By Robert G. Walker
March 23, circa 1956
Muskegon Chronicle
While most area residents still were shivering in the grip of winter weather today, a former Muskegon Heights High School student was making preparations to return to his job with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the "frozen north."
But according to Alan Courtright, who has served with the federals service in Alaska two years, Muskegon's weather yesterday would be "something unusual" even in some sections of the northern territory.
"Local residents were not far from the truth when they described it as 'hardly fit for an Eskimo'," he declares. "Of course the weather in some sections of Alaska usually is much more severe, but in other areas it is comparatively mild, even at this time of the year."
The young federal employee expects to leave this weekend for Anchorage, headquarters for one of the many stations maintained by the fish and wildlife service in Alaska. A biologist for the federal service in the Anchorage area, Mr. Courtright is the son of A. M. Courtright, a Heights high school teacher. His parents live at 2436 Jefferson street.
Describing Alaska, he declares it is the most beautiful country imaginable, particularly during the summer months. In his work, Mr. Courtright spends weeks at a time in the outdoors, often miles from the nearest community. His work would arouse the envy of most outdoorsmen. Much of it involves the banding of waterfowl, investigation of feeding conditions for game and the general supervision of wildlife.
Our only problem is with the variety of bears which inhabit the area, particularly the larger grizzlies," he explains. "A number of federal service employees have had difficulty with these animals. Fortunately, those I have encountered have headed in the opposite direction. Sometimes, however, they become vicious and will attack."
According to the former Heights resident, Anchorage has a total population of about 25,000 persons, although he explains many of its residents are service with the U.S. Army or Air Force. He declares this community has many job opportunities for civilians, mostly in construction. Wage rates are about 25 percent higher than in this country.
But Mr. Courtright's travels have not been confined to Alaska. About a week ago, he returned from a vacation trip to Europe.
"I had two months of leave of absence available and decided to go abroad. Cost of the trip was saved during my service in Alaska," he explains.
His journey abroad took him to France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. An ardent skier, he spent much of his time in the latter country enjoying this sport. While in Paris, he purchased a small British car which he will use on his trip to Anchorage, a distance of about 3,500 miles. He has advertised in The Chronicle for someone interested in sharing expenses on [the] trip but so far has been unsuccessful in finding a passenger.
Mr. Courtright started with the federal service in 1953, shortly after graduation from Utah College. He was graduated by Muskegon Heights High School in 1948.
"It's been wonderful to be back in Muskegon Heights visiting my family," he declares. "But I am looking forward to getting back to my work in Anchorage. Living in the wilderness for weeks at a time can be enjoyable in Alaska with the proper equipment and if you like the outdoors."