Ketchikan Sites

The Village Watchman Poles are part of the structure of the clan house at Totem Bight. This is one of two identical posts that mark the corners the structure, flanking the entry facade. Sitting on the corner posts, a man figure wearing a spruce root hat and a crest design on his face, holds a cane and appears ready for a dance or potlatch. This pole was carved by Charles Brown at Totem Bight for the Civilian Conservation Corps restoration program. The photographic material published here by the Living New Deal was provided by courtesy of Linn A. Forrest (1905-1986), a practicing...

The Wandering Raven House Entrance Pole is the central totem that decorates the façade and marks the entrance of the clan house at Totem Bight. A 2013 Department of Natural Resources, Master Development Plan for Totem Bight describes the characteristics of the carving: “The pole against the front of the house is called Wandering Raven, named for the legendary Raven carved as the top figure. Raven can be recognized by his straight black beak. Underneath Raven and at his feet is a carved box containing daylight. Below a mink and a frog, the standing figure of a man, Natsihline, represents the...

"Among the many lighthouses designed and erected by the technical staff of the Bureau of Lighthouses is the one at Tree Point, Alaska, which is an interesting example of this type of work. The machinery equipment building forms the base of the tower and is 18 feet wide by 36 feet long. The tower itself is 13 by 13 feet and 58 feet high and is surmounted by a lantern having the usual lighting and signal equipment. The entire structure is built of reinforced concrete. The project consisted of two towers of similar design on the Alaska coast. They were...