The village of Evansville, Alaska was settled in the late 1940s when Wilfred Evans, Sr. relocated his family to the area from Alatna, Alaska. Wilfred had inherited the family trading company from his father, John Evans, and was operating it in Alatna. Wilfred's brother-in-law, Frank Tobuk also moved his family to Evansville from Alatna. Both families relocated to take advantage of the economic opportunities presented when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) built an airfield and communications facility in 1948 in Bettles Field, 180 air miles North of Fairbanks, Alaska. The airfield was built for the military as the main stop over for aircraft to replenish their fuel supply when flying from Fairbanks to Barrow and as a support base during exploration for petroleum reserves. Wilfred opened and operated a timber sawmill business in Evansville. Through his business, Wilfred and his brother-in-law, Frank helped build the Bettles Lodge. A post office was established at the Bettles Lodge in 1950 and a school was opened in 1956.
History and Culture
Wilfred Evans and Frank Tobuk were descendants of the Koyukon Athabascans and Kobuk, Selawik, and Nunamiut Eskimos from the north and northwest who followed the wild game and fish in the Koyukuk River region while living in nomadic seasonal camps. Prior to moving to Evansville, Wilfred and Frank had lived with their families in the village of Alatna, which was a primarily Kobuk Eskimo village. Alatna is across the Koyukuk River from Allakaket, a predominantly Athabascan community. Evansville represents a blending of families and native cultures, which gives the village a unique perspective on traditions and customs.
Wilfred Evans, Sr.