Hope Happenings

By Bianca Durrant
Turnagain Times
Hope Correspondent

Okay, it's obvious. When your neighbor is clicking pictures of a brown bear sow with cubs and a day later you find yourself riding your bike alongside a galloping moose, it is safe to say that we truly share our space with wild animals—large, wild animals, some of which are carnivorous. Make lots of noise out there; don't be fooled by the false security that is a gravel road, and travel with a buddy whenever possible.

Correction: Porcupine Campground Is Open

Last issue it was reported in Hope Happenings that the Porcupine Campground was closed for renovations. That was incorrect. The campground is open for business on a fee basis (first come-first served). All of the usual campground rules apply. Dianne Owen, general manager with Alaska Recreational Management, the entity that manages reservations for Porcupine Campground, provided this information.

Owen also stated that, “If construction begins at all this season it will be late August or even September.”

Hope Happenings apologizes for the mistake and will keep a close eye on Porcupine Campground status. The Chugach National Forest website states that the Porcupine reconstruction will involve road and campsite improvements and new restrooms. A new trailhead will be constructed outside the campground to serve as an access point to the Gull Rock Trail. See for yourself at: fs.usda.gov/chugach/.

Electric Free Gas Pump On Display at the Museum

Diane Olthius shared the news that a 1920s era gas pump that measured gas without requiring electricity is now a part of the Hope/Sunrise Historical Society's collection and on display at the museum. Hope Happenings had to check it out and discovered a relic with meat. This gas pump puts all those “pay-at-the-pump” models to shame. It is a solid cylinder of pure steel muscle. It required no electricity to measure gas! Can't help but wonder the obvious: why don't we use these anymore? Answer: We like making things more complicated than they need to be. Ah, but we digress.

Diane also shared the following about the new piece, “Sometime in the 1950's, this Gilbert and Barker model 176 gas pump was brought to Hope by summer residents and large scale vegetable gardeners Eugene and Rosa Buttedahl to fuel their tractor. In 1962, the Buttedahls sold the pump to Keith and Vera Specking who, in conjunction with Burrel T. and Phyllis Ann Thorne, constructed the Hope Trading Post and started selling gas. The stout pump was generously donated to the museum by Ann Thorne Miller and her son, Burrel H. Thorne.”

Federal Dollars Provide Funds for School Flashing Lights

The state of Alaska Department of Transportation has begun construction of two sets of flashing yellow lights in the 20-mph school zone that is on the Hope Highway near the school. The lights will flash 20 minutes before school and 10 minutes after school. The project is part of a federally funded program, “Dollars For School Zones.” Twenty-six schools in the Mat-Su and Kenai Peninsula will benefit and allow for the installation of the flashing lights.

Yearly 5K Approaches

Mark your calendars for the annual Hope Wagon Trail Run to be held July 18 at 11 a.m. in front of the Hope Social Hall. The runners will journey through the historic district and duck into the woods for the sylvan leg of the tour. The loop drops runners off at the top of Clark Road and leads back to Main Street. This family friendly event will include a BBQ and raffle drawing. Register the day of the event starting at 9 a.m. at the Hope Social Hall on Main Street. The best part of this annual run is the sweet tie-dyes that come included with the entrant fees.

The Big Tent Comes to Hope

Lucky spectators took in the circus at the Social Hall on June 24. This unique event featured jugglers and musicians amongst other talented young souls. Big thanks to Shelley Cassidy for bringing the circus to town.

Let Us Know

You know you've got a story you want to share then contact us at: hopehappenings@live.com.