HISTORY OF THE COPPER CENTER LODGE/ROADHOUSE

Historically, Alaskan Roadhouses were founded as havens for the weary gold miners, trappers, and travelers.  As such, each roadhouse provided food and lodging, mail, and medical help.  Initially, Roadhouses had large barns for the care and feeding of horses.  As services were needed, Roadhouse owners responded.  Stores and gas stations were added.  Warehouses were built.

Eventually, small communities built up around Roadhouses.  Since post offices were generally included in the store area and large lobbies were a part of the hotel and restaurant plan, the roadhouse became a social community center.  Most owners and operators felt a sense of responsibility to the community.

When lifelong Alaskans, George & Kathy Ashby bought Copper Center Roadhouse and Trading Post in 1948, they honored and maintained the tradition of community involvement.  Initially, they focused on Art and Education.  By welcoming outstanding Alaskan artists and encouraging them to display their artworks in the dining room and lobby, they followed a tradition established by Florence Barnes, and prior to Barnes, Ringwald Blix.

When it became clear that the Bureau of Indian Affairs Schools would not admit non-native students in 1950, The Ashby’s renovated a house on the property and with the sanction of the Territorial Department of Education, established Mount Drum Territorial School.  The school ran for one year with 14-15 students in grades K-9.

In the late 50’s, the A-bomb scare resulted in the need for a Civil Defense board and directors as well as a warehouse for emergency first aid supplies.  Fortunately, George was able to serve as Civil Defense Director and use one of his warehouses for storage.  He served in that capacity until his death in 1979; helping many evacuees after the 1964 earthquake.

The need for community-wide electricity and telephone spurred George and his fellow Civil Defense Board members to work with Rural Electric Association to form Copper Valley Electric Association and Copper Valley Telephone Association.  George served as president until his death.

Kathy Ashby continued to run the roadhouse until she could no longer do so on her own in 1991.  In June of 2002, George and Kathy’s grandchildren, Kim, Tom, & Peter Huddleston, purchased the lodge, just 3 months prior to her death.  The Huddleston boys grew up working in the lodge with their grandparents.  Kim Huddleston (formally Beaudoin) worked for Kathy during her high school years.  Kim had also grown up in a family run business in Nelchina, mile 143 on the Glenn Highway (The Nelchina Café), owned by her grandparents, Phyllis and Frank McGinley.  At the age of 19, Kim married her high school sweetheart Tom, and they moved into what is now the museum annex.  Tom and Kim continued to work for Kathy in the early years of their marriage.

The Huddlestons’ over the years desired to provide for their children the same work ethic they grew up with.  While in search of a business that fit their family, it was brought to their attention; the Copper Center Lodge was indeed for sale.  Wanting to keep the business in the family, they jumped at the chance.  All four of their children, T.J, Aftan, Charlie, and Kendra at one time or another have worked the business.  Aftan and Kendra continue to do so today.  Kim and Tom’s grandchild, (Aftan’s daughter) Lily Bug also has become of the Copper Center Lodge tradition.

Kim has brought along her cooking expertise taught by her grandmother along with many of her grandmother’s kitchen appliances (including a 40-year old Wolf Range) that she was accustomed to using.    The Copper Center Lodge is rich in family history on both sides.

The Huddlestons’ continue the family dedication to the community.  The Copper Center Lodge has become a favorite of local’s for the atmosphere and fine dining.

Thank you for choosing to stay at our establishment, and we hope that you enjoy your time in the beautiful Copper River Valley!

Sincerely,

The Huddleston Family