Aunt Phil's Trunk: Volume Two Bringing Alaska's History Alive by Laurel Downing Bill is the second in the four-book series that delves into the rich and deep history of Alaska. Volume two takes us into the new century, covering the history of Alaska from 1900-1912 and has another full array of stories and almost 350 photographs to go with them. This volume introduces us to vaudeville character actors who entertained gold-laden miners, and bring us into the way disputes were solved with shotguns in the days of Alaskan wilderness. These stories go right up through the volcanic eruption of 1912 that terrified everyone in the area.

This is another fantastic volume in the series and I found myself once again loving every single story that was shared. My personal favorite was that of Eustace Ziegler but every single one has value and adds to the book. You get a sense of Alaska and how diverse her people are and what they have gone through. Yes, Alaska is part of the United States, but it is so much more and the stories and history shared give you that deep look and show you its diversity and strength. Laurel Downing Bill has a talent for putting the stories and pictures together in a way that ensures the reader will get the most enjoyment out of the book. I think anyone who has even a passing interest in Alaska or history will fall in love with this series the way I have. A high recommendation for the second volume in the Bringing Alaska’s History alive series.

Aunt Phil’s Trunk Volume Two – Bringing Alaska’s History Alive by Laurel Downing Bill is a continuation of a series of books that detail the history of Alaska. Running from 1900 to 1912, Volume 2 covers an incredible amount of history. Following on from the great Gold Rush, this account follows the Vaudeville period, of how the actors spent their time entertaining the gold miners. Stories include those of the railwaymen who used guns to settle their disputes, early accounts of the criminals of Alaska and how the lawmen dealt with them – and of how, sometimes, the criminals were in fact those who were supposed to be protecting the law! It tells the story of how the mail route was built, of the Iditarod Trail, which is still used to this day, and it ends with a massive volcanic eruption in 1912 – the eruption that was responsible for the Valley of 10,000 Smokes.

Aunt Phil’s Trunk Volume Two by Laurel Downing Bill truly does bring Alaska’s history alive. Packed full of stories – all of which are true accounts – and accompanied by hundreds of amazing photographs, this is a book that no one could fail to enjoy. I am learning so much about this great country through this series of books and all of it just makes me want to visit Alaska even more than I did before. Laurel Downing Bill has done a wonderful job of pulling all this information together and bringing it to us in such a fascinating and enthralling way. I can’t wait for the next installment!

Laurel Downing Bill continues her story about Alaska in the series called Aunt Phil’s Trunk in Volume Two. The period 1900 - 1912 were years which brought significant changes in the development of Alaska. The contagious gold rush fever infected many prospectors who endured the savage cold while seeking a better future. While dedicated men toiled years searching for gold, others quickly gained prosperity providing goods and services to these miners. They included merchants, ferry captains and vaudeville entertainers. Towns rose where gold was found, and the introduction of the postal and railway systems helped form vital communication links. Judge James Wickersham was instrumental in creating Alaska’s judicial system, which was desperately needed as crime escalated. Other men with vision ventured further into the Yukon, which saw few white men. Their attempts to prove the Yukon stored riches paid off and prospectors soon settled there. Alaskan mountains attracted numerous daring climbers who wanted recognition for being the first to reach their icy peaks.

Laurel Downing Bill has documented another wonderful historical journey in this book filled with 350 fascinating photos to complement some of Alaska’s interesting historical facts and stories. Her family was a part of this rich heritage as they were early prospectors. The poet and artist, Robert Service lived here, capturing its beauty through poetry and paintings. I found the assorted stories interesting, but thought provoking, too. Politicians displayed their negative and positive influences in Alaska’s development. Aunt Phil’s Trunk: Volume Two is a thought-provoking and informative book that will captivate both younger and older readers.

The history of Alaska comes alive once more in Aunt Phil’s Trunk Volume 2. Compiled from the countless notes and research done by her late aunt, Phyllis Downing Carlson, and her own painstaking researching, Laurel Downing Bill has once again created a fascinating account of Alaska’s history and the characters that made it the state it is today. Aunt Phil’s Trunk Volume 2 starts out where Volume 1 left off, with the gold rush in Alaska, and continues through to the eruption of Katmai in 1912.

It is obvious that Laurel Downing Bill has channeled her aunt’s passion and love for Alaska. Aunt Phil’s Trunk Volume 2 has a heart that other history texts lack. Her intrigue, interest, and even the humor she finds in the events that have formed the great state of Alaska are infectious. Residents of Alaska can take great pride in the grand accounts that can be found in this book, while those who have never been there can get a glimmer of the beauty and antiquity that lies within its lands. As I said before with the first volume of this collection, Bill’s text is far from boring or stuffy, like many history books that often never get farther than offering the blandest of facts. It is instead an amusing read that allows readers to learn as they are being entertained.

Bill’s book is chock full of first person accounts and photographs, which allows the imagination of the reader to rebuild the landscape. I often found myself smiling at the motley of characters that braved the harsh wintry lands in order to settle Alaska. Once again, I highly recommend Aunt Phil’s Trunk by Laurel Downing Bill. It is a fascinating read that is sure to enthrall both scholars and casual readers alike.