tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80421317887793995162024-03-13T20:08:53.327-07:00JorgyHolger "Jorgy" Jorgensen: a legendary Alaska bush pilot and air captainDeirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-10565926906384744982014-07-07T02:47:00.000-07:002014-07-07T02:47:26.801-07:00More on JorgyHere are a couple of items on Jorgy and his life that should be noted:<br />
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"<a href="http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/legends-alaska-aviation-holger-jorgensen">Legends in Alaska Aviation: Holger Jorgensen</a>," October 7, 2012, Alaska Dispatch.<br />
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<a href="https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/fai/local_more/Pilot_Infonews/biography/media/Jorgywebbio.pdf">Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award</a>, (pdf) 2006, Fairbanks Flight Standards District Office HonoreeDeirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-6863773937110575152014-07-07T02:34:00.000-07:002014-07-07T02:39:05.988-07:00Jorgy giving testimony at Murkowski spotlightHere's Jorgy in September 2012 talking about the incident at the Nome movie theatre that helped end segregation in Alaska:
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4c03-y7iiVg" width="560"></iframe>Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-85358245724338077372009-12-15T11:52:00.000-08:002009-12-15T12:00:27.758-08:00Another review of the bookFrom LibraryThing:<blockquote>One of the jobs I wanted to work at when I was younger was to be a Lighthouse Keeper, the other was to be a bush pilot. Never got to be either of them, but in Jorgy I get to at least read about what it would have been like to be a pilot in the wilds of alaska and canada. I have read a number of narratives like this, but I think this is one of the best. Captured therein is a sense of time and place that no one else but an experienced pilot of 85,000 hours of flight time could do. His time in the air extended from 1943 to 2001...an amazing accomplishment in my eyes...and in many a pilots experience. Reading Jorgy is a pleasure for me, his writing is like his flights...no fuss, no muss, quick and to the point. A great read!!<br /><br />—oldmanriver1951</blockquote>One point: Many of the reviewers mistake the writing for Jorgy's—Jean Lester is the actual writer, but Jorgy is the speaker. Lester took great care to keep his words and voice, but it is her narrative. That she is invisible to the reader is an amazing accomplishment, one that few memoir writers are able to do so well, and demonstrates just how good a writer she is.Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-4586377820755501052009-06-06T21:35:00.000-07:002009-06-06T21:56:49.315-07:00Jorgy and Jean Lester to participate in 3rd Annual Alaska Book Festival<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4Pcu0P8WCtRAmMROX2dIe8f5AkwjK1B6Huu6USCxUpoUot5SC6B9zov77qp3WSRtXUsiWCrUDrL3zoRsi4yiDPM3HFZAbT2K5Sxc9sG0Qimacaxpk5IZdhAowwH6oNvsJSqQpdWCwPY/s1600-h/2009t_header.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4Pcu0P8WCtRAmMROX2dIe8f5AkwjK1B6Huu6USCxUpoUot5SC6B9zov77qp3WSRtXUsiWCrUDrL3zoRsi4yiDPM3HFZAbT2K5Sxc9sG0Qimacaxpk5IZdhAowwH6oNvsJSqQpdWCwPY/s400/2009t_header.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344440333956784946" /></a><br />The theme for this year's <a href="http://www.uaf.edu/bookfestival/">Alaska Book Festival</a> is "Historically Alaska", and, appropriately, Jorgy's memoir is to be one of the featured titles. Jean and Jorgy will be reading from the book and answering questions from the audience during the aviation readings panel along with Dermot Cole on Friday, June 12, at Pioneer Park at the Exhibit Hall at 3:30 to 4:30.Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-47169891820310518052009-04-28T18:56:00.000-07:002009-04-28T19:07:09.424-07:00Article in First Alaskans on Native pilotsAlex DeMarban has written an interesting piece on Alaska Natives in aviation, "<a href="http://www.firstalaskansmagazine.com/index.php?issue=04-2009&story=lost">Lost in the Wind</a>," appearing in the April/May issue of <i><a href="http://www.firstalaskansmagazine.com">First Alaskans</a></i>. He sums up beautifully in the first sentence: "Alaska Native aviation has a rich history, but you probably don't know it." <br /><br />The article interviews Jorgy and Wilfred Ryan, Jr. and talks about the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum and its hope for getting funding for an exhibit on Alaska Native pilots.Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-8905328245389029612009-01-28T11:27:00.000-08:002009-01-28T11:33:49.625-08:00Two more reviews from LibraryThingVarroa says this about the book:<blockquote>A very interesting biography. While other Alaskan pilot biographies focus just on flying adventures, this one presents just as fully a history of aviation and a history of Alaska. There are loads of photos as well: cultural, historical, and aeronautical.</blockquote>Sdmcrae notes this:<blockquote>The tone and style of this book, which is pretty laid back, belies the risks Holger "Jorgy" Jorgensen took as he pursued a career in aviation in Alaska spanning approximately 55 years. … Some have commented this book is a little too laid back for them. But I think, if your interested at all in aviation, Alaska, or especially the combination, you can think of reading this book as sitting down on a cold night next to a pot-bellied stove and listening to a gifted raconteur rattle off one story after another.</blockquote>Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-29685583553962426542009-01-28T11:21:00.000-08:002009-01-28T11:25:43.235-08:00Little League coachA <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/product/0974922153/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1">new review</a> on Amazon from E. cassellius:<blockquote>I've read the book and it is a first class read of an accomplished Aviator and a great man. I found one omission I would like to add to Jorgy's biography. He coached me in Little League baseball in Alaska in the 60's. Thank you Holger Jorgenson....</blockquote>Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-42226442087941564002008-11-12T17:29:00.000-08:002008-11-12T17:34:10.085-08:00And another review: Curling the hair of the FAAHere's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/product/0974922153/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1">another one on Amazon</a> by pilot Mike Meiser of Anchorage:<blockquote><i>Jorgy</i> is an unembellished look at Alaskan Aviation through the eyes and actual words of Holger Jorgensen, one of Alaska's most respected pilots. It takes the reader through the ending days of the Nome Gold Rush to the coming of the jet age. If you are an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or you'd just like to meet an amazing Alaskan Eskimo Pilot who touched many, many lives, this is a must for you! ... Jorgy traces his rough beginning in the gold mines to the left seat of jets and turboprops, flying all over the world. Don't expect him to pull punches or mince words. That wouldn't be Holger. For example: suffering macular degeneration late in his life, he talks of flying blind (in more ways than one) on his last flight, a tale that would curl the hair of an FAA inspector. <br /><br />Good thing there's a statute of limitations! <br /><br />Jorgy's life story follows the coming of age of commercial aviation in America's flyingest state, Alaska. Holger Jorgensen's leadership and mentoring changed Alaskan aviation and the lives of those he touched for the better, and forever. I heartily recommend this excellent book. </blockquote>Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-1415393496850296762008-11-09T12:33:00.000-08:002009-12-15T12:02:24.232-08:00New review on Amazon: a keeperA <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/product/0974922153/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1">new review on Amazon</a> is titled <b>"What is really exciting about Alaska:"</b><blockquote>Back when I traveled the world while home schooling several kids, when we landed into a new country, we learned to head to the local library (or it's equivalent) for advice. "What are the stories about this place we need to read? What will orient us to this country, its landscapes and and weathers, the people who have lived here long and ones who have come lately? What stories do you recommend?" <br /><br />"Jorgy" is just such a keeper. The story begins with his hybrid parentage, Eskimo mother and Norwegian gold miner father, and the challenges of village life on Alaska's Seward Peninsula prior to World War II. Rich in details about kid's games, schooling, methods of hauling water and wood, hunting, fishing, and mining work, we also get to see the prejudice he experienced from both cultural wings of his heritage and the effect of his mother's remarkable work in independently raising five children after his dad's death in a mining accident. Jean Lester does a remarkable writing job throughout--her perfect invisibility --allows us to simply listen to Jorgy's unfolding story. From the glamor-and risks- of early aviation, wartime changes and post war possibilities via the GI bill, at each step, we see this young village kid making step by step choices into an extraordinary life. Hollywood would be hard pressed to match the appealing glamour we see in many of the photos of Jorgy, his wife, family and of course the many handsome airplanes, but there is grit throughout which underscores the inherent drama of early bush and commercial flying. </blockquote>Now <i>that's</i> a review!Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-85709225526091108672008-08-29T07:34:00.000-07:002008-08-29T07:36:00.058-07:00LibraryThing review: this book is worth a lookFrom LibraryThing comes another review:<blockquote>A fun read, but certainly not a traditional biography. If you are looking for a straight storyline with a clear start and end, you may be in for a surprise if you pick up this book. In general, this book is pieced together by segments and articles, as if the author is developing a portrait of a person instead of a life story told in the tradional, narrative storyline. With that said, the life of Jorgy is interesting, and this book is worth a look.</blockquote>Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-18587750378423195522008-08-13T00:11:00.000-07:002008-08-13T00:17:42.197-07:00Midwest Book ReviewThe Midwest Book Review just released this review, appearing in the August <a href="http://www.midwestbookreview.com/sbw/aug_08.htm#Biography">Small Press Bookwatch Biography Shelf</a>:<blockquote>Just because one only has an eighth grade education doesn't mean one can't make something of oneself. "Jorgy: The Life of Native Alaskan Bush Pilot and Airline Captain Holger Jorgy Jorgensen" tells of Jorgy's adventures flying over the skies of every continent in the world (except South America and Antarctica) as a runner of equipment for science, among other duties. A straight no nonsense account of a life in the skies, "Jorgy" is as educational as it is entertaining.</blockquote>Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-30352776495357461962008-07-15T10:28:00.000-07:002008-07-15T10:34:33.229-07:00New review from the News-MinerDavid A. James has given <a href="http://www.newsminer.com/news/2008/jul/13/jorgy-unfiltered-look-pioneer-pilot/?book-review">a somewhat mixed review</a>, but has this to say: "Overall, the book is a valuable addition to the ever-growing library of Alaskan narrative history. Jorgensen is an openly opinionated and frequently very humorous guide." James picks up on the civil rights aspect of Jorgy's experiences, talking about the movie theatre in Nome:<blockquote>While living in Nome, Jorgensen also directly confronted the local segregation with an act that provides the most dramatic moment in the book. Nome’s theaters were sectioned off at the time, with only one area of seats open for Natives. At the behest of a white friend who wanted this practice abolished, Jorgensen went on a date and deliberately sat in the white section of the theater. This led to his arrest, but his friend (who was also the father of his date) bailed him out, hired a lawyer, and succeeded in opening the theater to all patrons.<br /><br />This incident, similar to Rosa Parks’ act of civil disobedience in Montgomery, Ala., a few years later, reminds us that although Alaska was far removed from the South, racism was every bit as prevalent (though far less violent). It’s an important piece of civil rights history, and one that should be taught in the state’s schoolrooms.</blockquote>Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-32804645354371233332008-06-18T13:24:00.000-07:002008-06-18T13:36:17.215-07:00Review of Jorgy in the Capital City Weeklyand <a href="http://www.capitalcityweekly.com/stories/061808/ae_20080618018.shtml">a wonderful review</a> it is! Here's an excerpt:<blockquote><b>'Jorgy' a direct and vivid tale of an Alaskan pilot's journeys</b><br /><br />…Jean Lester, his "conduit," gives us the next best thing to sitting down with Jorgensen to hear his life story. …<br /><br />As the 50th anniversary of statehood kicks off this week, we'll be hearing and reading a lot of takes on Alaskan history. "Jorgy" sets out to tell the story of an extraordinary pilot and along the way tells the history of Alaskan aviation. After reading "Jorgy," I have a hard time thinking of a more interesting perspective on state history than through the window of an early Native bush pilot.</blockquote><br />Another <a href="http://www.librarything.com/work/5030587/reviews/">new review from LibraryThing</a> gives the book four stars:<blockquote>Wow, what an interesting man Captain "Jorgy" is. This was an interesting book for me, in that it is the first biography that I've read that is essentially an edited transcript of the words spoken aloud by the subject, telling his own story. Thundering applause for Jean Lester for keeping it this way rather than trying to turn this into a "normal" biography. This way, it works. "Hearing" "Jorgy" tell his own story in his own words made this such an interesting read, that I encourage anyone interested in Aviation, Alaska, American History, oral history, or is just looking for a fun read to pick up this book.</blockquote>Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-52193537294232393322008-06-17T16:02:00.000-07:002008-06-17T16:10:24.891-07:00Wright Brothers awardJorgy was awarded this recognition in 2006, but I thought I'd put it online for the benefit of the curious. The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award (Fairbanks Flight Standards District Office Honoree 2006) is awarded by the FAA. Other honorees include Randy Acord, Pearl Laska, Merrill and Richard Wien, <a href="http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/fai/local_more/Pilot_Infonews/biography/">and others</a>. <a href="http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/fai/local_more/Pilot_Infonews/biography/media/Jorgywebbio.pdf">A biography of Jorgy</a> is included on their website (PDF).Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-30076616880112153202008-06-17T14:19:00.000-07:002008-06-17T14:29:53.107-07:00A recommended book on Go By Jet!On the <a href="http://gobyjet.com/alaskanairlines/">Alaska Airlines page</a> of <a href="http://gobyjet.com/index.php">GoByJet.com</a> <i><b>Jorgy</b></i> is listed in the sidebar as a recommended book! Word is getting around.Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-83406847593191825452008-06-12T11:27:00.000-07:002008-06-12T11:35:31.438-07:00Canadian bookstore now carrying Jorgy<i><b>Jorgy</b></i> is now available at <a href="http://www.macsbooks.ca/">Mac's Fireweed Books</a>, the first Canadian bookstore to carry his memoir. Mac's is in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, and is an excellent store. As they say, it "is a proud, independent bookstore and a Whitehorse institution." If you're up that way, check them out.Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-35648545789834719082008-06-07T09:23:00.000-07:002008-06-14T12:58:36.483-07:00Upcoming events in Anchorage and FairbanksSeveral events are planned for the next month at which either Jorgy Jorgensen or both Jorgy and Jean Lester will be featured:<br /><br /><b>• Book signing</b> at the <b><a href="http://www.alaskaairmuseum.org/">Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum</a> </b>starting at noon and going on until 3 or 4 pm, <b>June 20, Friday</b>, 4721 Aircraft Drive, Anchorage.<br /><br /><b>• Book signing</b> at <b><a href="http://www.wavebooks.com">Title Wave Books</a></b> at their downtown store, 415 W 5th Avenue, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, <b>June 21, Saturday</b>, Anchorage.<br /><br /><b>• Book signing</b> at the <b><a href="http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/storedetail.do?store=2235">Fairbanks Barnes & Noble</a></b>, at 421 Mehar Avenue, <b>Sunday, June 29</b> <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">(time to be announced)</span>, 2 to 4 pm.<br /><br /><b>• 2008 Salmon Bake</b> at the <b>Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum</b>, on <b>July 4th, Friday</b> from 4 to 9 pm, Anchorage.<br /><br />Jorgy's book is now available in Nome, at the <a href="http://www.nomechamber.org/arctictrading.html">Arctic Trading Post!</a>Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-76384342923709403342008-05-27T10:28:00.000-07:002008-05-27T10:34:23.066-07:00Latest review from LibraryThingThis reviewer gave the book a four-star review:<blockquote>This book is an oral autobiography, so I suspended my usual demands on structure and approached the stories in this book as if I were a small child listening grownups talk about days gone by. And I was well rewarded. <br /><br />The subject of this book is Holger “Jorgy” Jorgensen, whose heritage includes Russian, Inupiat, and Norwegian ancestors. His life began with a subsistence-level struggle for survival and grew to be part of the story of aviation in Alaska. In 1943…Jorgy started flying lessons and he never looked back. He flew as a charter pilot, an airline pilot, a freight pilot, and for the sheer love of flying itself. He criss-crossed Alaska, landing on icebergs, too-short runways, and runways ending beside mountains. He progressed to flying jets and piloted planes carrying passengers and freight around the world. <br /><br />I can see how Jean Lester, who brought this book to life, must have sometimes wanted to beat her head against the wall. She describes Jorgy as a master of understatement, and editor Carla Helfferich describes him as “a laconic fellow with a good memory and no interest in tooting his own horn.” The stories are told in a dry, unemphatic way just as I might talk about a day at the office. However, Jorgy's day at the office included hauling the inanimate (dynamite and dump trucks) and animate (fish--dead, reindeer--live). And he did it in a place where you might have to drain the oil from an airplane's engine to keep it from freezing. <br /><br />The problem with reviewing this book is that I want to tell you all the things Jorgy did, and there are just too many of them. And then there are the very understated descriptions of what it was like to grow up as a native and have to catch or harvest every bite of food that went into your mouth. Plus there is the story (also understated) of how Jorgy faced down the attitudes toward natives and did his part to end segregation in Alaska. <br /><br />The natural audience for this book is pilots, but non-pilots will find a lot here, too. I'm not a pilot and I found much about this book to be fascinating. I only wish I could have really been listening while Jorgy told his stories.</blockquote>More speaking or signing events are coming up, some of which will, we hope, be in Anchorage. Please check back for more news. Any readers who may have stories to share, please post them in the comments!Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-49300724992905444702008-05-22T09:53:00.000-07:002008-05-22T10:05:37.538-07:00Talk at Noel Wien LibraryThe talk at Noel Wien Library went well; Jorgy, Jean, and I dressed up, Melinda came all spiffied up (with a little airplane pin on her black velvet lapel), and around 62 people attended the talk, with a few more coming in afterward for the book signing. Richard and Sally Wien came, and Richard introduced Jorgy with the tale of giving him a check ride when Richard was 17 years old. After the talk, people asked questions about things like the FAA, Jorgy's flight to the T-3 ice island research station, going to countries in Asia and Africa, whether he preferred large to small planes, his first flight, seeing his first airplane, and so on. It was a good turnout, and interesting.Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-84802003478024445842008-05-14T11:58:00.001-07:002008-05-14T12:05:25.769-07:00Upcoming events and a new reviewAnother review from <a href="http://www.librarything.com">LibraryThing</a>:<blockquote>Jorgy Jorgensen is definitely a remarkable individual who overcame long odds to rise to a well respected position in his chosen profession. The book conveys his laconic voice well although, to some extent, it is a victim of his accomplishments in that, even when Jorgy's not bragging, the book seems to be.<br /><br />The book holds obvious appeal for fans of aviation and those interested in the behind the scenes stories of the Alaska bush. While I am neither of those, the book held my interest quite well too.</blockquote>There are two upcoming events at which you can meet Holger Jorgensen and get a copy of his book. The first is a <b>book signing at Gulliver's, Saturday, May 17, from 2 to 4</b> (and probably a bit later). The second is <b>a talk on aviation and his life at Noel Wien Library, Wednesday, May 21, at 7 pm</b>. Jorgy will give an overview and perhaps an anecdote or two, and he and Jean Lester will be available for questions and book signing afterward.Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-12240859488799587302008-05-07T15:29:00.001-07:002014-07-07T02:59:15.574-07:00Oral history collectionsJean Lester has collected many, many hours of tapes over the two years or so worth of interviews with Jorgy, and intends to donate these the <a href="http://library.uaf.edu/oral-history">UAF Polar Regions Oral History</a> collections. Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-9104785382224923082008-05-05T00:04:00.000-07:002008-06-14T13:14:07.822-07:00Alaska Airmen's aviation trade showJean Lester, Jorgy, Noel Jorgensen, Melinda Harris, and Deirdre Helfferich (publisher) went to the 2008 Alaska Airmen's trade show, held May 3 & 4, Saturday and today, in the Fed Ex hangar at the Anchorage International Airport. We'd apparently just missed the deadline for getting into the program, so people didn't know we were there at first--but friends and acquaintances of Jorgy's soon found out and several hundred of them came to wish him well and buy his book. It was (to put it informally) a blast. There were, of course, a ton of pilots, and old friends even from Haycock came by to say hello.<br /><br />A few aviation stores in the Anchorage area now carry <i><b>Jorgy</b></i> as a result of contacts made at this conference: the <a href="http://www.alaskaairmuseum.org/">Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum</a>, the <a href="http://www.lakehoodpilotshoppe.com/">Lake Hood Pilot Shoppe</a>, and <a href="http://www.northernlightsavionics.com/">Northern Lights Avionics</a>. So, if you live in Anchorage but missed Jorgy's booth at the trade show, or were unable to make it to the event, you can get it at one of these places, or at <a href="http://www.wavebooks.com">Title Wave</a>.Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-32516726526442322492008-05-01T12:47:00.000-07:002008-05-01T12:54:56.710-07:00First reviews, from LibraryThingThe first reviews of <i><b>Jorgy</b></i> are out! Two readers at <a href="http://www.librarything.com/work/5030587">LibraryThing</a> have given the book four stars. Here's the the most recent, from MrsLee:<blockquote>I was very pleased with this book. The cover is attractive and the size of the book is comfortable, as well as allowing the print to be comfortably readable. It included a great map illustration which made Jorgy’s travels come alive. Many photos, interesting captions and quotes from those who knew him, as well as an informative glossary and appendix made for a fuller picture of this man’s life. Having interviewed the elderly to try to write their memories down, I know how difficult it can be to get them to talk about themselves, that is why the notes from those who worked with and knew Holger Jorgensen are so helpful. Jean Lester did a good job of capturing Jorgy’s calm, dry, no-nonsense style of speaking and his quiet humor.<br /><br />Aviation fans would probably enjoy this book even more than I did; it is filled with details of the flights and planes used in the bush of Alaska in the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. It also tells much of the life of survival in Alaska villages in those years. There are many interesting anecdotes which made it an easy read. Holger faced and overcame tragedy, prejudice and hardship. He quietly, or not so quietly, did what was right and did his best. It is uplifting to read about such a man, and I felt by the end of this book that I had met a fine specimen of the human race.</blockquote>The second reviewer, apparently a pilot, also enjoyed the book:<blockquote>I sailed through this thoroughly enjoyable and well-told story of the life of native Alaskan bush pilot Holger Jorgensen, as told to Jean Lester. His description of Alaska and village life when he was growing up in the 1930s and 40s is fascinating by itself. Jorgensen describes his ascent through the ranks as a pilot, along with the discrimination he faced as a native. He also tells how the training, guidance and equal treatment he received from those who saw him only as a pilot - not a native pilot - helped him to achieve his goal to be the best pilot he could. I found the descriptions of flights, airports (or sometimes just spots to land) and piloting strategies and techniques to be particularly instructive, even if I never fly in Alaska. This is a handsome book, with photographs and a nice format. </blockquote>Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-78516916070691184882008-04-24T09:56:00.000-07:002008-04-24T10:11:55.777-07:00Where to get the bookAt the moment, there are several options. You can order <a href="http://www.esterrepublic.com/Press/jorgy.html">directly from the publisher</a> or order through Alaska bookstores like <a href="http://www.gullivers-books.com">Gulliver's Books</a>, <a href="http://www.wavebooks.com">Title Wave</a>, or the <a href="http://www.uaf.edu/bookstore/">UAF Bookstore</a>.<br /><br />You can also order on line through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jorgy-Alaskan-airline-%2522Jorgy%2522-Jorgensen/dp/0974922110">Amazon</a>, or, if you are looking for a distributor for this title for your bookstore, you can contact <a href="http://www.partners-west.com">Partners West Book Distribution</a>.<br /><br />And, of course, it is going to be available at the <a href="http://www.alaskaairmen.org/">Alaska Airmen's Association conference</a>, the <a href="http://www.valdezalaska.org/events/flyIn/flyIn.html">Valdez Fly-In</a>, and other aviation events!<br /><br />The book retails for $25 and is a paperback, with many photos, appendices, and an index.Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8042131788779399516.post-6632249821424828972008-04-22T16:06:00.000-07:002008-04-22T16:12:05.810-07:00A photo of JorgyFrom <i>Men of the Tundra: Alaska Eskimos at War</i>, by Muktuk Marston, comes a listing on <a href="http://www.alaskool.org/">Alaskool</a> of photos, including <a href="http://www.alaskool.org/projects/ak_military/men_of_tundra/imageindex.html">one of Jorgy.</a> You have to scroll most of the way down the page.Deirdre Helfferichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07176487150966377070noreply@blogger.com0