We read of Nels Hitchcock’s passing in the Fairbanks Daily News Miner and we are saddened.
Jim (his brother) is the guy the kids remember, but his mother and father were very important in Dad’s 1950’s years in Fairbanks:
From “The Alaskan: America’s Farthest North Political Newspaper:” Lead photo is of Ben Hitchcock–“late homesteader at Caribou Creek was one of the founders of the Alaska Party:”
“FOUNDERS WIFE VIES FOR HOUSE: Kay Hitchcock is a candidate for the House of Representatives from the 3rd Division on the Alaska Party ticket…..Mrs. Hitchcock has two sons, Nels 14, who is attending school in Fairbanks and Jim, who is continuing the family cabin-building business at Caribou Creek.”
There is much more to this article and the newsletter, including a “party history” article (pre-statehood).
It is part of Dad’s and Mom’s history in 1950s Fairbanks. We think of the Hitchcock family very fondly.
Much warmth and love, Chena

In connection with the usual Saturday evening Ice Cream Social, there was a Sr. Ball at the Pioneers Home this evening.

Smiling widely, Mom recognized a couple of tunes I don’t remember ever hearing before. She danced a couple of dances with a young gentleman, then joined Dad and me in a dance, Dad in his wheelchair, as were several others there.

Dad tried to rise to dance on his feet…

Heather

So glad to hear grandpa is home again! I hope he gets to stay there and I hope you guys are getting lots of help. I send big hugs to all of you.

Love,
Kotty

–K: D
Chena responds: Dad (Grandpa) is NOT home. He came home for his birthday but went back to the Pioneers’ Home. It is good to have him home occasionally….but reality for his day to day life is that taking care of him at home is a massive undertaking which people were happy to do for quite a while….but he really is getting better physical care at the Pioneers’ Home and in many ways it is more stimulating for him there. He does not walk anymore and rarely talks. The Pioneers’ Home has equipment (some of which the family had also purchased at home to help him) to give him the best physical care. For instance, now he can stand up with their modern things which previously the family had tried to simulate with people holding him as we were trained to do, but yikes he is a big guy and it wasn’t always easy.
The feeling that people should live at home in their latter days is honored and respected. Yet these days it might mean a (female) relation loses her own life respecting “family values.”
This family has two parents requiring almost around the clock care and several of the children have spent many years honoring and helping them.
Niilo is well cared for at the Pioneers’ Home and the family visits quite often. There are musical and other events there, and he comes home from time to time.
It is a very long journey.
We love Dad very much. Thanks Kottie for loving him too.
Thanks, Chena

Terve, Koposen perhe: Give my congrats to Niilo on his 82nd! He looks more like a Scotsman than a Finn with his plaid cap in the photo. I guess you should have substituted bagpipes for a Finn accordion (or “hanuri”)for his birthday “musiikki”. He seems quite content in his daily life, especially with the love and care that surrounds him from all you folks.
I turn 84 on this Thu., Mar. 18. I had signed up for a bus trip to Reno by the North Berkeley Senior Center for March 18 and 19th, but the stinkers decided to postpone it until late April. So I’ll spend my “syntymäpäivä here in Dullsville, but will ride “over the hill” tp Reno next month. Not a gambling man, but the trip will give us $5 in cash so maybe I’ll blow it on the nickle slots. Maybe I’ll even win a $10 jackpot. Hot dawg! My best to you all, Harry