This Side of the Past

Two questions were asked of Dick:
“Did the Mission Girls ever get to Twin Lakes?” That question was asked of a number of people, and helped prompt the writing of this book.
“Were the Mission Girls for real? Did they actually exist??” Dick had his own old-time answer for that particular question: “How does one dignify that question with an answer!” “Some people’s kids!!”

Read the intriguing accounts of Twin Lakes, boats, planes and pilots as well! See how the tapestry of life weaves together in the midst of isolation and caring concern year after year. Enjoy these people of Alaska’s Lake Country!

The Mission Girls, in Alaska since 1959 (Flo) and 1960 (Doris), were so named when pilot Babe Alsworth offered to fly them in to see Dick and his cabin at Twin Lakes. After a time of no-show, Dick and others began to wonder if that visit would ever take place. In time, Babe and his wife Mary moved to Hawaii—see THIS SIDE OF THE PAST—Volume I, Alaska’s Port Alsworth.
Babe’s grandsons stayed at Nondalton with Flo and Doris for first and second Grade. Babe would fly down and pick them up; bringing them back to Port Alsworth for the week-end—weather permitting. When flights and schedules permitted, he was able to take Dick along to pick up the boys—and possibly sit down for some of Flo’s great pop-corn snack. The conversation spilled over into occasional letters back and forth between Dick and the Mission Girls. A few of those letters were gathered up through the years, and now compiled for your enjoyment.