Some Back Story
Historic McKinley View Lodge
THE PIONEER: THE LATE MARY CAREY
McKinley View Lodge was homesteaded by the late Mary Carey in 1962. She lived in a tent by the river until she could set a trailer on site. That trailer remains the Gift Shop that you see today. (Ask about Mary and the Parks Hwy for a great story! Or about the PIES!)
About 10 years later,Jean Richardson, Mary's daughter, joined the McKinley View Lodge. Jean became a local celebrity as well. To this day, the stories she told to guests echo in our lodge. Jean continued her Mom's legacy until she passed in 2021. Now Jean's son Joe Richardson carries on the vision. "to inspire the journey of travelers" For the past 75+ years, this family has uplifted Alaska and the masses that come to McKinley View Lodge and Mary Carey's cafe!
Marey Carey
April 1, 1913 - June 18.2004
World Records
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First woman in the world to be on Mt. McKinley in winter.
First woman in the world over our tallest peak in a light plane.
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National Records
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Winner of Fawcet Publications' "National True Story Award."
Given "National Leadership Award" by National Federation of Press Women.
Billed as "Nation's Most Versatile Female Writer" while teaching in writer's conferences.
Other honors
Proclaimed "Historian and Pioneer" by members of Alaska Legislature.
Declared war on two governors through the news media and won:
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In Texas: Against brutality and corruption in the Texas State Prison Systems which resulted in the impeachment of Governor Jim Ferguson.
In Alaska: Against Governor Bill Egan for completion of the Parks Highway, which now connects Anchorage and Fairbanks also providing a direct connection to Mt. McKinley National Park.
Mary Carey :Author of 15 Books:
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Alaska, Not for a Woman
Fireweed Philosophy
Green Gold in Alaska
Bank Robbers Wrote My Diary
Jane's Texas
Amazing Alaska
Let's Taste Alaska Cookbook
A-Lass-Kan Adventure
A Texas Brat in Alaska
Two For Texas
Alaska's Shangri-La
My Three Lives
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Jean Richardson
November 12, 1933 - September 25, 2021
After her career as an educator and raising her family, Jean moved to Alaska to join her mother running the now historic Mary’s McKinley View Lodge in Denali State Park. Jeann's story-telling was enjoyed by all, telling tales of Alaska and also writing 8 children’s books.
Jean led two lives. In the summer she lived in Alaska, where she owned Mary's McKinley View Lodge in Denali Park. In the winter, she wrote children's books and visited schools from her home in Houston. Jean holds a B.S. Degree in elementary education from the University of Texas at Austin, and taught school in seven states before beginning her writing career. She appeared frequently on the radio and television and was a popular speaker at schools and universities. Jean inspired children to read and express their own creativity through writing.
​Jean Richarson's books include:
Tag-Along Timothy Tours Alaska
Tag-Along Timothy Tours Texas
The Courage Seed
When Grandpa Had Fangs
Dino the Dingbat Cat
Return of the Dingbat Cat
Grumpy Granny's Book of Good Manners
Grumpy Granny's Rules for Good Living
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Jean Richardson, Mary Carey's daughter gives us the story of the Parks Highway. What a treasure in Alaskan History! Jean frequently shared memories and legacies about her Mom and the beautiful Denali area. Today, you can drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the Parks Highway thanks to Mary Carey. Proving Alaska can be for women. For more adventures, check out "Alaska not for a Woman" by Mary Carey in our gift shop.
I found this old video of Jean Carey Richardson speaking to a group in the cafe about her Mom. The subtitles are pretty off, but if you listen carefully, you will be able to grasp her presentation. Jean was loved by the travelers. Now you see why.