PBA Galleries

Written in pencil. Each approx. 17x10 cm (6¾x5"), flexible red leather or cloth, as follows:

• [120] pp. Signed by Fred Parra on the front endpaper. Titled "Daily Diary of Alaska Trip" on the first page. The first entry is dated Monday, July 10, 1911, the last Saturday, August 19, '11.
• 197 pp. Titled "Continuation of Diary of Alaskan Trip." The first entry is dated Saturday, Aug. 20, 1911, the last Wednesday, September 27, '11. Plus 4-page vocabulary of Teno language at end.
• 13 pp. plus many blank leaves. Signed by Fred Parra on the front endpaper. The first entry dated Thursday, Sept. 28, '11, the last Sunday, Oct. 1, 11.

Diary of a trip by shipping magnate Fred Parr, in the early days of is involvement in the industry, with interesting observations on business prospects. In the first entry he writes: "...the matters of the condition in the handling of freight in Alaska was discussed. These conditions being entirely foreign to me I could hardly appreciate the obstacles which must necessarily be overcome. I felt that a trip... would be both economical and of real value to our company in we are to continue in the Alaskan trade and make a real success..." On July 30, some of the difficulties are evident, "Still too rough to work. Wind blowing hard. I cannot figure out anything to do but wait developments. Nome is still to rough to land..." On August 3, "...Had a talk with a Mr. Peterson...about freight for Kotzebue Sound. He feels very optimistic about the possibilities of that country. He suggests that we get in touch with Mr. Chas. Kennedy..." On August 26, "Mr. Rodman said there never was a better opportunity for an independent company to make good than now and all of the shippers are so thoroughly disgusted with the treatment they have received this year. He said I can have his business if I will meet the other rates and give 3 sailings a year & average 400 tons per years..." A very intersting and valuable diary, giving insight into the development of shipping in Alaska and into the operations of the Parr-McCormick Steamship line.