Alaska Fisheries Stations
All the major fishing and packing companies that operated in Alaska had their own small coast stations. Duty at these stations could be difficult as was documented in a book called "The Radiobuster". While intended to be funny it gives the only known published glimpse into what it was like to be an operator at one of these stations during the mid-1920s just prior to the time the photos below were taken, when spark still ruled.
Regarding station KKA, Nosmo King writes:
The Libby McNeil & Libby Yakutat Alaska Salmon and Cannery Radio Station. Taken in 1924, it shows the combination radio shack and living quarters for Operator Al Hammond, K7IIJ. This was pretty good accommodations for 1924 Alaska. If you look closely at the desktop you can see his key, and just to the left his mill (typewriter). The spark gap transmitter, behind the mill is the same as found aboard ships of that time. Behind his key is an early tube receiver that may be an early De Forest, but it’s hard to tell. At the right, just under the calendar, you can see the butt of the pistol he used to scare off wild animals who showed up from time to time. He kept that handy, just over his bed.
“The Radiobuster” by Volney G. Mathison is a fictionalized account of the life of a radioman in the Alaska fisheries service. While contemptable as literature it contains technically accurate details including station call signs that make it a worthy read for anyone interested in the topic. Original copies are rare and expensive but reprints are available on line.
