A television program about people living on a remote refuge in Alaska caught my attention. People live off the grid and off the land as hunters and trappers. The remote cabin dwellers receive news from their families in more populated areas of Alaska as personal messages via radio. A family member can phone the radio station and leave a recorded message which is played on air, or the message can be read by the announcer. This type of communication goes on today in Alaska and is very important to the people involved.
This story reminded me of a similar time in Newfoundland. A radio program sponsored by Gerald S. Doyle, a Newfoundland businessman, gave the news, followed by a bulletin. It aired from 1932-66. The weekday program helped Newfoundland families stay in touch.
The Bulletin often reported on people away at hospital in St. John's, telling families of their medical progress and plans for their return home. It was common to hear things like, "To Sally Jones in Jones Cove, Bert is doing well after the surgery and will be home on the train on Friday." Or, "To John Smith in Smithville, Mary had the baby on Sunday. Mother and daughter are doing well."
All around the province, people tuned in to the latest news, weather and word of their compatriots. My family on the east coast of Newfoundland and my husband's family on the west coast, listened as well. The program was on supper time province-wide, making the island one big community, sharing personal information the quickest way possible.
On a lighter note, the bulletin often contained some humorous commentary as well. One story goes that the announcer read this message immediately before the weather forecast, saying "There is a bean supper tonight in Lark Harbour...And now for the gale warning."
20 comments:
This is cool: both parts of the story. I am somewhat surprised by the NOW part especially. But I hadn't been aware of the Nfld part either.
I read a wonderful book called "The Great Alone" about a family who decided to live off the grid in northern Alaska. It was very enlightening. You either love the long dark days in winter or you hate them. And the opposite in the summertime. I'm glad to hear that there are still places where you can live off the grid. :-)
Hello,
I say kudos to all those living off the grid in Alaska. The radio program and
the passing of messages is a great idea. Happy Friday, enjoy your day and weekend!
This reminds me of the obituary programs I used to pick up in the rural east and the mountain areas. I would go to radio around noon and search until I heard "And now the obituaries..."
The small pleasures of driving to a show.
I can see that being a rural lifeline.
The closest thing to such announcements today that I sometimes hear on prairie radio stations are the bulletins asking "so-and-so to contact the RCMP for a personal family message." Usually the person is in transit somewhere on the road and can't otherwise be reached.
What a wonderful way of staying connected. I often think just how hard it must have been for the pioneers not knowing (sometimes for months at a time) how their families were faring.
We experienced that when we lived in Alaska. We were headed to a village from Fairbanks and our friend who lived in Kotzebue sent us a message via the radio to bring something they needed from town. We used to listen to the messages to see if we knew anyone or recognized a name. I always enjoyed listening to the program. This occurred in the late 90s.
Thanks for the memory, Marie.
Utterly delightful. I'm sitting here grinning and thinking of my grandmother.
Very interesting and a fun read. Have a nice weekend.
What a charming life style. It does bring people closer together when they can share trials and joys with everyone. The simpler life!!
I knew about this in Alaska. I agree with one of your posters who said it is great that there still is somewhere you can live truly off the grid today if you choose to.
My favorite Alaska show is "The Last Alaskans". I don't really care for the others. But I've seen that radio service there. Yes it is very neat! Andrea
Great lifestyle but I am sure I would become a vegetarian!! Have a good Sunday, Diane
Early form of mass media I guess. Not sure I would like personal info being announced that way though.
I love programmes like that Marie. It fascinates me the way people find to communicate whatever the circumstances ✨
It's a great way and probably the only way to stay in touch, but I'm not sure I would want my personal health news being broadcast to everyone :) Couldn't live so remotely either, so no chance of that happening, lol.
Thank you for sharing this interesting post.
Now I am thinking of a young man who moved to Alaska as a school teacher last autumn.
He stayed two nights at our house last summer, talking a lot about his movement after his University graduation.
Have a good new week,Marie.
I forgot to say.
The young man is from Alberta.
I hope he will find joy in the work place.
I can picture families sitting around the radio.
A little bit of humour is always appreciated. lol
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