Wiseman Photo Gallery by Henk Binnendijk at pbase.com

Wiseman

Wiseman (pop. 30) sprang up around 1907, long before the trans-Alaska pipeline and the Dalton Highway were constructed in the 1970s.
Dog sleds, horses and bush planes were used to reach the outside world. Gold was discovered in nearby Nolan Creek and the town became
a supply center for miners in the upper Koyukuk Valley. Wiseman’s heyday came in 1910 after gold seekers abandoned Coldfoot, 13 miles south.
The town was first called Wrights, then Nolan, and finally Wiseman in 1923.
Wiseman is located 75 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the Brooks Range, at 1,180 ft. elevation in a valley.
The town features thirty original historic cabins and log structures (all privately owned and still in use) from the gold rush area,
a Historic Museum with old miner’s journals and old photo’s, and a chapel named after Florence Jonas-Kalhabuk, the last full Eskimo resident.
She passed away in Wiseman in 1979 at the age of 82. A nearby mountain was named in her honor.
Winter temperatures in Wiseman can be extremely cold, -50 to -70 at times in January and February.
There is a total loss of sunlight between December 5 and January 9. High temperatures occasionally reach 90.
Individual generators are used for power; some residents use propane lights.

Old post office	Wiseman	Moose antlers pole	Wiseman bridge	Historical Museum
Wolf hunter's cabin	Wiseman wood	Log cabin	Wiseman wood	Wiseman wood
Wiseman patriot	Kalhabul log chapel	Trading Company	Wiseman	Wiseman
Wiseman	Koyukuk River	Boreal Lodge	Dalton Highway	Dalton Highway

comment

Ron		06-Sep-2019 02:10
When I was in the army in Fairbanks Myself and another soldier had the opportunity to Guide 2 military men on a 3 week hunt where we stayed in Wiseman and Slept in the post office for a few days that is sinking now Seeing that now brings back a lot of memories we ,There was a Bush pilot that lived there he flew us up north where he left us for a week or ten days I forget we shot Sheep and Caribou I got a wolf ,There was a bounty on them then Stalked a Grisly never got a shot Never will forget the Graying fishing every cast had a hit .

Guest		24-Jan-2017 18:40
The Dictionary of Alaska Place Names, Geological Survey Professional Paper 367, by Donald Orth ties the town's name to nearby Wiseman Creek. According to Orth, Robert Marshall, a federal forester made a number of trips in the Koyukuk drainage. A map he produced after a survey in 1931 had numerous unpublished names that had been used for many years by locals, both Native Alaskans and more recent arrivals. Specifically, Orth notes that Wiseman Creek was "a "Local name shown on an 1899 fieldsheet by T.G. Gerdine, USGS. Orth goes on that as mining activity in 1911 started to increase in the vicinity Wiseman and Nolan creeks people moved from Coldfoot to the vicinity of a roadhouse at the mouth of Wiseman Creek where the town soon developed. It was first called "Wrights" after the owners of the roadhouse and later Nolan after 2 gold bearing creek. The Post Office established in 1909 carried the name Nolan until it was officially changed to Wiseman in 1923. This URL will take you to a State of Alaska community database with lots of info about Wiseman and about 330 other communities in the Great Land. https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/dcra/DCRAExternal/community

Dennis		25-Jun-2015 20:59
Guest, try this: jukebox.uaf.edu/haul_road/assets/docs/sw_wiseman_study.pdf

Guest		17-Jun-2015 05:25
I have read almost every coment and data pertaining to this website about this place called "Wiseman" but I can't find any information on how the town got such a name. It's obviously named after someone, but who? It seems like an important piece of history that's been left out. I love genealogy and do a lot of research; that's how I stumbled across this page. My last name (maiden) is Wiseman so I am especially interested. If anyone can answer my question I would sure be grateful!

Patrick Bittel		16-Dec-2014 22:36
30 June 2014 - that was our big day. Visiting Wiseman. Great weather, impressive village and an even more impressive place to live. The real Alaska! I am still speechless and ask myself if I should ever come back. Best regards from Switzerland. Patrick and Claudia

Margaret		16-Jul-2012 17:36
I will be in Wiseman during mid-September, 2012. I am wondering what type of clothing should I bring to wear. We will be doing hiking and generally checking out the Brooks Range area during out stay. Our overnights will be in Wiseman.

Maryann Neumann		08-Mar-2012 16:42
Hi, I am looking for info on Sam and Cora Dubin. Cora was my great great aunt. I think it was in Wiseman that Sam had a paddle boat on the Koyukuk, The Teddy J, Also, Sam had trading posts in Anchorage, Faidbanks and Wiseman. Sam was burned very bad due to a fire in the trading post in Wiseman. I would like to comfirm these facts and maybe get dates, of the fire etc. I thank you for your time and any info you may be able to tell me. Maryann

Barb		15-Jan-2012 18:42
Hi Jack, My husband just asked me if I wanted to book a tour to Wiseman. I told him if he got me some warm clothing!!! It is 12 degrees here in Nashua, NH and we were just thinking of our trip to Alaska this past June and how cold it must be there right now!!! We so enjoyed our trip, especially our tour of Wiseman. It was one of the highlights of our trip and we would love to go back someday with our grandchildren. We hope you are well. Stay warm! Have a wonderful New Year! Sincerely, Barbara Brown

Paul		04-Jan-2012 02:06
I just watched a documentary about Alaska, and would LOVE to visit Wiseman sometime. It was amazing. And I would also like to meet Jack Reakoff

Jack Reakoff		10-Mar-2011 04:46
This is Jack Reakoff again, I do not come over to this site very often. I see there are several people that have visited Wiseman since I was last here. I have a facebook page under my name. I post all kinds of photos from our lives here in the Arctic and Wiseman. I am so happy almost every one that finds this site has enjoyed their trip to Wiseman...

R J Dufresne		26-Dec-2010 19:43
My wife and I visited Wiseman in late August, 2010. A real experience.

Cody Boucher		23-Nov-2010 21:38
I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks a year over several summers back in the early eighties in Wiseman. I still think of my time there off and on and would love to return. I really enjoyed the photos that you have posted here on your page and would love to see more. thank you Cody

donna morang		28-Sep-2010 22:50
To Jim, I knew Earl Boese in fact we mined with him on Linda Creek the summer of 71. If you'd like to contact me it is donnamorang@yahoo.com

reg ellery		17-Sep-2010 16:30
Mr Reakoff as per below message I came through on a tour inmay 2009, I am a knife maker and was interested in the knives you use while out in the wilderness. I was a bit bashfull to ask at the time. I would appreciate it if you could post a couple of digital images on this page or to my email rellery@iinet.net.au alternativly if you could refer me to any other sites where those images would be. I am interested in what a real bushman uses not the weekend camper.

Rosemary Bishop		10-Aug-2010 23:37
Greetings from Baltimore Maryland, Jack. My Husband Bill, son Lee and Daughter-in-law Jane enjoyed meeting you, learning about life in Wiseman on a day when it was 86 degrees, we all wore mosquito netting hats while you talked and swatted killer mosquitos with an electric badminton racket. We were amazed to learn that you have many of modern day comforts - a computer with facebook interaction, cell phone, freezers, generators along with many mounted animals that you've hunted. What a great modern history lesson. I too have talked about our visit to meet you as the highlight of our trip to Alaska (June 30, 2010)

William Whalley		26-Jul-2010 15:07
Wonderful photos. Thanks. My grandfather, Frank Whalley, was one of the discoverers of gold on Nolan Creek. He mined there until about 1920. In 1908 he married a sister-in-law of Gordon Bettles, founder of Bettles. They lived first at Nolan Creek and later in Wiseman. My father, William Whalley was born in Nolan Creek in 1909. Besides mining, Frank ran a freighting business from Bettles to Wiseman, using horse-drawn flatboats.

Guest		05-Jul-2010 20:08
I was there in late May of this year. Really enjoyed all the information about your life there. I hope your garden and special potatos are prospering. What a great trip this was and a delight to meet you. Sam Brentnall Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Joan Parkinson		20-Jun-2010 06:42
HI Jack We were part of the group that visited on Jun 18th. We want to thank you so much for opening our home to us and providing the entertaining and informative visit. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Barry and Joan Parkinson

Jeff Buxton		10-Mar-2010 16:28
Jack, my wife and I met you in 2007. You were kind enough to show the other tourists and us through Wiseman and your home. I was completely fascinated. I also noticed wolf, coyote and I think fox skins hanging near the entrance door. Do sell/ship them and can you tell me the price ranges, particulary a wolf skin. Thank you, Jeff

LInda Bailey		18-Oct-2009 18:51
Hello Jack, My Granddaughter and I visited this summer, (July, 2009) and it was one of the highlights of our trip to Alaska. I have shared the information we learned from you with my classes here in Houston. In Houston, we are still feeling the heat, I keep finding myself checking on the temp where you are. I hope you continue to hold your tours, I have advised several people to go and meet with you. Best Wishes, Linda Bailey

Bill		17-Aug-2009 22:39
Hi Jack, I was in Wiseman Aug. 9th, 2009 and I have to say for anyone thinking of making the trip that it was one of the highlights of my time in Alaska. Jack is on of the most interesting people you will ever meet and the 2 hours spent there seemed like 20 minutes.

Karen Carpenter		13-Aug-2009 00:54
Hello Jack, Greetings from Martins Ferry, Ohio. My husband & I took the tour to your home and village during the summer solstice. Thank you for opening your home and lifestyle to us. The time we spent in Wiseman flew by and we wished we had more time to chat and discover your area. I'm not exactly a hiker, but I felt the urge to just get out in the open and enjoy the area. I am coming back and I am going to see more! Thoughtfully, Karen and Larry Carpenter karen.l.carpenter@comcast.net

Guest		18-Jun-2009 15:53
Mr. Reakoff.. My wife and I had the opportunity to visit Wiseman on 4 June, 2009 and thoroughly enjoyed your presentation and hospitality. What a wonderful experience !!. We live in the woods in Virginia, about 10 miles from the nearest traffic signal. Its somewhat isolated by Virginia standards, but nothing compared to the isolation of living in Wiseman. The lifestyle you have chosen is truly an inspiration to us all. We wish you the very best in all of your future endeavors, and may you continue to find comfort and happiness in a land only a few are lucky enough to visit. Best regards, Jim and Pauline Crawl

Bonnie Towle		13-Jun-2009 16:40
I too was in Wiseman recently, June 3, 2009. Our group took a tour to Wiseman and I have to agree it was the highlight of my trip. Meeting Jack was great. He is such a gracious host and walking through the neighborhood was wonderful. In the rat races of today, Wiseman is a wonderful place to find peace. It is so beautiful in Alaska. I live in San Diego and we are in a drought, so seeing all the green in Alaska was amazing. Meeting people like Jack filled my visit with memories I hope to never forget. I look forward to coming back. The best meal we had the whole 2 weeks was at the inn in Coldfoot! It even beat out the food on the cruise ship. Thanks Jack for sharing your home and your way of life with us. Bonnie Towle, San Diego, CA

Reg Ellery		11-Jun-2009 02:21
Mr Reakoff I was at your morning talk on the 27th May 2009 with my wife Cheryl, we enjoyed it very much and would have loved to stay and learnt more of the history and lifestyle. It was a highlight of our trip. Thank you Reg Ellery Western Australia rellery@iinet.net.au

D Wiseman		25-May-2009 11:29
Greetings from South Florida. ---A nice warm story, Douglas Wiseman

Jack Reakoff		13-May-2009 05:06
Hi visitors to this site; I am Jack Reakoff and live in Wiseman. I just bumped into this site and see people with lots of questions. Dr. Danforth is buried in the Wiseman cemetery, just north west of the village. The cabin he lived in is still standing and is occupied. ....The Vaughan Green Cabin is not in any of these photos. It is still standing and is a beautiful cabin for it's age. ....I knew Earl Boese when I was a Kid here. He had a super cub air plane and would fly into Wiseman to meet the mail plane, twice a month. He was an adamant hater of wolves. He stopped flying when the Hual Road or now called the Dalton Highway was built in 1974. ........ Clutch and Lorna still come for a few days in the summer for the American Leagion 4th of july party that they host. Clutch has retired and stays busy building on his house in Fairbanks and ice sculpture projects. ...... Ross Harry is deceased and is buried in the Wiseman cemetery, since 1975. His wife Peggy moved to LA several years ago and has sold their cabin here. Harry Lenard, Charlie Break, Florence Jonas, and Ross Brockman are all passed on now. My mom June is the elder of the community now at 75 years old. ..... My wife Kristin and i are well. She works for USFWS at Coldfoot, and I hunt for meat, cut wood for heat, trap in the winter to sell furs, and in the summer I still work with Northern Alaska Tour Co. doing tours of Wiseman. It is still a Great Country with few people that are willing to tough out seven months of very cold weather, and lack of sun. It is diferant than the days of Bob Marshal, but not too different.

Ray Wilson		03-May-2009 15:47
In 1963-1964 I was a teacher in Bettles Field, Alaska. The bush pilot in Bettles used to deliver mail to Wiseman and Anaktuvuk Pass. Very often he would come by the house and say, "Be my company. I am sick of looking at clouds." So I was often in Wiseman. I never knew anyone there, but at this date in the 60's there were just eight men living in Wiseman. There were two factions in the village. No one from one faction spoke or had anything to do with someone from the other faction. The amusing thing was that when the bush pilot delivered mail he had to deliver it in two bags, one bag for each faction. When Wisman sent out mail it was always sent out in two bages,one mail sack for each faction. I am glad to see that Wiseman has kind of revived with 21 for a population. Robert Marshall in his book Arctic Village said about Wiseman that it was 'the happiest civilization of which I have knowlege.' After twenty years of the Arctic life myself, I fully agree with Marshall's opinion.

Bill Boehm		23-Apr-2009 03:23
July of 2009 there is going to be a music fest held in Wiseman. Pat Fitzgerald and Robin Ford, musicians from Fairbanks, are among many that will be attending. It will prove to be a glorious time. Perhaps Eight (8) ball will be able to talk his cousin Bob Dylan into coming. Perhaps Charlotte and Pat from Texas can get their cousin Willie Nelson to come up. I know Lorna will be fiddlin. Wish I could be there. Bill B.

Dean		06-Apr-2009 06:37
Thank you for posting these photos of Wiseman. My great-great-grandfather was a doctor named Clarence Danforth who left his wife and kids behind in Marysville, California, in 1898 and went north to Alaska. He shot and killed himself in a cabin in Wiseman in April of 1919. His son Roy, who was my great-grandfather, grew up to become an editor and music critic for the Oakland (California) Tribune. If you have any information about Dr. Danforth (or especially photos), please contact me.

Guest		02-Mar-2009 00:23
Hi Jack, my brother, his son and I visited you late August 2007. I put together a video and I was wondering if you would like a copy of it. Just let me know your mailing address via my email address at pgoerig@charter.net Thank you, Peter

Guest		17-Feb-2009 05:19
Jack: I was very pleased to see a memory come to life in thesae pages. I enjoyed all your comments and will review them again. You are like an onion: Many , many layers. I will never really know you but you will always be special. Thank you for your abiding friendship. Flo Kenney and family down here in Juneau.

KAREN HELMS		23-Jan-2009 03:59
HELLO FROM GEORGIA. COUSIN KAREN

Robert Green		30-Dec-2008 20:19
My Grandfather, Vaughan Green, was the US Marshal in Wiseman back in the 30's, my Father was born there and had the opportunity to stay in the cabin he was born in back in the late 80's or early 90's. I don't know if one of the pictures on this page is the Vaughan Green cabin, does anyone know? I hope one day to travel to Wiseman to experience what my dad was talking about first hand. If you want to learn more about Wiseman, pick up a copy of Artic Village by Robert Marshall, buried in that book are several pictures of my grandfather and grandmother.

jim		27-Nov-2008 06:19
I had a great uncle who mined gold near wiseman- his name was Earl Boese. He died in 1977- if anyone knew him- I be interested in hearing from you

Sharon and Brian Baechtle		24-Jul-2008 16:36
My husband and I had the pleasure of traveling to Wiseman last week and met Jack Reakoff. The experience was one of the highlights of our trip to Alaska. Jack did mention that he does have internet access but it is 14K speed! And he was in recent receipt of a hand held bug zapper that was continously working during his presentation. It trully was a life changing event to understand and see first hand how this community lives. Thank you for the beautiful pictures of Wiseman.

Kent Walton		09-Jun-2008 05:23
My wife, Carolyn, and I spent a delightful evening in Wiseman on June 11, 2006. Our tour of the area by Jack Reikoff was wonderful (he is very informative), but we didn't see another soul in town that night. Loved the museum, all the old artifacts, and playing with Sawyer, the local mascot. Could have done w/o some of the flies, but would love to return again someday. I wonder if Jack ever got his high speed internet, and convinced them to sell him a AAA membership. It's a long way to the nearest mechanic.

Carolyn/Sonny Bailey		16-Nov-2007 18:14
My husband & I motorhomed thru Alaska the summer of 2004; a side trip out of Fairbanks was a trip to Wiseman with 3 of our friends. We stayed in a "gold miners tent" at the cabin of Lorna & Clutch Lounsberry. It had been a new venture for Lorna & we enjoyed it immensely. We did not get to meet Clutch as he was away in Fairbanks but Lorna was a delight. We walked the village and stopped at Jack Reakoff's cabin. He is as most everyone knows extremely cordial and interesting to speak with. We went to the little church where Jack's mom is the pastor and she was nice to talk to as well. We shall always cherish this trip and hope to return one day. It was a very different, delightfully unusual trip "back in time." Lorna cooked us some moose sausage & we enjoyed her barbershop chairs to relax in. Looking at the comments, it seems Lorna & Clutch has gone up one better with a log cabin. Hope we'll get to stay there again one day; thanks guys for a great time.

Gaile McLamb		18-Sep-2007 01:37
My husband and I were privileged to be in Wiseman for a short visit. How I wish we could have had more time. It is a delightful place ... but Jack Richoff added much to our visit! He is a wealth of knowledge and most kind to open up his home so that others might see the Arctic way of life! Truly I would love to return to Wiseman sometime. God bless all the residents of this lovely little Arctic village.

Dan Beck		24-Aug-2007 20:09
My girlfriend and I just got back from our trip in Alaska, and we were fortunate enough to visit Wiseman after an overnight stay in Coldfoot. We met Jack and he told us about the village's history, including the book "Arctic People" by Robert Marshall which is about Wiseman and the surrounding area from the 1930's. Jack is a wealth of knowledge, and we feel honored in meeting him. I think his email address was Wisemanwolf@Aol.com. I know he sells hides of Sheep, Wolf, Bear and other large game that he hunts. I would love to go back in late march or early april to see the Northern Lights. He says it is the best place in the world to view them.

David Williamson		06-Jul-2007 02:28
My fiancee and I are planning out honeymoon through Wiseman via the Dalton next summer. If anyone knows of nice people in the Wiseman - from the comments I have read on line they are all nice - who will give us some hospitality we will bring a supper that can't be beat and the wine. We are both chefs so I am sure we could turn out a nice meal. Can't wait to get up there.

susan		02-Apr-2007 04:45
My husband and I just got back from Wiseman last week. We had the pleasure of meeting Jack. We were staying in Coldfoot and went to Jack's cabin to view the Northern Lights which were awesome. Jack is so fascinating and is well known all around the area and in Fairbanks. He shared his stories and moose meat. I am not sure his last name but will never forget him.

Bill Boehm		18-Dec-2006 04:26
On the 14th of July 2006, my wife and I drove to Alaska by way of Cassiar Hwy and Dawson City, Y.T. We visited with her aunt and four cousins that live in Fairbanks. We then drove north towards Prudhoe Bay. We spent the first night in our car at Coldfoot. The next two nights were spent in a brand new two story log cabin in Wiseman. Our hosts were Lorna and "Clutch" Lounsberry. Great people! We also met "Eight-ball", owner of the Trading Post, and resident Jerry King, and Charlotte and Pat Yates from Texas. We had a magnificient time visiting with newfound friends and enjoying the remarkable scenery. We hope to return soon. OUr thanks to Lorna and Clutch. Bill and Sandy

Marcus		23-Sep-2006 02:24
I used to live in Wiseman during the summer for quite a few years. I miss it there. I remember Jack Richoff and his family well. It seems as though everything hasn't changed much since I was last there. I was there 6 years ago. My father was Mike McCann. I hope everybody is doing well. Whoever is hosting this web site, if you can contact Jack Richoff, let him know this is Marcus and I plan on coming back up to hopefully stay for good in a few years. It would be nice to see everybody again. Marcus

Jain F		19-Sep-2006 05:50
I was there this month and met Jack Richoff, I hope that is spelled right, who is a charming and intelligent man who subsists off the land. He had just killed a moose and was preparing the meat for winter storage. The post office is still sinking. Mr. Richoff said he had raised four children at Wiseman and is actively involved in conservation activities. His new wife was not in evidence. she is the Post Mistress at Coldfoot. It was a fascinating visit. JF

Lou Chiara		12-Sep-2006 03:11
I hunted Dall Sheep there in the summer of 1973 and stayed for a while in the cabin of Ross Harry and Peggy Burke. I wonder what became of both of them. Can anyone tell me? And I remember Mrs. Jonas, Harry Brock, Harry Leonard, Charlie Breck, a guide named Richoff, even though my total time in the area was about a month of which much was spent hunting. The pipeline construction was just months away. I can't imagine how it must have changed Wiseman and so abruptly.

click on thumbnails for full image

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment