Historical society

to mark Alaska Day

Oct. 14, 2005

JOEL DAVIDSON\Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA - On Saturday, the Wasilla Knik Historical Society will honor Oct. 18, 1867, the day Alaska transferred from Russian to American ownership.

Each year, the historical society hosts an evening of fine dining and history-centered entertainment at the old Teeland's Country Store (now Valley Bistro). The annual event celebrates Alaska's storied history, both living and past.

While Alaska Day officially falls on Oct. 18, the historical society will celebrate a few days early to avoid scheduling conflicts with other events.

This year's entertainment includes a presentation on Slim Williams, which will be delivered by Dr. Robert King, a state archeologist with the federal Bureau of Land Management.

&#8221Slim drove a motorcycle from Alaska to Chicago and then mushed from Alaska to Washington, D.C.,“ said LeRoi Heaven, historical society president. &#8221That was back in the 1920s and '30s to promote the Alaska Highway.“

LeRoi said the $30 event also includes a halibut or roast beef dinner, wine and a dessert auction. The evening serves both as a celebration and a fund-raiser for the historical society.

History hangs heavy over the many events and awards. The dessert auction, for example, began when the late longtime Valley resident Vivian Teeland auctioned off her famous dessert pie. From 1947 to 1972, Teeland operated Teeland's Country Store with her husband, Walter.

Teeland's original recipe was recorded, and each year's auction features a new Vivian Teeland pie, auctioned in the very building in which she used to work.

&#8221This whole thing is a tradition - we started this back in the 1980s,“ said historical society treasurer Marj Campbell. &#8221A lot of oldtimers are in attendance.“

For more information about the event or to reserve a ticket, people may contact Heaven at 376-5679.

Contact Joel Davidson at

352-2266 or joel.davidson@ frontiersman.com.