The Big "T"

The "Big T" is Kasilof's most recognized and most referenced landmark, yet years of neglect have left this derelict monument abused; it's purpose and history remembered by only a few.

Most of us cannot recall a time when Tustumena Lake was only accessible by horse trail or boat. A challenge that stood in the way of Neelon and Lola Harberger's ambitions of turning their private paradise into a destination spot. Traveling the river proved challenging and Lola was determined to see a road deliver clients to Tustumena Lake.

Meeting in Lola's bar, now the Decanter Inn, the Tustumena Chamber of Commerce was focused on promoting Kasilof as a recreation destination and building local businesses. Earl Fisler, Speed Tomick and Bud Tri were the backbone of the chamber and with the help of local homesteaders Chuck and Helen Raymond, Lola Harberger and Tony J Correia, the Tustumena Lake Road cut into the spruce wilderness falling short of Tustumena Lake in 1967.

Anthony John Correia, known to his friends as Tony J, left his home in the Sacramento Valley for Alaska in search of work. The infant state had again opened her wilds to homestead and Tony staked his claim on what is now North Cohoe Loop Rd. While many local men worked in Anchorage and left their families to prove up land, Tony J, a welder by trade, stayed on the Peninsula working for Wesway Steel.

It may have been Lola's ambition that helped to create a road, but it was Tony J's welding talent that created the final statement. It was on the eve of Alaska's centennial purchase from Russia, that the Tustumena Chamber commissioned a monument to mark the entrance of the new road and recreation area. Tony J was asked to weld a large capital letter "T" from steel to be the communities' commemorative piece; painted yellow and red it was set in place marking the beginning of Tustumena Lake road, which at the time was visible from the Sterling highway.

The entire road project was completed strictly by Kasilof community volunteers. Additional funds were raised through a comemerative coin designed by a local contest winner.

How quickly time erodes memories; 43 years later our T stands a forgotten piece of history. Those who labored to build a road have been forgotten, and the Big T has outlived its creators. But, the memory of those events have remained with their descendants and rekindled with local interest.