1931 | Explorer Richard Bryd's Husky Killed in Monroe
Unalaska hit by car when crossing road, monument stolen
5 MINUTE READ | NUMBER 7
As I sat in my truck, momentarily halted along Highway 190, I was captivated by a funeral procession slowly making its way. Lost in contemplation, my mind wandered, thinking about famous funerals that might have unfolded in Louisiana. Yet, amidst the many historical accounts I came across in my research, one story, in particular, emerged, its essence brimming with a remarkable blend of suspense and intrigue that could rival even the most gripping blockbuster movie.
The Death of Unalaska and Disappearance of his Monument
1931
Fresh off his expedition in Antarctica in 1930, the great explorer Richard Byrd sent several crew mates across the country to show off artifacts and relics they had collected on the trip. Carroll Foster, an expedition member, and two of their prized lead huskies, Lady and Unalaska, traveled to Monroe in December 1930 to set up an exhibit. The dogs instantly became the star attraction.
Seeking to provide exercise for the huskies, Foster ventured to Forsythe Park on Saturday, January 3, 1931, where a sizable crowd had gathered in anticipation. Eager to demonstrate their remarkable agility, Lady and Unalaska were unleashed from their vehicle, only to dash across Riverside Drive. Foster urgently called for their return. Yet, as the dogs darted across the road, an oncoming Chevy Coupe, speeding down Riverside, tragically collided with Unalaska.1
According to newspaper accounts, the car dragged the dog approximately 50 feet before the body finally disentangled. Witnesses testified that the driver, attempting to conceal his identity, pulled his hat down over his face and swiftly fled the scene.2 Amid the chaos, Lady, filled with concern, instinctively directed her attention towards Unalaska. Carroll Foster tenderly lifted the injured husky into his arms and carried him back to the Antarctic exhibition headquarters. Despite offering a reward to anyone who could identify the car's driver, no one was ever apprehended.
Following the tragedy, immediate plans were set to pay tribute to the fallen canine. A specially crafted coffin was prepared in honor of his memory, accompanied by the arrangements for a memorial ceremony. Unalaska's pelt was to be preserved and mounted, while his remains were destined for cremation.3
The Memorial Ceremony
Three days following the tragic incident, schools in the area made the compassionate decision to suspend classes, enabling local children to attend Unalaska's memorial service. Thousands of students assembled on the sprawling lawn of the American Legion building, driven by a desire to pay their respects. A local Boy Scout troop shouldered the responsibility of carrying the small casket, gently conveying it to its final resting place amidst a sea of flowers contributed by the children.4
City officials paid their tributes and announced a memorial would be erected, and Foster gave the eulogy:
"Unalaska was a lead dog from the north, proud and brave, toiling in the conquest of a new land, trudging along with tons of supplies that would enable Admiral Byrd and his companions to establish their base for the epochal flight to the South Pole. He was able, kind, tender, and lovable. He left a path of glory behind him. Who can say that in this spot a hero does not lie?" — Minneapolis Star Tribune, January 10, 1931.
In a remarkable show of solidarity, the local school children, spearheaded by the students at Georgia Tucker School, started a fundraising effort to construct a memorial marker in honor of Unalaska. A local construction company stepped forward, generously donating a substantial 700-pound limestone block. Another business contributed by providing a bronze tablet meticulously engraved with Unalaska's name and a chronicle of his remarkable history.5
On July 9, 1931, the memorial tablet was unveiled in a moving ceremony, but tragedy struck again.
Missing!
The next day brought a distressing revelation—the limestone marker was gone. All that remained were mere fragments. The 700-pound slab of limestone had been stolen overnight.6 Prompted by this development, authorities excavated Unalaska's grave to ascertain that neither the casket nor the beloved husky's remains had fallen victim to theft.7
A second ceremony took place in late July. The casket containing Unalaska's remains was laid to rest on the grounds of the Georgia Tucker School. A new marker bearing an etching of Unalaska's image was carefully positioned at the site. Over the years, despite the school's closure in 1999, the marker remained in its designated place, preserving the memory of the loyal husky.
In 2018, with the school undergoing remodeling to transition into a senior living center, the marker was respectfully relocated to a different area of the grounds.▪️
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“Auto Kills Big Lead Dog of the Byrd Polar Party,” Denham Springs and Livingston Parish News, January 8, 1931.
“Byrd Huskie Perishes in Traffic of South,” The Atlanta Constitution, January 4, 1931.
“Pelt of Unalaska, Bryd’s Husky to Be Mounted,” The Town Talk, January 6, 1931.
“Boy Scouts Lower Body of Byrd’s Lead Sledge Dog into Grave among Flowers,” Weekly Town Talk, January 10, 1931.
“Honor Is Paid to Unalaska, Intrepid Dog,” The Monroe News Star, July 9, 1931.
“Vandals Steal Marker on Unalaska’s Grave, Erected by Children,” The Commercial Appeal, July 11, 1931.
“To Open Grave at Local Park This Afternoon,” The Monroe News Star, July 11, 1931.