#037 Snug Harbor Outpost: One Family’s Mission to Preserve and Share a True Alaskan Experience - Willie, Abe & Eli Porter

In this episode of The State I Am In, Manny sits down with Willie, Abe, and Eli Porter—multi-generational Alaskans whose story is deeply tied to the roots of commercial fishing on the Kenai Peninsula. From homesteading in the early 1900s to losing boats, building businesses, and ultimately restoring a historic cannery across Cook Inlet, the Porters are preserving a piece of Alaska that’s slowly disappearing.This is more than a story about fishing—it’s about legacy, resilience, and keeping a way of life alive for future generations.What You’ll Hear in This Episode The Porter family’s Alaska origin story dating back to 1908 What life looked like growing up in early Kenai (including dumping trash off the bluff 😳)  The rise and fall of commercial canneries in Cook Inlet  How fishing evolved from family-run operations to heavily regulated industry  Why commercial fishermen are often misunderstood today  The history behind Snug Harbor Cannery and how it nearly disappeared  How the Porters bought and are restoring this historic site  The reality of maintaining a remote, deteriorating property across the inlet  Bear viewing, fishing, and offering a truly authentic Alaska experience  Why preserving this history matters—before it’s gone for good  Key ThemesLegacy & Generational Knowledge The Porters aren’t just telling stories—they’re living proof of how knowledge, grit, and values get passed down through generations.The Evolution of Alaska From fish traps and canneries to modern regulations and tourism, this episode highlights how drastically life has changed—and what’s been lost along the way.Preservation vs. Erasure Snug Harbor isn’t just a business—it’s a fight against time to preserve a disappearing culture and industry.Authentic Alaska Experience This isn’t crowded rivers and tourist traps. It’s remote, raw, and real—exactly what people hope to find when they come north.🛠️ About Snug Harbor OutpostLocated across Cook Inlet near Lake Clark, Snug Harbor is a restored historic cannery turned remote adventure experience. Visitors can: Fish for salmon and halibut  View bears in their natural habitat  Explore untouched Alaska wilderness  Walk through a living museum of Alaska’s fishing history🌎 Why This Episode MattersAs Alaska continues to modernize, stories like this are becoming rare. The Porter family is holding onto something bigger than a business—they’re protecting a way of life.If you’ve ever wondered what Alaska used to be—and what it still can be—this episode is for you.Visit www.snugharboroutpost.com to learn moreFollow Snug Harbor on Facebook & InstagramShoot me a text, what do you think?