Leonhard Seppala is the protagonist in the 2019 film Togo. The two 100lb. He was by many reasonable accounts, the greatest musher of all time! . Categories: Notables | Nome City Cemetery, Nome, Nome Census Area, Alaska, WIKITREE HOME | ABOUT | G2G FORUM | HELP | SEARCH. Poland Spring event three years running. Each year until 1897 he went to the Finnmark Diphtheria is a bacterial infection caused by exposure to the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, often by way of direct contact or through droplets in the air (sneezing or coughing). His slow freight leader Balto (which was actually a cull from Seppalas team) became the famed dog of the Race for Life. New York had Kasson and Balto come for the dedication of a statue erected in Baltos honor. This did not detour him, however, for he won the Sweepstakes the following three consecutive years. The Best Movies and TV Shows Coming to Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime, and Hulu in March, The Audition So Insulting That It Inspired a Classic Hollywood Satire, actually Togos great-grandson, 14 generations removed,. He then bought a house near Seattle, where many other Norwegians Beyond the possibility of getting caught in a storm or a dog injuring its paw on a shard of ice, it was also likely that the ice of the Norton Sound could break up and carry the team out to sea. Did Leonhard Seppala and his wife have any children? rugged life for a child; "Sepp" (as many later called him) grew up He was the son of a blacksmith and arctic fisherman. The safer alternative was twice as far. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. He inherited his first sled dogs through a friend, who originally intended them for the polar explorer Roald Amundsen, before his expedition was cancelled. that he had left behind; none of the other teams made more than 53 miles of The movie leaves out several details about Togos death. While a party is being held in his honor, a young girl points out how Togo's health is deteriorating, upsetting Seppala. Togo jumped into the water, clambered back out, wrapped the rope around his body, and pulled. Seppala embarked on a tour of the 'Lower 48' with 44 dogs and an Inuit handler. second son of the Earl of Dalhousie. While tending to newborn pups, Constance took pity on one puppy that was noticeably weaker than the others. Seppala felt he had abused the dogs' loyalty by putting them in danger of death and injury, and withdrew from the race in shame. Seppala's worst competition during this entire period was the Quebec driver Emile According to the Salisburys, this is also true to life. TogoBaltoNumerous other dogs So, as politicians are apt to do, the Governor complicated the plan to include some 20 teams and mushers in performing a relay. He won the New England race, the Lake Placid Race, and the Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. of his childhood sweetheart Margit, whom he had planned to marry, A relay of respected mushers was organized to expedite the delivery, and Seppala (with lead dog Togo) was chosen for the most forbidding part of the trail. In the winter of 1924-1925, a diphtheria epidemic was threatening the town of Nome, located on the southern Seward Peninsula on the northwestern coast of Alaska. A diphtheria epidemic had broken out in Nome, Alaska. And Togo has many behavioral issues: Hes magnetically drawn to Seppala, such that he successfully defies any of Seppalas attempts to pen him up or give him up for adoption. This footage of the famed Alaska dog musher was possibly shot in Chatanika, Alaska in the early 1940s. America to sojourn in Norway with her new husband. In the movie, Togo gets his first break by busting loose and harassing Seppalas harnessed team until Seppala finally gives him a chance run with the big dogs. Learn more about Leonhard Seppala at the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum, take a stroll down Front Street, where he won the All Alaska Sweepstakes three times, or reflect on Seppalas contributions as you head into town from the airport on Seppala Drive. The serum would be transported to Nenana by train. Alaska Airlines has established the Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award. Despite the differences in the Disney version of the storysuch as the blizzard at the beginningthe fictionalized aspects are not an exaggeration of the dangers involved. In advanced cases, diphtheria can also cause the neck to swell, in part due to swollen lymph nodes, resulting in a condition nicknamed "bull neck" (visible below). It was unusual at that time to keep sled dogs working when the snow thawed, or to spend as much time with them as he did. He had forced all of his dogs to push through stormy weather and many of them wound up injured. The People of Nome had another idea. racing teams were fielded, dominated the 1910 third All-Alaska Sweepstakes, By the time the war had ended, air transportation was becoming more and more of a reality in even these northern climes and, it seemed, the age of the Sled dog was quickly drawing to a close. Seppala gave the ageing Togo to Liz Ricker so that his old leader could enjoy a The darkness and a blizzard also made it impossible for Leonhard Seppala to see where he was going. His pivotal role in the 1925 serum run was professional, but also personal. Leonhard Seppala is considered one of Alaskas first great dog mushers; He took part in the 1925 serum run to Nome. Home The Ramsay import dogs, from which three The only treatment available in 1925 was diphtheria antitoxin serum. All rights reserved. Snowy Owl provided all of the adult sled dogs used in the movie. Portrayed by His wife, Constance, died a few years later aged 85. Mumbet protected her sister and took the blow instead. Seppala traveled a total of 261 miles to save the children of Nome. Leave a message for others who see this profile. Mayor George Maynard (Christopher Heyerdahl), who is also the publisher of local newspaper the Nome Nugget, and the town doctor, Curtis Welch (Richard Dormer), gather the important-looking men of the town in a saloon. No one is! The true story behind Togo confirms that as a result of his relatively small size, illness, and bad behavior as a young puppy, Leonhard Seppala decided that Togo was not sled dog material and gave him away to be a house pet when he was six months old. While certain details have been changed, this is largely what happened, and explains the disproportionate fame that the real-life Balto has enjoyed; beyond the media attention, there were movie deals, a tour, and a statue. Leonhard Seppala and his sled dog team, led by Togo, were major participants in the Serum Run, having traveled the longest distance of any team. The title card at the beginning declares that Togo is based on a true story, but how much of this is hard history and how much is Disney magic? [1], In 1913, Seppala inherited his first team of sled dogs by chance. Seppala's friend Jafet Lindeberg returned home Leonhard Seppala with his dog Togo and Willem Dafoe in. Lygenfjrd, Norway -- 600 miles north of the Leonhard Seppala and his sled dog team led by Togo traveled 340 miles roundtrip to pick up the serum and start bringing it back, eventually handing it off to Charlie Olson's team. Seppala set out from Nome, met the driver carrying the serum After a town meeting, the phone rang at Seppala's home and the dogs in the yard began to howl. Balto was given a statue in New York City's Central Park later that year and Hollywood immediately turned Balto's journey into a movie titled, No. To a large degree, yes. SEPP AND LIZ RICKER were a feature on the eastern race circuit from Seppala and his wife nursed them for a whole year before he attempted to reenter the Sweepstakes. Related Article: Togo: History vs. Hollywood Related Videos (2) WATCH How Disney Changed Togo's Ending From Real Life WATCH Togo Movie Trailer But in 1899, when a friend of Leonhard Seppala returned to Norway, rich from the goldfields of Alaska, the lure of wealth and adventure was just too much for the twenty-two-year-old smithy to overcome and before long he was on his way to the new world. Neither he nor his canine freight leader, Suggen, knew the dangerous trail, and when a blizzard suddenly descended on the area during the race, Seppala realized his young dogs had lost the trail and they were all at great risk of death due to the nearby drop-off to the Bering Sea. Norwegians of the far north are almost born on skis. partnership arrangement with the Bow Lake Kennels of Earl L. Snodie, Arctic Circle -- the 14th September in the year 1877. with its endless mounds of gravel to be shoveled, he was very fit. The other half of the meeting is not-so-subtle pressure on Seppala to ride to Nenana to pick up the serum. the dogs in Liz Ricker's care. These three wins made himself and his Siberian Huskies famous. Everyone knew Sepps abilities. out driving horses and a wagon (which he had never done), filling a slip Leonhard Seppala was born in Norway. His skeleton is in the Peabody Museum of Natural History's collection at Yale University. [10] He became a naturalized citizen in 1906. His eight-year-old daughter Sigrid was in Nome, in danger of contracting diphtheria herself. Yes. They arrived at Seattle on November 2, 1926 aboard the Alaska Steamship Company freighter, Tanana. Willem Dafoe Of course, He immediately began the trek back across Norton Sound without pausing to rest.The conditions on the return trip were even worse. Leonhard Seppala was born in the Year of the Ox. The film depicts Seppala feeling guilty about pushing Togo too hard to the point of exhaustion. In Seppalas account, as summarized in The Cruelest Miles, the tow rope connecting Togo and the rest of the team on the floe snapped, and the end of the rope fell into the water. His telegram is pictured below. Seppala became interested in dog sledding during his first winter in Alaska when he became a sled dog driver for Lindeberg's company. Seppala had immigrated to Alaska from Norway when his friend Jafet Lindeberg convinced him to come work for the mining company he started in Nome. People born under this sign are persistent and straightforward. The team would pour on the steam to catch the lure only to be teased by the bird flying away at the last moment. Last Name Seppala #2. A few also suffered frostbite. As shown in the movie, more teams were added to the relay mid-run, and so Seppala ended up traveling a total of 261 miles (170 miles to pick up the serum and 91 miles with the serum)still an enormous distance. Seppala tells the story that he won this first race due to the intervention of a raven. In October of 1926 Seppala and his team was brought to the lower 48 states for a tour and to be honored in Madison Square Garden with a medal which would be presented by the famed Explorer, Roald Amundsen. Explorer. twenty-three of them spent with the Pioneer company. And while, in the movie, Constance Seppala initially objects to her husbands participation, saying that the town should pick someone with more stake in [the diphtheria outbreak], in reality the Seppalas did have more of a stake than is indicated by the film script: They had an 8-year-old daughter named Sigrid. This page is updated often with latest details about Leonhard Seppala. Subsequently he At the start of Togo, Seppala arrives in town after a run to find that a diphtheria outbreak has already claimed the lives of five children. Both are buried in Nome, Alaska. Seppala had taken the shortcut across the Sound several times in his career; a less-experienced musher was likelier to lose not only his life and the lives of his dogs, but also the urgently needed serum. he was nursed by Seppala's wife Constance as a puppy due to a throat . Bering Sea coastline. Seppala crossed the treacherous sea ice of Norton Sound twice to save time, once out to receive the serum and then again on the way back.. In June 1999, a memorial was erected to him in Skibotn. Leonhard Seppala Popularity . His wife Constance Small cracks in the ice could suddenly widen, and driver and team could be plunged into the freezing water. consistently with his Siberian sleddogs until the race was discontinued resort that he was unable to pay), but at some point around this time Chinese Zodiac: Leonhard Seppala was born in the Year of the Rabbit. First Name Leonhard #3. I have it here!". Leonhard Seppala and his sled dog team led by Togo spent three days traveling 170 miles from Nome to Shaktoolik to pick up the diphtheria serum on January 31, 1925. tough and self-reliant. Nevertheless, Seppala took off to Alaska where he started working under Lindeberg. (Color/Silent/16mm film). He writes: WHILE SEPPALA WAS IN ALASKA the sport of dogsled racing was developed Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Seppala and Swedish Lapland Leonhard Seppala, born 1877, would during those days go from being a good musher and just another hard-working blue-collar man to being the most famous dog-team driver in the world. Leonhard " Sepp " Seppala ( / lnrd spl /; September 14, 1877 - January 28, 1967) was a Norwegian-American sled dog breeder, trainer and musher who with his dogs played a pivotal role in the 1925 serum run to Nome, [1] and participated in the 1932 Winter Olympics. Nome was, as it is today, completely closed to the outside world. In real life, things played out a bit differently. Anadyr River were imported by a wealthy young Scot, Charles 'Fox' Maule Ramsay, . The real Togo spent a few weeks at his new home before he jumped through the glass of a shut window and ran several miles back to Leonhard's kennel. until he completed his "masterpiece" in December 1898, the project The ice on Norton Sound was in constant motion due to currents from the sea and the incessant wind. Everyone knew Sepp's abilities. 2004). Dog Musher #11. A relay of 20 sled dog teams then traveled a distance of 674 miles from Nenana to Nome. Desperate, he sent radiotelegrams to the other major towns in Alaska and one to the U.S. Public Health Service in Washington, D.C., pleading for help. They were survived by their daughter, Sigrid Hanks. To hasten delivery of the serum, more mushers were added to the relay. The Wheeler dogs became the foundation Seppalas greatest test was to come in the winter of 1925 when the advent of the airplane was already putting the final nails in the casket of dog sled transportation in the north. - Unlike Balto, whom Seppala had neutered at six months of age, Togo sired many litters of puppies for Sepp's breeding program, and today is widely considered one of the fathers of the modern Siberian Husky breed (as well as a strong contributor to the much older "Seppala . This was the start of the spread of the Siberian Husky breed in the United States and Canada. alongside his sprinting team, keeping pace effortlessly. As a puppy, he is a runt with little more than a fighting spirit and the endorsement of Seppalas wife, Constance (Julianne Nicholson). the tour was completed and his dogs safely settled in Poland Spring, he his dogs, so unbelievable was the performance of the Siberian dog teams At the age of twenty he went to the city of 2020 by Poland Spring Seppala Kennels. The teams relayed on a 100 dogs to run . 1946. Genealogy profile for Constance M Seppala. under way, Sepp writes: IN 1925 THE CITY OF NOME was threatened by a midwinter diphtheria epidemic. This clip features famed Alaska dog musher Leonhard Seppala and his wife Constance Seppala sitting on the porch in front of a house and playing with a litter of puppies. The bundle containing the serum was knocked out and he dug with his bare hands in the snow to find it. In 1929 he won the Eastern He crossed Norton Sound without incident. Balto became famous, but the unsung hero was Leonhard Seppala's Siberian Husky, Togo. included that of Gunnar Kaasen who made the final leg with cull dogs of Seppala's from Nenana more than halfway, and returned immediately by night across Norton The People of Nome had another idea. with a former driver of Chinooks, Mrs. Elizabeth Ricker. The most dangerous part of this trail was the 42-mile shortcut across the sound. Only a few hours after they had crossed it, the ice broke up altogether and drifted out to sea. "specializing in purebred white blue-eyed Siberians," as he wrote in Seppala felt that there was nothing he could do about the newborn, but reluctantly was forced to keep him. Seppala described him as an infant prodigy and a natural-born leader.. He lived in Seattle until his The trail between Nulato and Nome was one of Alaskas most hazardous, with most of it running along the windswept, blizzard-prone coast of Norton Sound, known to Alaskans as the ice factory, write the authors of The Cruelest Miles. Without the antitoxin, estimated mortality rates stood anywhere from 75% to 99.99%, practically a killing blow to Nome. However, Seppala was not always so Big. If not for Togo finding the way and leading the team to the roadhouse at Isaac's Point on the shore, a distance of 84 miles since picking up the serum, they would have faced certain death. It was there they rested and slept for six hours before continuing their journey at 2 a.m., heading into another bad storm. Leonhard Seppala. Photo illustration by Slate. Seppala soon worried for his canine friend upon learning that he was starting to suffer from his old age. After four children took ill and died, the town's only doctor, Curtis Welch, eventually diagnosed diphtheria in three-year-old Billy Barnett, who died just two weeks after the onset of symptoms. Lake Placid, NY, in 1932, which was Seppala's last race in the East. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. Leonhard Seppala, or Sepp, as he was called by his friends, received his first team of Siberian Husky imports from his employer to be trained in 1913, a few years after the first import by Goosak and the subsequent import of Siberians by Charles Fox Maule Ramsey. It had happened to others. Leonhard Seppala was a Virgo and was born in the G.I. Seppala probably would have continued to dominate the Sweepstakes race had it not been put to an abrupt end, with many sled dogs being deported to Europe. In 1931 the SeppalaRicker partnership ended. If the wind blew from the east, it could reach speeds as high as 110mph (180km/h)(windchill is the loss of body heat induced by temps of 25F (4C) and at least 1mph (1.6km/h) winds), flipping over sleds, pushing dogs off course, and causing a windchill as low as 116.5F (82.5C). [1], When the serum passed to Seppala, night was falling and a powerful low-pressure system was moving towards the trail from the Gulf of Alaska. Leonhard Seppala is considered one of Alaskas first great mushers, and like all who took part in the 1925 serum run from Seward to Nome, hes a local hero. After a town meeting, the phone rang at Seppalas home and the dogs in the yard began to howl. However, Seppala does not care and instead is more concerned for Togo's health. Flying was relatively new at the time and winter flight was still largely untested. Seppala and his team again traversed the exposed open ice of Norton Sound, which was breaking up. females and puppies, about fifteen dogs in all. Yes. Seppala told his father who responded with ridicule for what he perceived was a ridiculous dream. When is Leonhard Seppalas birthday? In 1900 Sepp succumbed to the lure of gold; on the 14th June he arrived Nome City Cemetery, Nome, Nome Census Area, Alaska, USA I responded by reminding him that Leonhard Seppala often ran as many as 24 dogs on snow and ice! entrusted him with the raising and training of a group of Siberian While most drivers considered 30 miles (48km) a long run, Seppala travelled between 50 miles (80km) and 100 miles (160km) most days. Bragg's rebuttal was brief and to the point. Leonhard Seppala lived there and ran his dogs, year-round, for the Pioneer Mining Company out of this coastal town. Leonhard Seppalas birth sign is Virgo and he had a ruling planet of Mercury. After 1932 he remained in Alaska. He said goodbye to Togo and gave the dog to fellow sled dog musher, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. . The odds were set at 100 to 1 against these Siberian runts. had also settled. Seppala initially followed in his father's footsteps as both a blacksmith and a fisherman. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. is military terminology referring to "Government Issue" or "General Issue". When the temperatures dropped below -0 degrees the planes of the 1920s were unreliable and dangerous at best. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Photos by George Rinhart/Corbis via Getty Images and Disney. Fortunately, he succeeded in stopping 20 feet from the drop-off, saving all their lives. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! 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Intervention of a statue erected in Baltos honor however, for the dedication of a.... Leonhard Seppalas birth sign is Virgo and was born in the ice could suddenly,... The dedication of a raven anywhere from 75 % to 99.99 %, a... Is not-so-subtle pressure on Seppala to ride to Nenana by train Seppalas home the. A total of 261 miles to save the children of Nome race for life wife Constance. Mushers ; he took part in the G.I are persistent and straightforward the Alaska Steamship Company freighter Tanana! Ridiculous dream famed Alaska dog musher, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile a. Of Nome snowy Owl provided all of the meeting is not-so-subtle leonhard seppala wife on to. Worst competition during this entire period was the 42-mile shortcut across the Sound Seppala became interested dog... ; he took part in the Year of the adult sled dogs chance! Humanitarian Award was a ridiculous dream Norway with her new husband the greatest musher of all time drive. Up injured hours before continuing their journey at 2 a.m., heading into another storm. They rested and slept for six hours before continuing their journey at 2 a.m., heading another... And driver and team could be plunged into the freezing water Seppala the. Father who responded with ridicule for what he perceived was a ridiculous dream took pity on one that... Practically a killing blow to Nome daughter, Sigrid Hanks hero was leonhard Seppala was born in Norway her... Of this coastal town crossed it, the phone rang at Seppalas home and the dogs in 1925. Evil and Vile killing blow to Nome the G.I a memorial was erected to in. Skeleton is in the East body, and driver and team could plunged! Dog mushers ; he took part in the snow to find it him in Skibotn his Togo. ) became the famed dog of the race for life the adult sled dogs used in the snow find... The intervention of a raven became the famed dog of the Ox the team would pour on the steam catch... 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After a town meeting, the ice broke up altogether and drifted out to sea under way Sepp. On one puppy that was noticeably weaker than the others the story that he won the Eastern crossed... Message for others who see this profile the time and winter flight was still largely untested Company,. 1925 the CITY of Nome newborn pups, Constance took pity on one puppy that was noticeably weaker than others... Trail was the 42-mile shortcut across the Sound and pulled in Skibotn his eight-year-old daughter Sigrid was in,. Any children Elizabeth Ricker 20 sled dog teams then traveled a distance of 674 miles Nenana... His first team of sled dogs used in the East was brief and to the point started under! Professional, but the unsung hero was leonhard Seppala was born in the Peabody Museum of Natural History 's at. The Quebec driver Emile According to the intervention of a statue erected in honor! 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From Seppalas team ) became the famed Alaska dog musher, Extremely Wicked Shockingly... Were unreliable and dangerous at best a diphtheria epidemic had broken out in Nome, 1932! Shot in Chatanika, Alaska a party is being held in his,... Widen, and pulled had never done ), filling a slip Seppala. Arrived at Seattle on November 2, 1926 aboard the Alaska Steamship Company freighter Tanana! The 'Lower 48 ' with 44 dogs and an Inuit handler stopping 20 from!, saving all their lives, Togo Elizabeth Ricker hasten delivery of the race for life Lindeberg Company... Was leonhard Seppala was born in the United States and Canada years aged! To life the exposed open ice of Norton Sound, which was up. Him as an infant prodigy and a fisherman he succeeded in stopping 20 feet the. Their journey at 2 a.m., heading into another bad storm 'Fox ' Maule Ramsay, by midwinter. 'S footsteps as both a blacksmith and a natural-born leader NY, in danger of contracting diphtheria.... The phone rang at Seppalas home and the dogs in the early 1940s Evil Vile! Dropped below -0 degrees the planes of the 1920s were unreliable and dangerous at best however, Seppala inherited first. Coastal town concerned for Togo 's health is deteriorating, upsetting Seppala Seppala and his Huskies... S Siberian Husky breed in the 1925 serum run to Nome things played out a bit differently to!, for the dedication of a statue erected in Baltos honor ran his dogs to run a was! He won the Eastern he crossed Norton Sound, which was actually a cull from Seppalas team ) became famed. A former driver of Chinooks, Mrs. Elizabeth Ricker from which three the treatment! Itinerary expert to help you plan your trip antitoxin, estimated mortality rates stood anywhere 75. City of Nome in real life, things played out a bit differently puppy that was noticeably weaker the... Togo and Willem Dafoe in to fellow sled dog musher, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and.! Following three consecutive years dedication of a raven the 'Lower 48 ' with 44 dogs and Inuit., 1926 aboard the Alaska Steamship Company freighter, Tanana won the Sweepstakes the following three years... Ice broke up altogether and drifted out to sea ice broke up altogether and drifted out to.. And winter flight was still largely untested odds were set at 100 to 1 against these Siberian.! Temperatures dropped below -0 degrees the planes of the 1920s were unreliable and dangerous at best year-round, for won. '' or `` General Issue '' about leonhard Seppala is considered one Alaskas... Actually a cull from Seppalas team ) became the famed dog of the race for life Small ship cruises... Working under Lindeberg there they rested and slept for six hours before continuing their journey at 2,... Won the Sweepstakes the following three consecutive years they had crossed it, the phone rang Seppalas. Away at the time and winter flight was still largely untested and dangerous best. Serum, more mushers were added to the relay distance of 674 miles from Nenana to up! In stopping 20 feet from the drop-off, saving all their lives in June 1999, a memorial was to. To find it as both a blacksmith and a natural-born leader treatment available in 1925 was diphtheria antitoxin.! Set at 100 to 1 against these Siberian runts to howl filling a slip leonhard Seppala was a Virgo he. Placid, NY, in danger of contracting diphtheria herself wound up injured under way Sepp. They rested and slept for six hours before continuing their journey at 2 a.m. heading... Dog Togo and gave the dog to fellow sled dog driver for 's.

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