Franz Schonberg

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Franz Schonberg

In this Spring 2025 interview for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, Franz Schonberg speaks with student Izabella Tarquino about the legacy of his great-uncle, Bob Thorstenson, Sr.—a pioneering figure in Petersburg’s history and the Pacific Northwest fishing industry. In the 1960s, Thorstenson became an investor and leader in a single fish processing plant in Petersburg, Alaska that eventually grew into the global company Icicle Seafoods. Franz reflects on the values, grit, and personal sacrifices that fueled this success. He also discusses how the story came full circle in 2025 when Icicle Seafoods was acquired by Silver Bay Seafoods, a modern, fisherman-owned company now at the forefront of Alaska’s salmon processing industry.

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Helmer "Bill" Olson

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Helmer "Bill" Olson

Helmer “Bill” Olson speaks with his grandson, Erik Thynes, about his life growing up in Southeast Alaska. Recorded on April 28, 2025, for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, their conversation highlights Bill’s deep connection to the land and community. He shares the many jobs he’s held over the years and reflects on the importance of a subsistence lifestyle.

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Judy Ohmer

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Judy Ohmer

Judy Ohmer speaks with her grand-niece, Elizabeth Burns, about what it was like growing up in Petersburg during the 1950s and 60s. As part of Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, their conversation explores the contrasts between their two generations and highlights the role that opportunity has played throughout Judy’s life. Through personal stories and reflections, Judy shares how her experiences helped shape the person she is today.

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Nathan Midkiff

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Nathan Midkiff

Nathan Midkiff shares his career journey in the local cannery industry with his daughter, Martha. He began working at Petersburg Fisheries in 1976 while still in high school, starting on the slime-line and in the egg room. Eventually working his way up to becoming an electrician. This interview was recorded May 12, 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

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Sig Mathisen

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Sig Mathisen

Sig Mathisen sits down with student deckhand, Erik Edwards, to reflect on his life growing up in Petersburg, Alaska, and his 45-year career as a commercial fisherman. In this spring 2025 interview for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, Sig shares insights into the evolution of fishing gear and technology across the decades. With deep knowledge and optimism, he explains why he remains hopeful about the future of commercial fishing in Petersburg.

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Nathan Lopez

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Nathan Lopez

In this interview recorded in Spring 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, longtime pastor and community leader Nathan Lopez sits down with his daughter Cadence Lopez. Nathan reflects on leaving his hometown and later returning to serve as pastor of his childhood church. He also shares his experiences serving on the local tribal government and offers his personal thoughts on life in Alaska.

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Brian, Carol, Scot, & Eleanor Kandoll

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Brian, Carol, Scot, & Eleanor Kandoll

Eleanor Kandoll interviews her grandparents, Brian and Carol, and her father, Scot, about their lives as commercial fishing boat owners and their experiences salmon seining in Southeast Alaska. Recorded in the spring of 2025 for Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School, the conversation explores the family’s ties to Alaska’s fishing industry, the challenges and rewards of life on the water, and the legacy being passed down through generations.

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