Got it to help poor kid out. He was in bad way and don’t think he will pull through.
Morry Danford said he was not much of a salesman. Sent him a few things to sell as a tryout. Said he would turn them over to you if he could not dispose of them. Bought them when they were salable through Bureau of Indian Affairs. It was this work of natives I was going to get for you, however, when you sent money I went back only to find they had shut down on selling them – all went to Juneau after that for prices to be upped down there. Get them from Morry first chance you have and keep them for yourself or do what you wish with them. The two seals should be kept together, old man that made them would not sell them unless they were kept together ________ ________________.
Am picking up a basket or two for you soon – whalebone baskets, only place where they are made is here.
How did bracelet turnout or have you not received it yet? Asked to have walrus head joining piece made solid without head out away from ivory as Alec Melik has been making. Let’s hear when you receive it.
Did you also receive your pictures – Kodachrome? Your letter in mail first chance I get.
Bye now or cheerio!
As the “Rawshian” men of the mighty Soviet Union have taken Romanian airfields there is no necessity for drive through Dardanelles – hence turning point of war has already come, however, not as I expected. Should have figured on Russian ability to get there first, for not doing so I lose the bet.
Yours till Moscow falls, and best to everyone.
Rusty
Here’s a different link to learn more about Rusty Heurlin, a family friend for all of his adult years.
http://www.alaskannature.com/Rusty_Heurlin.htm
Here’s another link to see some of his work.
Tomorrow and Friday, two letters from Marian to the family in Trumbull letting them know what is going on with the Lad Guions.
Judy Guion
"Greatest Generation" Life Lessons 