Ruth Bailey

Bailey Collection

1935

Image is of a man, thought to be Colonist Jack Hermon, posing with his railroad detective badge, hand gun & night watchman’s clock. The family album containing this photo mistakenly identified the man as Don Irwin, Matanuska Colony manager. Irwin, in his book concerning the Colony, "The Colorful Matanuska Valley", discusses theft problems connected with the project and identifies Hermon as the man appointed as Deputy Railroad Detective with authority to deal with law enforcement. Irwin writes, “Hermon was an ex-Marine and tough. He could be found at most any hour checking on the camp and making his rounds in the warehouse and storage areas.”

Palmer, Alaska

Digital File, Black & White

Jack Hermon@1x-Bai