The site was established in 1903 as a roadhouse and trading point on the mail trail from Fairbanks & Nenana to Nome.
Tolovana was the first transfer point on the lifesaving "Serum Run to Nome" in 1925. This relay of dog teams carried the diphtheria antitoxin to Nome to halt the deadly diphtheria epidemic that took place over 675 miles in temperatures of -60F and colder - in five days! We highly recommend the book "The Cruelest Miles" by Gay Salisbury and Laney Salisbury. It is an accurate and excellent account of this incredible achievement.
Tolovana Roadhouse is the last remaining Roadhouse of that time period on the Nenana-Nome Mail Trail. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 after extensive restoration by Doug Bowers - the former owner. He and his wife Becky lived at the roadhouse for several years.
The Roadhouse was purchased in April 2010 by Leslie Goodwin/ Paws for Adventure and Dave Williams/ Iron Dog Adventures. Our plan is to keep the hospitality alive and share the history of this unique piece of Alaska with our guests. Rather than just a 'place to visit', we hope to one day spend quality time living the good life it has to offer. Once again it is undergoing some cleaning and restoration after some flooding in the break up of 2008. Paws and Irondog will offer multi-day tours to the site in spring 2011. Contact us for more information.
On a fishing trip, some friends and I stumbled upon this little gem at the mouth of the Tolovana. What an amazing site and landmark that carries so much history.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of roadhouses needs to be revisited. it is truly amazing to be running around on a not so beaten path, and stumble upon a great and welcoming space.
-make space
'Salcha boys'