Erwin Of The Artic 19xx.xx.xx Episode 1

Summary

Summary of "Erwin Of The Arctic 19xx.xx.xx Episode 1"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: February 16, 2025

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Introduction

In the inaugural episode of "Erwin Of The Arctic," listeners are transported to the rugged and unforgiving landscapes of the Arctic through a captivating dramatization of Dave Irwin's legendary journey. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, this episode blends immersive narration with authentic dialogues, recreating the challenges and triumphs of one man's daring expedition across the frozen wilderness.

Dave Irwin's Journey Begins

The story commences with a vivid narration introducing Dave Irwin, a 22-year-old adventurer who embarks on a solo trek from the Canning River in Alaska to Hudson Bay, covering an arduous 3,600 miles north of the magnetic pole. This monumental journey is portrayed as "the longest, most daring polar journey ever undertaken by a white man" (00:36).

Dave Irwin reflects on his transformation from a timid youth in the Ozark Mountains to a determined explorer. He shares his motivations, revealing a deep-seated desire to prove his resilience after overcoming childhood pneumonia, which earned him the nickname "Willie"—a moniker he has strived to discard over eight years (03:25). His determination is encapsulated in his statement:

"I've been trying for eight years to live that down. That's why I always like to try and do the things they say a fellow can't do."
—Dave Irwin (03:25)

Encounter with Siwash Joe

As Dave prepares for his journey, he engages in a pivotal conversation with Siwash Joe, an experienced Yukon trapper. This interaction occurs in Nome, where Dave seeks support for his ambitious plan. Siwash Joe expresses skepticism about Dave's venture, warning him of the dangers and the likelihood of failure:

"No Coast Guard boat's gonna take a kid like you up to Point Barrow. One reason they go up there is to bring out poor fool white men who thought they could beat the Arctic."
—Siwash Joe (02:27)
Despite the discouragement, Dave remains steadfast, driven by his personal mission to uncover the fate of Sir John Franklin's lost expedition (05:03).

The conversation highlights the tension between youthful ambition and the harsh realities of Arctic exploration. Siwash Joe's candid advice underscores the perilous nature of Dave's quest:

"The best thing for you to do is to go back and tend to your business, whatever it is, and forget this crazy scheme."
—Siwash Joe (05:38)

Boarding the Schooner Ira Rank

As dawn breaks, Dave's determination leads him to an unexpected opportunity. After a minor altercation on the docks, where Dave is assaulted but rescued by an enigmatic figure, he meets Ira Rank, the owner of a schooner bound for Point Barrow (08:00). This encounter is serendipitous, positioning Dave to finally embark on his long-anticipated journey:

"Here's your deckhand right here, Mr. Ankle. And boy am I playing in luck."
—Dave Irwin (08:41)

Ira Rank introduces himself and his vessel, emphasizing the imminent departure:

"We're putting to sea tomorrow night. That is, if I can rustle up another deckhand."
—Ira Rank (08:02)
This meeting marks the beginning of Dave's expedition, setting the stage for the challenges that lie ahead.

Listener Questions and Answers

Transitioning from the dramatization, the episode shifts to an interactive segment where Dave Irwin addresses questions from listeners, providing deeper insights into Arctic life and the cultural nuances of the region.

Understanding Huskies and the Eskimo

Dave clarifies the term "huskies," distinguishing between the sled dogs commonly referred to in the United States and the Eskimo term "kingmic," which simply means dogs (09:09). He further explains the origin of the term "Eskimo" and its proper identification as "Inuit," emphasizing the pride the indigenous people take in their true name:

"Eskimo is an Elegancan Indian name that means eaters of raw flesh. Their real name is Inuit, which means the people."
—Dave Irwin (09:24)

The Lifestyle of the Inuit

Dave shares his admiration for the Inuit people, describing them as "the most admirable people in the whole world" due to their genuine nature and communal spirit (10:15). He highlights their adaptability and resilience in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

Reindeer Compared to American Deer

In response to a query about reindeer, Dave notes that they are larger and possess more substantial antlers compared to deer found in the United States. He mentions that reindeer are a primary source of food for the Inuit:

"They have a huge set of horns and ordinarily a little larger. They may dress about 150 pounds."
—Dave Irwin (10:33)

Nomadic vs. Settled Lives

Dave delineates the lifestyle differences among the Inuit, explaining that coastal communities with stable food supplies from seals and walruses tend to settle permanently. In contrast, inland communities relying on caribou migrations adopt a nomadic lifestyle (10:52).

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

The episode concludes with a narration inviting listeners to submit further questions and teasing the continuation of Dave Irwin's adventure:

"In our next episode, we continue Dave's exciting story. What happened when Ira Rank's schooner put to sea. The mysterious passenger and the first tragedy on a long trip north."
—Narrator (11:09)
This closing remark promises more drama and intrigue, ensuring that audiences are eager to follow Dave's perilous journey in upcoming episodes.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dave Irwin (03:25):
  "I've been trying for eight years to live that down. That's why I always like to try and do the things they say a fellow can't do."

• Siwash Joe (02:27):
  "No Coast Guard boat's gonna take a kid like you up to Point Barrow. One reason they go up there is to bring out poor fool white men who thought they could beat the Arctic."

• Dave Irwin (08:41):
  "Here's your deckhand right here, Mr. Ankle. And boy am I playing in luck."

• Dave Irwin (09:24):
  "Eskimo is an Elegancan Indian name that means eaters of raw flesh. Their real name is Inuit, which means the people."

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This episode of "Erwin Of The Arctic" masterfully blends storytelling with informative dialogues, offering listeners both an engaging narrative and educational insights into Arctic exploration and Inuit culture. Dave Irwin's journey serves as a testament to human endurance and the relentless pursuit of discovery.

Transcript

[Narrator]

And there he goes. One man and a dog sled across the top of the world. A true story of the adventures of.

[Siwash Joe]

Irwin of the Arctico.

[Narrator]

We bring you now, Dave Irwin in person in a thrilling dramatized story of his famous journey across the top of the world. A boy of 22, mushing on foot from the Canning river in Alaska to Hudson Bay, 3,600 miles across the frozen waste north of the magnetic pole, alone in a land of endless snow and pitiless cold. The longest, most daring polar journey ever undertaken by a white man. And now here he is, Dave Irwin.

[Dave Irwin]

Hello, everybody. Well, I never dreamed three years ago that I'd ever be standing in a nice, warm studio talking into a microphone. In fact, about this time three years ago, I'd build a small cairn on the ice, put my last message under it and well laid down for what I thought was my final sleep. Well, you never know, do you? Really started when I left my home in the Ozark Mountains in Missouri at the age of 15 to see something of the world. About three years later, I landed in Alaska, went to work fur trapping. Then the spring of 1931, I arrived in Nome with $500 in my jeans and a big idea in my head. One evening, I was sitting at a table in the dining room of the Golden Gate Hotel in Nome, and Siwash Joe, an old Yukon trapper, slouched over and sat down beside me.

[Siwash Joe]

Hello, Tom. Hello. Hi, boys. Oh, hello, Dave.

[Dave Irwin]

Hello, Joe.

[Siwash Joe]

I hear you're leaving your traps and getting out. What fur?

[Dave Irwin]

Well, I heard some Indians and huskies talking about a white fox hunt. You know, up north of the Endicott Range.

[Siwash Joe]

Up north of Endicott? Well, see, Jack, how do you figure getting up there?

[Dave Irwin]

Well, I got about $500 in my belt, and that'll buy me a pretty good outfit. I understand the Coast Guard boat Northland, she leaves for Point Baron a few days.

[Siwash Joe]

Oh, sure, that she, Dave. Do you gents have anything else here? Get me a cup of coffee, Waiter. Yes, sir. How about you, young fella?

[Dave Irwin]

No, thanks. It's all I want.

[Siwash Joe]

And you don't have to hang around here. Waiter, sticking your nose in. If we want you, we'll call for you. All right, Pop. Don't get excited. Tell me, just how old are you?

[Dave Irwin]

I'll be 22 next June.

[Siwash Joe]

Well, I'm old enough to be your PA, and I'm going to talk to you just like I was. All right, first off, if you got $500 in your belt, you want to keep your mouth Shut about it. Especially if you're going down around the waterfront these spring days.

[Dave Irwin]

I can take care of myself, Siwash.

[Siwash Joe]

Well, there's lots of guys putting out for the state, so they'd just as soon pop you on the head. And Ste, some of them gets jobs as waiters here until they can get enough to light out.

[Dave Irwin]

You don't mean you think this fella that's waiting on us willing?

[Siwash Joe]

You never know. You never know. And here's another thing. No Coast Guard boat's gonna take a kid like you up to Point Barrow. One reason they go up there is to bring out poor fool white men who thought they could beat the Arctic.

[Dave Irwin]

I know, Siwash, but that's one reason I wanna try.

[Siwash Joe]

You ain't texting the head?

[Dave Irwin]

Well, I don't think so, but I can't explain the whole thing. But you see, when I was a kid back home in Missouri, I was a weakling. No, I had pneumonia as a youngster and it left its mark on me. The boys used to call me Willie. Yeah, I've been trying for eight years to live that down. That's why I always like to try and do the things they say a fellow can't do.

[Siwash Joe]

Well, I don't know. I think I'd rather be alive in Missouri, even if they did call me Willie, than six feet under the ice somewhere off Point Barras.

[Dave Irwin]

Well, I'll take the chance, but gee, it's nearly 8:00. I've got to go down to the docks. They said Captain Scott would be at the Coast Guard office around 8. I'll see you again, though, Siwash, before I leave.

[Siwash Joe]

I expect you will, Dave. And I do hope them Coast Guard fellas put some sense into your head.

[Dave Irwin]

Well, I hiked down to the waterfront and it was pretty dark when I got there. But I finally located the Coast Guard office and went inside. Captain Scott was a crusty old sea dog, but he let me sit down and tell him a story. And then he turned to me.

[Siwash Joe]

You ought to go up north and catch some white fox. Is that it?

[Dave Irwin]

Well, I've got another plan in the back of my head too, sir.

[Siwash Joe]

You're gonna catch a few whales too, maybe?

[Dave Irwin]

No, sir. I've always been interested, though, in what happened to the old Franklin expedition.

[Siwash Joe]

What's that?

[Dave Irwin]

You know, sir, the English explorer, Sir John Franklin, who was lost back in 1847 looking for the Northwest Passage.

[Siwash Joe]

Well, what about it?

[Dave Irwin]

Well, I figure they must have left the log of the voyage case Somewhere's up there. Now, if I Could find it. That'd be a great discovery.

[Siwash Joe]

That's pretty good. That is why, you know, there have been half a dozen expeditions outfitted with ships and equipment and supplies. They tried to solve the Franklin mystery and failed.

[Dave Irwin]

Yes, but I think.

[Siwash Joe]

Now look here, young man. The best thing for you to do is to go back and tend to your business, whatever it is, and forget this crazy scheme.

[Dave Irwin]

Good. Captain, I won't take you to Point.

[Siwash Joe]

Baron or anywhere else. And I'm a busy man right now. Lieutenant. Yes, sir. Show this young man out. Yes, sir. This way, sir.

[Dave Irwin]

Don't bother. I can find my way.

[Siwash Joe]

If you're going back uptown, I'd advise you to use the main street. Young fella. Pretty tough along the docks at night.

[Dave Irwin]

Well, thanks.

[Siwash Joe]

Goodbye.

[Dave Irwin]

Go along. Darn little crab. I'll show them the wall. What a crazy scheme it is.

[Narrator]

Got a match, sailor?

[Dave Irwin]

Why, yes, I think so.

[Siwash Joe]

Here, bunch of bloods.

[Narrator]

You gone this way?

[Dave Irwin]

Well, yes, as far as the next corner.

[Siwash Joe]

You don't know anybody looking for a deckhand, do you?

[Dave Irwin]

No, I'm not a sailor. I'm a trapper. Ah.

[Siwash Joe]

I've been wanting to meet up with a trapper.

[Narrator]

They generally come to town pretty well heeled, don't they?

[Dave Irwin]

I don't know. What about it?

[Siwash Joe]

Nothing. Unless.

[Narrator]

Stick em up and hand over what you got, buddy, and I ain't fooling.

[Siwash Joe]

Oh, yeah? I'll kill you, you luck. I'll take your part. Do that, Garner. Let me go. Let me go. I'll show you why. Take that, somebody. I hope you're drowned. Hey, give me a hand. What's the matter?

[Dave Irwin]

Well, throw me a line.

[Siwash Joe]

Bring you outside the scooter. Here, I'm coming. Here, here, let me go. Right here. Now up, up you come. Give me your hand. Yeah, here you are. Up, up and a point. Where? What did diggings happen to you?

[Dave Irwin]

Thanks. Some guy tried to hold me up and I tripped over that string piece there on the wharf.

[Siwash Joe]

Well, did he? Did he get your money?

[Dave Irwin]

Wait. No, I still got it.

[Siwash Joe]

Well, that's good. Say, you better get those pants off and stretch them cotton shirts. You know, by morning you'll be wearing knickers. Yeah, I guess the better.

[Dave Irwin]

It's the only suit I own too.

[Siwash Joe]

Well, see, I got a fire in the garbage stove. Here, you go ahead in.

[Dave Irwin]

Thanks. My name's Dave Irwin and I certainly appreciate your help.

[Siwash Joe]

Well, my name's Ira Rank and this is my schooner. We're putting to sea tomorrow night. That is, if I can rustle up another dickhand. Joe, if you don't mind, I got some things to do here.

[Dave Irwin]

Go right ahead. I suppose you're sailing back to the States maybe?

[Siwash Joe]

No, no, I go trading with the huskies. This time of year we're sailing roar to coin barrow up that away point Barrow. What's the matter?

[Dave Irwin]

Gee whiz. Why say, that's where I. Why say, here's your deckhand right here, Mr. Ankle. And boy am I playing in luck.

[Narrator]

And so quite unexpectedly, Dave Irwin's chance to start the journey north presented itself. And now Dave will answer some of the questions sent in by our radio listeners. Dave, one of our listeners wants to know about the word huskies. Doesn't that refer to dogs?

[Dave Irwin]

Not always, Don. That's what we call the Eskimos up north, huskies. I know you people down here call the sled dogs huskies and they are of the so called husky breed, but up north they're just plain dogs or the Eskimo word kingmic.

[Narrator]

Well, here's another question right in that connection. Where did the name Eskimo come from?

[Dave Irwin]

Eskimo is an Elegancan Indian name that means eaters of raw flesh. I guess the Indians name them that. Their real name is Inuit, which means the people. And that's what they call themselves with a great deal of pride too.

[Narrator]

How many Eskimos or Inuits are there? Does anybody know?

[Dave Irwin]

Well, it's estimated that there's about 30,000 of them and living in an area, would you believe it, equal to the whole United States.

[Narrator]

Do Eskimos eat anything besides meat?

[Dave Irwin]

Well, yes, sometimes they have a change of diet like fish, but naturally no vegetables. Why, at the magnetic pole you're 1,000 miles north of even a willow.

[Narrator]

Well, Dave, here's a rather general question. What sort of people are the Eskimos?

[Dave Irwin]

Well, to my mind, and I found them the most admirable people in the whole world, very genuine. And if one's hungry, they're all hungry. And if one's eating, well, they're all eating.

[Narrator]

Another interesting question from one of our listeners is, is the reindeer anything like the deer we see here in the United States?

[Dave Irwin]

Well, they have a huge set of horns and ordinarily a little larger. They may dress about 150 pounds. It's the cheap food of the Eskimo.

[Narrator]

Here's a question, Dave, that I must confess has puzzled me somewhat too. Are the Eskimos nomads or do they settle permanently in villages?

[Dave Irwin]

Well now, the people that live by the sea and live mostly off from seal and walrus, they have a secured food supply and they no need to travel. But now you take the inland dwellers that live chiefly off from caribou. As the caribou migrate from one place to another. Well, they're nomads.

[Narrator]

Well, thanks, Dave. If anyone has questions, they'd like to ask Dave about the far north. Send your inquiries to this station in care of Irwin of the Arctic. And remember, in our next episode, we continue Dave's exciting story. What happened when Ira ranks schooner put to sea. The mysterious passenger and the first tragedy on a long trip north. Don't miss it. Another chapter in this daring personal record of Irwin of the Arctic.

[Dave Irwin]

It.