Mary Joyce Taku Lodge Pioneer
Mary Joyce and her famous dog sled team parade through Fairbanks, Alaska.
Among her pioneering skills was a love of piloting.
Mary Joyce was an Alaskan adventurer of the highest caliber; when Alaska was still just a territory she owned and operated the Taku Glacier Lodge, became the first woman radio operator in the territory, and flew her own bush plane. Mary Joyce’s biggest claim to fame, besides her drive to try new adventures, was her dogsled trip from the Taku Lodge to Fairbanks. Mary was invited to participate in the 1936 Fairbanks Ice Carnival. Always ready for an adventure, Mary decided to drive her dogs on the thousand-mile journey north. It is thanks to Mary Joyce and her courageous spirit that the Taku Glacier Lodge is on the Alaska map and on the National Registry of Historic Places today. Our goal is to share her story and bring the history of the Taku Lodge and Alaska alive!
“I did have three months of perfect happiness. I found what I was looking for… I saw into the hearts of men and women and found everything that was good and beautiful there.” ~Mary Joyce
My son, his family and I just returned from 7 day Alaskan cruise and the “high point” of our cruise was the excursion to your lodge flying Wings Airways. We were greeted by friendly people and a huge black bear you call “Mort”.. He was magnificent and only made our trip more exciting. The food was beyond compare; the salmon was the best I’ve ever tasted. I’ve recommended this excursion to everyone and hope to make the trip again in the future. Thanks for the great food, your hospitality and courteous staff who made our trip the best ever.
WOW! Did this excursion while visiting my brother in Juneau on July 30, 2011. It was the highlight of our trip to Juneau. The scenery was breath taking and the food magnificent. God bless the entire crew for making this an unforgettable trip (our first to Alaska)! Thank-you.
About 3 years ago my husband and I took the Taku Lodge excursion tour from our cruiseship. It was amazing! The flight over the glaciers was magnificent, but the serenity of the lodge and it’s surroundings spoke to my soul. I sat out on a porch swing and listened to the moans and cracking (“white thunder”) of the glacier not far away. I purchased the book about the history of the Lodge and it’s previous inhabitants and reading it when I got home brought me right back to that magical place. It was an experience of a lifetime. I just couldn’t get enough. The staff coudn’t have been more welcoming and the food was superb! We are planning another trip to Alaska in August ’12 and I can’t wait to return to Taku Lodge. I believe it is my favorite place in the world.
We went on a cruise to Alaska. There were numerous shores excursions to select from…which one to choose was a problem. The cruise director said she had went on this herself and loved it. She said it’s ALASKA all wrapped up in one excursion..and she was right. We LOVED it. If you have to pick just one shore excursion…Taku Glacier Lodge in Juneu Alaska is the one.
My Mom and Dad met at Taku Lodge in the late 1930′s. I have pictures of them playing with her dogs and interacting with a movie that was being made at the Lodge. Mary Joyce was a long time friend of my Mother’s. She was a very special woman for her time and will always be admired
Thank you so much for sharing your story! Do you have any photos you can share with us. We always love receiving photos form the past! Info@WingsAirways.com Especially a love story! I bet your parents were amazing people experiencing Juneau at such an interesting time in history. Thanks again!