When I was working on my book about the history of sled dogs in North America an old friend sent me some great books, and a small treasure from another era, a 6” brochure from Chinook Kennels in Wonalancet, New Hampshire.
I’ve written quite a bit about the history of this place in several of my books, from when it was the home of Arthur Treadwell Walden, author of the classic book Dog-Puncher on the Yukon, and a founder of the New England Sled Dog Club and the Chinook breed of dogs. This was the training ground for the sled dog division of Admiral Richard Byrd’s Antarctic expeditions in the 1920s and 1930s; Walden was Byrd’s lead driver. Leonhard Seppala visited Walden here in the 1930s, and they faced each other (and other drivers) in the 1932 demonstration event at the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Games. In short, these were historic grounds!
At the time this small advertising brochure was produced the kennels were the home of Milton and Eva Seeley. I won’t say much about them, as they’re not among my favorite historical persons, but the history of sled dogs—and this kennel—is quite another matter. Enjoy the images!
The History of Sled Dogs in North America: From the Bering Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, by Helen Hegener and several contributing writers, showcases the history of the working sled dogs which helped shape the future of the North American continent. This full-color, elegantly illustrated book features historic photographs, illustrations, and beautiful artwork. Softcover paperback printed in full color on premium stock paper, 416 pages, 8.5″ x 11″ format, dozens of b/w and color photographs, images, and artwork, extensively annotated, resources, bibliography, indexed. Published by Northern Light Media. $69.95 plus $6.50 shipping and handling.
“At 420 large pages, it’s daunting on the surface and might cause even the most avid musher to think twice about reading it. Don’t be daunted, and don’t think twice. The writing is lively, there are plenty of illustrations, and best of all, it’s fun to read.”
~David A. James, book review in the Anchorage Daily News