Ray Bonnell
A Creek, a Hill & a Forty is a firsthand narrative of the early years of Alaska’s Matanuska Colony-with the story told through the personal letters of one colonist, Margaret Miller. Margaret, along with her husband and three daughters, emigrated to Alaska as a colonist in May 1935. She was an erudite and talented writer, and after arriving in Alaska, Margaret wrote weekly multi-page letters to her mother back in Wisconsin-letters that her mother kept-letters that form the core of this book.Uncolored by the passage of time, Margaret’s letters reflect colony life as it happened. Her experiences may not be those of every colonist, but, through her eyes can be seen some of their fears and motivations, some of their struggles and accomplishments. Including three maps and 60 photographs, A Creek, a Hill & a Forty is an enjoyable read that provides a glimpse into the lives of the colonists, as well as insights into the colony’s development.
