Help Finding a 'Long Lost' Rifle?

[hunt_ak]

My Grandpa lived in the Alaskan bush back in the 50's and had a Winchester Model 70 375 H&H. Alaska_Lanche and I got wind that he had this rifle at one time and likely put many tons of food on the table for their family of 8.

I gather that the rifle had some feeding issues and he traded the rifle for a Remington to a guy named Bill Johnson who, at the time, was living in Port Alsworth. Bill Johnson apparently drowned in a plane crash flying from Port Alsworth to Kenai along with 3 counselors from a kids camp when they ran out of fuel.

Evidently Bill Johnson was survived by a son and a daughter. If this story may ring a bell with anyone or any of the names involved, let me know. I'd like to see if we might be able to track down this 'family heirloom' if possible.

[Amigo Will]

We have a Bill Johnson liveing here in Wrangell thats in his early sixties and born in Alaska.He may be kin to ya'll

[AGL4now]

Yes, I remember that. Oddly that has happened three times if my memory is any good. I suggest you look through the Anchorage Daily News archives on the INTERNET.

[hunt_ak]

We have a Bill Johnson liveing here in Wrangell thats in his early sixties and born in Alaska.He may be kin to ya'll

Might be worth asking if you happen to see him at the post office or something...

Yes, I remember that. Oddly that has happened three times if my memory is any good. I suggest you look through the Anchorage Daily News archives on the INTERNET.

I'll see if I can't get an approximate date this may have happened as that might help narrow down things a bit...

[AGL4now]

Port Alsworth is a very small and religious community. Call Glenn Alsworth.

[AGL4now]

Who else would know is Mike Olsolnick, owner of Birchwood Air, out of Merill Field.

[hunt_ak]

I've got a few connections out that way and will keep hunting for a lead. Thanks AGL....

[tyrex13]

It was one camp counselor and 2 kids, one of which was my little sister. I can ask my mom or dad if he remembers who Bill's kids are.

[AlaskaHippie]

Only in Alaska.

Best of luck to you Kyle.

I have a feeling this thread will bear watching.

[tyrex13]

PM sent. .................................................. .............................

[ADfields]

Only in Alaska.

Best of luck to you Kyle.

I have a feeling this thread will bear watching.

Yup, gotta love Alaska! I’m betting the gun gets tracked down . . . either way some friends are likely to be made along the trail.

[hunt_ak]

PM sent. .................................................. .............................

Thanks! I've got a message in with a contact who attended CIA recently...maybe she can shed some light on it!

Yup, gotta love Alaska! I’m betting the gun gets tracked down . . . either way some friends are likely to be made along the trail.

I'm hoping too...that would be really neat!

[hunt_ak]

PM sent. .................................................. .............................

Thanks! I've got a message in with a contact who attended CIA recently...maybe she can shed some light on it!

Yup, gotta love Alaska! I’m betting the gun gets tracked down . . . either way some friends are likely to be made along the trail.

I'm hoping too...that would be really neat!

[mainer_in_ak]

My Grandpa lived in the Alaskan bush back in the 50's and had a Winchester Model 70 375 H&H. Alaska_Lanche and I got wind that he had this rifle at one time and likely put many tons of food on the table for their family of 8.

I gather that the rifle had some feeding issues and he traded the rifle for a Remington to a guy named Bill Johnson who, at the time, was living in Port Alsworth. Bill Johnson apparently drowned in a plane crash flying from Port Alsworth to Kenai along with 3 counselors from a kids camp when they ran out of fuel.

Evidently Bill Johnson was survived by a son and a daughter. If this story may ring a bell with anyone or any of the names involved, let me know. I'd like to see if we might be able to track down this 'family heirloom' if possible.

Your grandpa had good taste in guns.

[hunt_ak]

Your grandpa had good taste in guns.

I've got good blood in me...