Summary: | Alaska Looks Like Paradise To Colonists. ALASKA LOOKS LIKE PARADISE TO COLONISTS PALMER, Alaska, May 11. —(U.R)—An advancing civilization invaded the virgin Matanuska river valley today as 67 farm families oriented themselves in new homes in the "land of the midnight sun." Routed from their denuded Minnesota homes by the uncompromising pall of drouth and depression, the newcomers occupied white tents constructed for them as temporary dwellings until more comfortable homes may be established. They will attempt to forge a thriving farm colony within the five years allotted by the government for their venture to aucceed—or fail. HEAVEN "This looks like heaven." said John Kerttula, his thoughts returning to his abandoned farm on drouth stricken plains of Minnesota. Children of the party shouted gleefully and scampered about the neat camp, exploring the trails winding through the unkempt trees and wild growth of the green valley. The' children virtually had forgotten the first disappointment experienced when they failed to find reindeer and Eskimos roaming about. MOSQUITOES Mosquitoes presented the colonists their most aggravating problem. The insects abound in the damp climatic conditions of the valley's summer season. Tents of the colony were screened and workers must wear heavy nettings suspended from their hats to protect their faces. The party arrived here last night, weary after a 150-mile journey by train from Seward. They ate a late supper provided from the commissary of a CCC camp, advance guard of the colonists' pilgrimage. DAYLIGHT Daylight still was reflected from the snow-capped mountains rimming the valley as the settlers ate their first meal on the site of their new homes. By 10 p. m., shortly after dusk had crept across the valley, lights had flickered out. and quiet mantled the sleeping settlement.
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