June was spent mostly at the elk farm in Minnesota. A side trip to watch the Minnesota Twins play the Cubs at Wrigley Field was highly entertaining. Minnesota fans numbered about 4-5,000 and were louder than the Cub fans in attendance. A vendor said he had never seen that happen before at Wrigley. A chance to see Joe Mauer, on his way to becoming the greatest catcher ever, was worth the seven hour drive. When he homered it was even better.
Another ball game, this time at the Metrodome in Minneapolis had special significance as well. In what was likely the Angstman’s last trip to the Dome, second row seats behind the dugout allowed a chance to overhear conversation at the open end of the dugout where players wait to enter the on deck circle. The Twins move to a new outdoor stadium next year.
Baseball has a long history in the Angstman family. Jacob and Emma Angstman moved to what is now Long Pond Elk Farm in 1904 by horse and wagon, arriving with all their equipment, livestock and household goods, along with 13 children. There were 11 boys, and they soon established a baseball team that played some of their games in the pasture behind the barn. This after a July 4th game in Orrock near Princeton. In later years, the brothers recalled that they never lost a game, but upon cross examination revealed that they actually might not have won a game. The team picture dates from 1913.
A more recent ball team photo is from the Bethel Fourth of July tourney where the won the championship. Missing from the photo is part time player Myron, who spent the holiday at the family lake cabin.
The Kuskowkim River float by Ben, Casie and Jane was successful. Ben submitted photo evidence of the wonderful trip. The floaters missed seeing this river scene however. A plane crashed at an upriver strip, and the owner decided to for the trip back to Aniak for repairs.
An Angstman family gathering in Fresno featured hot weather. The invitation mentioned semi-formal attire, which posed a problem for some family members who are formally challenged.
Of course, the law office has to remain open to fund these adventures. ALO settled a claim brought by three members of a Bristol Bay family that was involved in an auto accident in Anchorage. The family agreed to split $90,000. Much of June was spent preparing for a trial which starts in late July involving the death of two men who drowned in the Kuskokwim. Both were drinking, but blame the city for having an unsafe dock and the boat owner for having an unsafe boat.