The idea for
this website came about when the state of Alaska decided to
close the Steese to winter travel several years ago. If this
had happened it would have devastated the lives of the area residents.
We had long ago ceased having the ability to survive without
the road system which now is the lifeline of the communities
along it. We depend on the road to bring in fuel oil to
run our community power systems and heating oil for our homes
in the winter. Try to imagine what would happen in your town
or city if there were no roads connecting it to the outside world! We
fought this through the internet and the media and with the outcry of thousands
of folks across Alaska, the United States, and even some other countries,
the state of Alaska relented and kept the Steese open.
The struggle
made us realize that we need to show folks about not only our
lifestyle, but the historic value of this area. Thus the idea
for a website about our community was born. Shortly after,
while I was organizing my thoughts on doing a site and getting
some input from others in the community, I met a gentleman named
Gus Lindquist. Gus had been a frequent visitor to Central
and just loved this area. It was his dream to have website
on the Steese Highway, so after talking with him, the idea was
formulated to combine both our ideas into one site.
Although I did
all the design and website work on the site, "Along the
Steese Highway" is the result of the contributions of many people!
Thanks go to all those that have contributed photos, history, suggestions,
ideas, and encouragement to this project! It would not have
been possible without their help!
We sincerely
hope you enjoy your virtual visit with us and that sometime in
the near future you will come visit us in person!
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