Dzuik, Clair (1907-1993)

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:8535#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Clair A. Dziuk was born April 5, 1907 in Benton County, Minnesota, where he was raised. He married his wife, Ethel, in 1931, and had eight children. Dziuk worked for Benton County and in the construction of the Alcan Highway in Canada and Alaska from 1941 to 1943. When he returned from the Alcan Highway project, Dzuik returned to work for Benton County. He died September 12, 1993.

Transcript Summary: Clair A. Dziuk described his experiences as a tractor driver, while working on the Alcan Highway from 1941 to 1943. Alcan Highway began in Dawson’s Creek, British Columbia, Canada and ended in Delta Jackson, Alaska. Dziuk explains that the pay incentive for this type of work was significant, he went from making 35 cents an hour working for Benton County to $1.50 an hour working on the highway. He recounts his experiences in Canada and describes the day to day life of building the highway, from working with Canadians and the Army, camp life and the wildlife of Canada.

Interview by David Overy