By Allison Sayer

Tabitha Gregory’s new book, “Valdez Rises: One Town’s Struggle for Survival After the Great Alaska Earthquake” is both well-researched and quite readable. Filled with first person narratives and letters, it brings the people who survived the tragic 1964 earthquake in Valdez to life. These people include strong women. One strong female lead Gregory follows throughout the book is newspaper publisher, grocer, Jane-of-all-trades, and veteran Helen Long. 

As Gregory explains in her book, the commonly known narrative of Valdez has skimmed over the transition between the devastating natural disaster and Valdez’ resurrection four miles away. However, for the people involved, the transition played out over years. From their perspective, the period between the earthquake and “New Valdez” was difficult and complicated. At the time, the future outcome for the town was uncertain. Competing plans were introduced and negotiated both publicly and privately. Numerous state and federal agencies were involved.

Although the earthquake occurred in 1964, residents did not begin to move to the current Valdez location until 1966. For two winters, they lived in the damaged town, making what repairs they could. The future was filled with uncertainty, and plans were often changed and delayed. 

In addition to people’s fates, Gregory chronicles the fate of Old Town landmarks. Some of these were relocated, some were unsalvageable, and some were subsequently destroyed by fire or other causes. 

No corner of the current town of Valdez can be taken for granted. Every public project, business, or private residence was the result of a series of negotiations. Controversies arose over utilities, regulations, and numerous contracts. In the assignment of residential lots it was difficult to satisfy everyone. City council seats turned over frequently. The history of these wranglings told within Gregory’s book is supported by sources including newspaper articles, city council meeting minutes, and other documents. 

The book is also filled with images. These include advertisements, telegrams, and photographs of Valdez as it was in the process of being built. My personal favorites are the photos of Old Town and its residents from before the earthquake, when it was just another small town. 

Anyone with a connection to Valdez will see the town in a new light after reading this book. Readers will learn why familiar streets and structures are the way they are. They will also learn to respect the individuals who survived the destruction and tragedy brought by the earthquake, and built new lives in the city we know today. 

Author Tabitha Gregory will give a virtual talk hosted by the Valdez Museum on Tuesday, November 23 at 5:30 pm. For Zoom link and instructions please email educator@valdezmuseum.org.

Are you a bookworm? You might enjoy Amanda Swinehart’s article about Tom Kizzia’s “Cold Mountain Path.”