aul David Rees, born in Wymore, Nebraska in 1903, moved to Long Beach, California in 1927. There, he met and married LaNeva “Lee” Platt, who was born in Pine Island, Minnesota in 1903. They both had good jobs in California, but decided to seek a more adventurous life in Alaska. They moved to Anchorage in 1931 and upon their arrival, Paul immediately acquired work with the Alaska Railroad. He held the position of freight agent for many years and also worked in the accounting department.

Lee was a true animal lover and began a career of raising husky dogs and driving a dog team for her own enjoyment. Most of her dogs were of a matched quality and attracted attention wherever they went. She and her team were often photographed and were pictured on the covers of various magazines during the period.

In 1933 Paul and Lee built their first home at 9th Avenue and K Street and lived there until they required more space for the dogs. In 1938 they moved out into the “woods,” to a location near what would become 16th Avenue and Karluk Street. They acquired seven acres from Paddy Welch and built a log home. At the time, it was about two miles from downtown and a mile from their closest neighbor.

Paul was active in the Lions and the Masonic Lodge and in 1996 was awarded the Melvin Jones Award for outstanding dedication to the Lions. Lee passed away after a short illness in 1991; however, she will long be remembered by oldtimers as the first lady of dog mushing in Anchorage. Paul took to “snowbirding” in Mesa, Arizona for the winters. Paul and Lee had one daughter, June Rees Barker, who had three children. Donald, Tyra Lee and Reesa.