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Elmer E. Gaede, M.D. was a simple Mennonite farm boy from Kansas who took a turn at the dairy barn and before he knew it, had graduated from KU medical school and was on his way up the Alcan Highway with his family. In 1955, he served as one of seven physicians at the Alaska Native Hospital in Anchorage. In 1957, he transferred with the Public Health Service to Tanana, and cared for the medical needs of 22 villages up and down the Yukon River. By 1961, he'd accumulated a file-full of Alaskan flying, hunting, and medical adventures and found himself homesteading on the Kenai Peninsula as one of the first physicians.

Listen to Naomi's interview with Mike Mason (KBBI and KDLL FM 91.9 Kenai) about Doc Gaede (3 minutes).

In 1947, homesteaders in the central Kenai Peninsula (Alaska) did the best they could until a few doctors were brave enough to deliver modern medicine under pioneer conditions. Hear the captivating story of early Soldotna settlers. Feel their hardy make-do spirits as you see them establish homes and forge a way of life. Discover how Dr. Elmer Gaede and his partner Dr. Paul Isaak, performed surgeries in a simple clinic and used their airplanes as ambulances to Seward and Seldovia. Watch medical history evolve from a small frame house to Central Peninsula General Hospital.

DVD includes an interview with Naomi Gaede-Penner. Produced by Paul Gray, Exploring Alaska TV Show.

Central Peninsula General Hospital has display cases honoring both Dr. Elmer Gaede and Dr. Paul Isaak.

This new display case compliments the Dr. Isaak display case at the same hospital. More pictures...

Naomi's writing, research, and photos contributed to Cook Inlet Academys historical display, which honored Dr. Gaede as a founder, board member, financial contributor, and tireless construction worker for Christian education on the Kenai Peninsula (Alaska.) Two of the Prescription for Adventure books were recognized as documenting his work in the community, and larger Alaska.

To learn more about Doc Gaede, check out the articles and books below:

A Larger History of the Kenai Peninsula
Book by Walt and Elsa Pedersen
See the chapter on Soldotna

Alaska's Kenai Peninsula: The Road We've Traveled
Book compiled by the Kenai Historical Society
Find "Gaede" in the index
This book can be purchased from the Kenai Visitor's Center:

• 907.283.1991
• www.visitkenai.com
• kenaicvb@visitkenai.com

Once Upon the Kenai: Stories from the People
Book compiled by the Kenai Historical Society
Find "Gaede" in the surname index
This book can also be purchased from the Kenai Visitor's Center.

Peninsula Clarion: Hospital Celebrates 30 Years of Service
Peninsula Clarion: Community Members Give Thanks
To find these articles on-line:

• Go to Kenai Peninsula Online at www.peninsulaclarion.com
• Click on Archives
• From the Year drop down menu, select "2001"
• Under Search Keywords, type "Hospital Celebrates 30 Years of Service"
• Under Search Keywords, type "Community Members Give Thanks"