December 09, 2010
Thursday AM

The Giant Oyster Pole and the Two Frogs Pole in Saxman, Alaska were experiencing significant decay along their bases due to the bare wood of the poles being placed directly into the ground when the poles were installed in the Saxman Totem park over 70 years ago. To address the issue, Saxman received Commercial Passenger Vessel Tax funding to stabilize the poles.

Ernie Hamilton of Three Dog Construction helps to stabilize Saxman’s Giant Oyster Pole, ensuring its safety for years to come.
Photo by Kelsey Sullivan

In mid-November, both poles were removed from the ground.  Decaying sections of the bottoms of each pole were removed.  A new creosote log “foot” was installed in the base of the Giant Oyster Pole.  The creosote log will prevent future decay.  A new wooden base was constructed and grafted onto the base of the Two Frogs pole, this base will now outlast the pole.

Recognized for their contributions were Ernie Hamilton and Three Dog Construction who donated services and equipment, and to Steve Seley who donated logs for this project. Nathan Jackson supervised the work, and Lyle Jones, Richard Shields, and Mike O’Larick were all instrumental in assuring Saxman’s cultural resources are protected.

Source of News:

City of Saxman

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