Percy Blatchford was in the first All Alaska Sweepstakes race; his partner being the famed Alaskan dog driver Scotty Allen.
At her family weblog, Blatchford Herman Ningeulook, Ruby Hollembaek (daughter of Gloria Blatchford) wrote a wonderful description of the special Percy Blatchford Spirit of the Race Award she presented at the Awards Banquet. Ruby had each of the mushers rise and stand as she read the dedication:
“In memory of my grandfather, Percy Blatchford’s love of his dogs and loyalty to the sport of dog racing, we as a family, felt it was important to recognize a musher in his name during this great event. We would have loved to have given an award to every musher and their team, however, we are only able to give a single contribution of $1750 to one musher and dogteam. In his memory and with our love, the Blatchford family awards the ‘ Percy Blatchford Spirit of the Race Award’ and $1750 to cover entry fee costs for the 100th Anniversary of the All Alaska Sweepstakes in recognition of the dedication, love and determination and spirit of dog racing to musher Cari Miller.”
Ruby included marvelous descriptions and dozens of photos from her whirlwind overnight trip to Nome at her blog entry.
Percy Blatchford, Alaskan dog driver in the first All Alaska Sweepstakes race
July 30th, 2009 at 1:59 am
i have a letter from my grandfather talken about his son percy blatchford
December 19th, 2009 at 9:21 am
My mother is a relation of Percy, Gertrude Blatchford, her father Oliver (deceased) and Aunt, Anora Eleanor,(deceased) it is wonderful to be able to read about our ancestors. Thank you so much.
May 31st, 2010 at 6:46 am
I was stationed with Percy while in the USAF in Panama. I recall him as a totally dedicated, humorous, and modest man. He is one of only two or three people that I remember well from those days 42 years ago.