This year the International Sourdough Reunion will hold its 78th Reunion in Las Vegas, at the Palace Station, October 17th through the 21st. Our history goes back to the Yukon Order of Pioneers, which formed in 1894 at Fortymile. In 1897 the Arctic Brotherhood at Camp Skagway was founded, followed by the Pioneers of Alaska in Nome in 1907, and the Ladies of the Golden North in 1919. ISR combined these individual organizations in the U.S. and Canada after the Gold Rush Days. The first International Sourdough Reunion was held in 1922. There were 3500 people at the Seattle Stampede in 1929. In 1973 the reunion took place on the Alaska ferry, Wickersham, Henry Johnson put his organ on board at Seattle and along with others who brought their instruments, provided the dance each evening. Jimmy Doolittle, WWII Flying Ace was a distinguished guest.
We are searching for Alaskans and Canadians, both residents and those who are now in the lower 49, who served in the military, did research, helped build the Alaska Highway, or whose grandparents were miners, trappers, or fishermen in the good old days. They all helped to build the 49th state and the Yukon.
We encourage anyone who would like to know more about settling the far North to join us, listen to the sourdoughs talk about the early days of mining, trapping hunting, fishing, building the Alaska Highway or the railroad or in other ways forged a living in the land of the midnight sun. Share reminisces in our hospitality room, take a trip down to enjoy local attractions or visit the Strip. Take an optional bus trip to Hoover Dam. The banquet and final breakfast are included in the registration fee of $75, before September 1. Special hotel rates available.
Contact us at ISR Secretary Ken Odsather logcabin@alaska.net or phone (253)344-1545.
Submitted by Irene Peyton, Reunion Committee
35405A First Avenue S
Federal Way, WA 98003
