Pribilof Island Logbook, St. George Island
1/1882 - 2/1882
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Logbook contains information concerning sealing activities on the Pribilof Islands, the weather, activities of the Alaska Native (Aleut) population, and deliveries of supplies by U.S. government vessels.
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277
1882
Jan1. – The year opened with a threatening morning, west wind with snow but cleared off before noon. The afternoon was clear and pleasant the night delightfully calm and clear with full moon.
After church on New Years day the natives young and old continued to string in and out of the Government house till 3 P.M. In the evening Mr Redpath acting agent of the A. C. Co gave a dance, continuing till half past 10 in the school house.
Jan 4. – Issued 2,200 pounds of coal to the natives.
Jan 6. -- Russian Christmas. The ceremonies commence with church services at 5 o’clock last evening. The Church was brilliantly illuminated and numerous candles shone in some windows of the natives’ houses many of which have recently been newly papered within for the holidays. Today there were church services three times, commencing at 1 a. m. Most of the people having been up all of last night. This evening the serenaders came around carrying illuminated, revolving stars, commemorative of the stellar guide which led the magi to the manger at Bethlehem.
Meterologically this day was one of the pleasantest of the winter thus far—scarce
a flutter of air and a steady temperature just at the freezing point.
Jan. 7-- More Christmas- church services in the morning and star troupe serenades in the evening. There were more crimson and white banners and lanterns and a greater number of girls and young women in the troupes tonight. Today the weather was again serene.
Jan. 8 Christmas and calm weather closed today after about four days of each. A S. W. storm commenced just before midnight. Since the fine weather set in a cruise night have been made in an open boat to St. Paul and return or even to Ounalaska safely and almost comfortably.
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278
1882
Jan 9.-- The serene stars were succeeded by a driving snow storm from the S. W. in the morning by many masqueraders and a dance in the school house at night when the weather was again calm and clear.
[circled] Jan. 14.-- As the people found the school house unsatisfactory for masquerading the Government house was opened for them on the nights of the 10th, 11th, 12th for that purpose. Last night the New Year festivities closed the principal festival being the Aleut dance to tomtoms opened by the old men and woman, after which the young people participated. Firing guns, discharging rockets and kissing all round signalized the beginning of the Russsian New Year, yesterday
Today issued 2,200 pounds of coal to natives.
Jan. 16. – School which closed on the 5th inst for Russian holidays reopened today.
Jan 18. – Sophia, aged 3 years, daughter of Fevronia Merculiff (widow) died tonight of scrofula.
Jan. 20. –The burial of Fevronia Merculiff’s little girl took place today.
Jan. 24. – Issued 2,200 pounds coal to natives. A mild, misty spring like day Tem 38 40 36 = 38
Jan. 27. – Androvic Resanzoff reports seeing one small seal in the water at East End supposed to be a pup accidently left behing.
Jan. 31. – The weather for this month was characterized by 26 days on which rain or snow, or both fell. High winds from the south and modified the temperature. During the month there were hurricanes, 8 gales & 7 very strong winds which would pass for gales in a steady climate The wind was southerly on 21 days northerly on 5. Highest recorded temperature 40; highest mean for a day 38. Lowest record 20. Lowest mean for a day 23. Mean for month 34.3. The immense snow drifts created in December were nearly all cut away by the wind and rain during this month.
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1882
February 2. – Issued 2,200 pounds of coal to natives.
Groundhog day commences with delightful weather which turned to a ferocious N.W. snow storm.
Feb. 10. – A Phenomenally fine day--clear and calm but cool with thermometer going up from 18 to 29 between breakfast and lunch. Snow on St. Paul hills was visible from high point on St. George.
Feb. 12. – Issued 2,200 pounds coal to the natives.
Feb. 13. – Weak of coasting previous to Lent commenced with a clear but cold day, fair sledding on cemetery hill and a lively turnout.
Feb. 15. – A southerly gale and driving rain put a stop to antLent sledding the thermometer standing about 40 and water from melting running from every hill.
Feb. 18. – The coasting carnival did not recover from the collapse of Tuesday night
14th inst. When the rain set in. Today terminated a week of generally moderate temperature but high winds.
Zahar Oustigoff’s sugar privilege was this day suspended for the third time since last July but in consequence of his explanations and promises this was revoked.
Feb. 20. – The Thermometer made lowest record today for the winter thus far ranging from 12 to 15 with a mean of 14 –above zero. But the sensation of cold, with a strong North wind blowing, suggested a temperature far below zero.
Feb. 22. – Issued 2,200 pounds coal to the natives.
Washington’s birthday was signalized by calm pleasant weather with the temperature from 32 to 36.
Feb. 28. – Issued 2,200 pounds of coal to natives.This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
National Archives Identifier:
297030Full Citation: Pribilof Island Logbook, St. George Island; 1/1882 - 2/1882; Records of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Record Group 22. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/4-pribilof-island-logbook-st-george-island, March 29, 2024]