Features

In September 1946, the Alaska Sportsman Magazine published “Moose Ranch,” an article by Mamie “Niska” Elwell. The story describes Steve Melchior’s moose-ranching operation from the 1920s and features two photographs of Melchior.

Steve Melchior: Treasured peninsula pioneer with a sketchy past — Part 5

In June 1913, a peninsula game warden informed the governor that Melchior was raising a moose calf on his mining property.

 

These scones are an easy treat and feature locally-grown fruit. Photo provided by Tressa Dale

Family meals and memories

These easy scones feature fresh cherries, grown locally.

 

Posing in front of Steve Melchior’s cabin on the Killey River in 1912 are (left) packer/cook Ferdinand “Fritz” Posth and hunting guide William “Wild Bill” Dewitt, with two trophy Dall sheep heads. (Photo from E. Marshall Scull’s 1914 hunting memoir, “Hunting in the Arctic and Alaska”)

Steve Melchior: Treasured peninsula pioneer with a sketchy past — Part 4

Steve Melchior seemed to disappear, perhaps on purpose.

 

These childhood favorites are certainly not healthy, but they’re made with more wholesome ingredients than their drive-through equivalents. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Chicken nuggets for the soul

This childhood classic is made with organic chicken breast and wholesome spices.

These childhood favorites are certainly not healthy, but they’re made with more wholesome ingredients than their drive-through equivalents. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Capt. Karl Kircheiß, a decorated German sailor, visited Steve Melchior in Seward in 1932.

Steve Melchior: Treasured peninsula pioneer with a sketchy past — Part 3

Stephan “Steve” Melchior sent a friend to Katherine to tell her that he had died in Alaska.

Capt. Karl Kircheiß, a decorated German sailor, visited Steve Melchior in Seward in 1932.
A healthy dose of shredded cheddar makes the veggies in this soup palatable even for the most sensitive diner. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Something warm and comforting

This mild and nutritious soup is full of fiber and vitamins, plus a healthy dose of shredded cheddar.

A healthy dose of shredded cheddar makes the veggies in this soup palatable even for the most sensitive diner. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
This is the most famous photograph of Steve Melchior, as a copy of it resides in the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. The Melchior family owns a very similar photograph, with a note in pencil from Steve Melchior on the back. The note, written for family members back in Germany in the late 1920s when Melchior was suffering from rheumatism, says, “That is the only way I can get out because my legs won’t walk anymore. I don’t like driving a car, and the dogs take me wherever I want to go. The one in the front is called Bill (in German, Wilhelm), and the one on the left is called Waldman. The black one on the right is called Nick or Nikolaus. Three good, loyal workers, my bodyguard.”

Steve Melchior: Treasured peninsula pioneer with a sketchy past — Part 2

By at least his early 20s, Steve Melchior had begun to fabricate a past.

This is the most famous photograph of Steve Melchior, as a copy of it resides in the Anchorage Museum of History and Art. The Melchior family owns a very similar photograph, with a note in pencil from Steve Melchior on the back. The note, written for family members back in Germany in the late 1920s when Melchior was suffering from rheumatism, says, “That is the only way I can get out because my legs won’t walk anymore. I don’t like driving a car, and the dogs take me wherever I want to go. The one in the front is called Bill (in German, Wilhelm), and the one on the left is called Waldman. The black one on the right is called Nick or Nikolaus. Three good, loyal workers, my bodyguard.”
These fudgy brownies are a classic, decadent treat. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Dessert for a thoughtful reader

These classic fudgy brownies are dense and decadent.

These fudgy brownies are a classic, decadent treat. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Photo courtesy of the Melchior Family Collection Between 1879 and 1892, Stephan Melchior (far left, middle row) performed his mandatory Prussian military service. He was a member of the Eighth Rhineland Infantry Regiment No. 70 in Trier, Germany.

Steve Melchior: Treasured peninsula pioneer with a sketchy past — Part 1

Did anyone in Alaska know the real Steve Melchior? That is difficult to say.

Photo courtesy of the Melchior Family Collection Between 1879 and 1892, Stephan Melchior (far left, middle row) performed his mandatory Prussian military service. He was a member of the Eighth Rhineland Infantry Regiment No. 70 in Trier, Germany.
This nostalgic sauce is so shockingly simple, you’ll never buy a bottle again. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion

America’s favorite culinary representative

The original recipe for ranch dressing was invented and perfected in Alaska, out in the bush in 1949.

This nostalgic sauce is so shockingly simple, you’ll never buy a bottle again. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
Homer’s Cosmic Creature Club performs at the 2024 Concert on the Lawn at Karen Hornaday Park. (Emilie Springer/Homer News file)

July events to provide entertainment and fun on lower Kenai Peninsula

Events include the Highland Games, Concert on the Lawn, local art camps and the Ninilchik Rodeo.

Homer’s Cosmic Creature Club performs at the 2024 Concert on the Lawn at Karen Hornaday Park. (Emilie Springer/Homer News file)
The Homer News, a small print publication based in Cortland County, New York, features photos on the back page of readers who travel with copies of the newspaper. This issue of The Homer News shows Gary Root visiting Homer, Alaska and posing for a photo with the New York paper under the "Homer Alaska, Halibut Fishing Capital of the World" sign at the top of Baycrest Hill. Photo courtesy of Kim L. Hubbard

Meet ‘The Homer News’

Surprise! Your local newspaper has a third ‘sister’ paper.

The Homer News, a small print publication based in Cortland County, New York, features photos on the back page of readers who travel with copies of the newspaper. This issue of The Homer News shows Gary Root visiting Homer, Alaska and posing for a photo with the New York paper under the "Homer Alaska, Halibut Fishing Capital of the World" sign at the top of Baycrest Hill. Photo courtesy of Kim L. Hubbard
These high-protein egg bites are filled with tomatoes, parsley and feta, but any omelet-appropriate toppings will do. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

A little care for the caretakers

These high-protein egg bites are perfect for getting a busy teacher through the witching hour in late afternoon.

These high-protein egg bites are filled with tomatoes, parsley and feta, but any omelet-appropriate toppings will do. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference is held at Kachemak Bay Campus starting on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)

Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference returns for 23rd year

This year’s keynote presenter is author Ruth Ozeki.

The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference is held at Kachemak Bay Campus starting on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
This salad mixes broccoli, carrots and pineapple chunks for a bright, sweet dish. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

A bright and sweet Mother’s Day treat

Broccoli, pineapple and carrots are the heart of this flavorful salad.

This salad mixes broccoli, carrots and pineapple chunks for a bright, sweet dish. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Individual Artist Awards logo. Photo courtesy of the Rasmuson Foundation

Rasmuson Foundation accepting applications for Individual Artist Awards

Project Awards are for short-term projects that clearly benefit the artist and their development.

Individual Artist Awards logo. Photo courtesy of the Rasmuson Foundation
These sweet, stuffed pancakes, called hotteok, are found in Korea, and they make a perfect after-school snack. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

Sweet bread to help savor the moments

If this stage of his childhood can so quickly become a memory, how fast will the rest of it fly by?

These sweet, stuffed pancakes, called hotteok, are found in Korea, and they make a perfect after-school snack. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
This takeout favorite is deceptively easy and comes together faster than it can be delivered. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

A sweet and sour dinner for 3

I really wanted some sweet and sour takeout this weekend, but all my favorite restaurants are far outside of delivery range.

This takeout favorite is deceptively easy and comes together faster than it can be delivered. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
These poached pears get their red tinge from a cranberry juice bath. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)

A dessert to stimulate the senses

These crimson-stained cranberry poached pears offer a soft and grainy texture.

These poached pears get their red tinge from a cranberry juice bath. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Photo courtesy of the Pratt Museum During her brief time on the southern Kenai Peninsula, Dorothy Miller, wife of Cecil “Greasy” Miller, was a part of the Anchor Point Homemakers Club. Here, Dorothy (far left, standing) joins fellow area homemakers for a 1950 group shot. Sitting on the sled, in the red blouse, is Dorothy’s daughter, Evelyn, known as “Evie.”

The Man Called ‘Greasy’ — Part 1

There are several theories concerning the origin of Cecil Miller’s nickname “Greasy.”

Photo courtesy of the Pratt Museum During her brief time on the southern Kenai Peninsula, Dorothy Miller, wife of Cecil “Greasy” Miller, was a part of the Anchor Point Homemakers Club. Here, Dorothy (far left, standing) joins fellow area homemakers for a 1950 group shot. Sitting on the sled, in the red blouse, is Dorothy’s daughter, Evelyn, known as “Evie.”

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