10/08/2026
Throwback Thursday 📸 Today’s throwback was shared by Shareholder Loretta Lee Hackett. This photograph was taken in Aniak in 1927. It was shared with a typed letter explaining who is pictured and how they are related.
From the letter and information shared with us, we were able to identify the people in the back row, from left to right, as Lisa, sister of Sam A. Simeon, and her son Willie; friends Anastasia and Anania Theodore; Sam A. Simeon; his wife, Suzanne; and their son, Steve. In the front row are children from both families. Three are children of Anastasia and Anania Theodore, including Mary Waskey and the grandmother of Marlene Nicholi. Next are four children of Sam and Suzanne: Nancy, Joe, Phillip, and Margaret. Their daughter Agnes, who was just an infant, is also in the photograph, tucked under Suzanne’s coat. One child in the front row has not been identified yet.
The original letter reads:
"11/30/93
Dear Loved Ones,
You asked how we are related? Here in a 1927 photograph given by Jerry to me, is the explanation. Person looks bigger than the person to the right. It’s because cameras were not perfected in 1927, as they are today. Willie & Aunt Lisa were not bigger than Sam and Suzanne. First is Aunt Lisa (Sam’s sister), next is her son Willie. Third and fourth are friends Anastasia and Anania Theodore. Next is my dad Sam A. Simeon (Lisa’s brother). Next is his wife Suzanne. In Suzanne’s arms is my brother Steve, standing next to her is Joe Simeon. In front of Joe is Nancy. Standing next to her is Phillip. Behind Phillip is Margaret, all children of Sam. The three other children are Anania’s children. Where is Aunt Agnes? Tucked snug under Suzanne’s coat in 1927; born on 1/15/26. Now you know."
This letter begins with a simple question: “You asked how we are related?” Nearly 100 years later, that question still reminds us of how connected we are. Our families, communities, and stories are connected across generations. As we celebrate 50 years of working together, we are also celebrating the connections that brought us here and continue to shape our shared story.
While we did our best to transcribe this original letter as accurately as possible, some words and names were difficult to read, so there may be errors in the transcription. If you recognize a name or have additional information to share, we would love to hear from you. If you recognize anyone in this photo or know more about the families pictured, please share what you know in the comments. Tag a friend or family member who might recognize someone, too!
