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Go North, Young Man: Modern Homesteading in Alaska
In 1951, at the age of 25, Gordon Stoddard packed his bags and set out for the wilds of Alaska.
For the next four years he spent his life hunting, fishing, foraging and surviving in the bitter conditions of the Kenai Peninsula.
Like many veterans who returned from the Second World War, Stoddard had found civilian life too tame and wished to go on an adventure without the constraints of the modern world.
Stoddard arrived at his destination with a small pamphlet entitled “How to Build a Cabin” and within three days had constructed his home, insulated with cardboard cartons.
This book is a remarkable story of how Stoddard overcomes numerous obstacles, often with the assistance of his eccentric neighbors, in order to survive in this rugged wilderness.
Go North, Young Man: Modern Homesteading in Alaska is a fascinating account of one man’s journey into the Alaskan wilderness to begin life as a homesteader, away from the confusion and constrictions of the modern world.
Gordon Stoddard grew up in California where he spent his early years fishing, swimming, hunting, and growing vegetables. When the Second World War broke out he spent three years as a signalman on a sub-chaser in the South Pacific. His book Go North, Young Man: Modern Homesteading in Alaska which was first published in 1957 records four years of his life as a homesteader. He passed away in 2006.
For the next four years he spent his life hunting, fishing, foraging and surviving in the bitter conditions of the Kenai Peninsula.
Like many veterans who returned from the Second World War, Stoddard had found civilian life too tame and wished to go on an adventure without the constraints of the modern world.
Stoddard arrived at his destination with a small pamphlet entitled “How to Build a Cabin” and within three days had constructed his home, insulated with cardboard cartons.
This book is a remarkable story of how Stoddard overcomes numerous obstacles, often with the assistance of his eccentric neighbors, in order to survive in this rugged wilderness.
Go North, Young Man: Modern Homesteading in Alaska is a fascinating account of one man’s journey into the Alaskan wilderness to begin life as a homesteader, away from the confusion and constrictions of the modern world.
Gordon Stoddard grew up in California where he spent his early years fishing, swimming, hunting, and growing vegetables. When the Second World War broke out he spent three years as a signalman on a sub-chaser in the South Pacific. His book Go North, Young Man: Modern Homesteading in Alaska which was first published in 1957 records four years of his life as a homesteader. He passed away in 2006.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2019
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64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 6, 2018
This was a highly entertaining and interesting account of a young man homesteading in Alaska in the 1950s. After having reread the beloved book Tisha, I wanted to read more about Alaska and this book definitely satisfied that craving! while some of the descriptions of how he built a greenhouse or root cellar went over my head, there were plenty of interesting anecdotes and descriptions to keep me turning the pages.
February 18, 2022
Originally published in 1957 - this books tells about life as a homesteader in Alaska in the early 1950s
According to the Obituary and biography at the end of this book, Gordon Stoddard died in California in 2006 aged 82 years old. He had enlisted in the navy during WW2 and after the war, he headed for Alaska to become a homesteader. He lasted 3 years before his greenhouse burnt down and he lost all of the vegetables he planned on selling in order to survive the winter. He quit Alaska after just 3 winters.
If you want to know what the early days of Alaska settlement was like, you should read this book!! Stoddard writes a lot of details of how he built his cabins - he built 3 cabins/homes on his homestead property during the 3 years he was in Alaska. The only thing he really missed the most was companionship, or more specifically, a wife.
Gordon never married, but he did return to Alaska working mostly construction jobs over the next few decades.
According to the Obituary and biography at the end of this book, Gordon Stoddard died in California in 2006 aged 82 years old. He had enlisted in the navy during WW2 and after the war, he headed for Alaska to become a homesteader. He lasted 3 years before his greenhouse burnt down and he lost all of the vegetables he planned on selling in order to survive the winter. He quit Alaska after just 3 winters.
If you want to know what the early days of Alaska settlement was like, you should read this book!! Stoddard writes a lot of details of how he built his cabins - he built 3 cabins/homes on his homestead property during the 3 years he was in Alaska. The only thing he really missed the most was companionship, or more specifically, a wife.
Gordon never married, but he did return to Alaska working mostly construction jobs over the next few decades.
May 10, 2018
His treatment of his dogs and cats really ruined my enjoyment of this book. I don't think Stoddard should be allowed to have either, ever.
February 8, 2021
It was so nice to hear his voice again.
I grew up on a Homestead next to Gordon Stoddard in Stariski Creek,Ak. My Grandfather ended up buying the rest of his land in 1964 and we spent multiple generations side by side. I loved his green Army Jeep, His big yellow dog and kind gruff ways. The photo of Gordon checking his mail, is my bus stop as a child! Our homestead is gone Stariski is so changed. This was a wonderful trip back in time.
I grew up on a Homestead next to Gordon Stoddard in Stariski Creek,Ak. My Grandfather ended up buying the rest of his land in 1964 and we spent multiple generations side by side. I loved his green Army Jeep, His big yellow dog and kind gruff ways. The photo of Gordon checking his mail, is my bus stop as a child! Our homestead is gone Stariski is so changed. This was a wonderful trip back in time.
August 17, 2018
A Good Read
Gordon gives a great overview of his life homesteading in Alaska. I wished he'd have gone a little more in-depth but he gives enough that the story keeps your interest. Worth the time it takes to read.
Gordon gives a great overview of his life homesteading in Alaska. I wished he'd have gone a little more in-depth but he gives enough that the story keeps your interest. Worth the time it takes to read.
June 19, 2019
Every page gets better.
This book starts out good and keeps on getting better. I was surprised to read "About the author"...it's a true story! This made me appreciate th book even more.
This book starts out good and keeps on getting better. I was surprised to read "About the author"...it's a true story! This made me appreciate th book even more.
October 28, 2017
Refreshing book
I enjoyed this book. Lot’s of outdoor adventure and reading about the Alaskan homesteaders. Refreshing book. Would recommend to any outdoor enthusiast
I enjoyed this book. Lot’s of outdoor adventure and reading about the Alaskan homesteaders. Refreshing book. Would recommend to any outdoor enthusiast
April 19, 2018
Great Read
You really get the feeling of what it is like to be an Alaskan Homesteader.. what a wonderful read about an amazing sole.
You really get the feeling of what it is like to be an Alaskan Homesteader.. what a wonderful read about an amazing sole.
November 26, 2018
Stoddard did what so many of us want to do. He homesteaded in Alaska. What a life. And what a story. He's not a professional writer. But his story is worth your time
July 20, 2019
Good read
It is good read about how difficult and lonely homesteading can be. I liked his sense of humor. Too bad there was no more to the ending.
It is good read about how difficult and lonely homesteading can be. I liked his sense of humor. Too bad there was no more to the ending.
December 18, 2020
Good book
May 27, 2021
Truly enjoyed this book!
January 2, 2022
great book
Really creates an authentic impression of the loneliness beauty community and freedom of the Kenai Penninsular.
The photographs are brilliant
Really creates an authentic impression of the loneliness beauty community and freedom of the Kenai Penninsular.
The photographs are brilliant
June 15, 2019
Living the dream!!
A true blue story of a young man starting his Alaskan adventure. Absolutely excellent read that kept me hooked from start to finish!
A true blue story of a young man starting his Alaskan adventure. Absolutely excellent read that kept me hooked from start to finish!
February 4, 2017
Found this to be an enjoyable and quick read. Its very plain, and surprisingly positive-the author is, on the whole, an upbeat character. Alot of these books focus on the drama and include far too much religion for my taste, but this one whisks you through easily without too much reference to danger. In fact there is surprisingly little reference to bears or near death experiences. Its not the best book I've read of this type, but its by far from the worst!
December 12, 2016
The making of a " Real Alaskan
This book was delightfully written by a young man with a taste for adventure, a delightful sense of humor and a strong back!
I enjoyed every chapter of this book and found myself laughing out loud at his adventures in homesteading and his own assessments of his capabilities or lack there of!
I was rooting for him every step of the way and was delighted at each of his successes. I was also drawn into the failures he suffered and wanted him to recover or succeed so much!
Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful book. You will make a new friend named Stoddard!
This book was delightfully written by a young man with a taste for adventure, a delightful sense of humor and a strong back!
I enjoyed every chapter of this book and found myself laughing out loud at his adventures in homesteading and his own assessments of his capabilities or lack there of!
I was rooting for him every step of the way and was delighted at each of his successes. I was also drawn into the failures he suffered and wanted him to recover or succeed so much!
Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful book. You will make a new friend named Stoddard!
December 1, 2019
Maybe I'll move...
Very engaging tale of a man chasing his dream, the writer presents an honest and humorous chronicle of his homesteading experience. The authors love of landscape, wildlife, and ambition to become part of all that defines an Alaskan hold the tale of hard work, disappointment, deprivation together. Perfect for the arm chair explorer.
Very engaging tale of a man chasing his dream, the writer presents an honest and humorous chronicle of his homesteading experience. The authors love of landscape, wildlife, and ambition to become part of all that defines an Alaskan hold the tale of hard work, disappointment, deprivation together. Perfect for the arm chair explorer.
September 22, 2019
Excellent entertainment
Stoddard is a classic. A relic. An American storyteller. Very enjoyable read! I wonder what he would think of his book appearing in digital format? After all, when he left Alaska electricity was only just making it to his town....
Stoddard is a classic. A relic. An American storyteller. Very enjoyable read! I wonder what he would think of his book appearing in digital format? After all, when he left Alaska electricity was only just making it to his town....
January 9, 2017
It transports you to Alaska
Good reading and it makes you feel you are in the woods of Alaska, nice to get away in your mind
Good reading and it makes you feel you are in the woods of Alaska, nice to get away in your mind
September 15, 2019
What a captivating read, it kept drawing me onward. It was an accurate depiction of how Alaskans related to one another 30 years later, when I was there. Cant recommend it enough.
December 16, 2019
Excellent read! Really captured the feel of community in rural Alaska.
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June 22, 2018Not extraordinarily exciting, but an interestingly enough take on one man's experience in home-steading in Alaska. I'm always intrigued with those.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews