Get to Know Bonnie Dunbar Hahn '49

Bonnie Dunbar Hahn '49 (pictured in an undated photo, with the 100-lb. halibut she caught) has led a truly amazing life. In her self-published biography, A Lifetime of Alaskan Adventures, Bonnie describes having dinner with US President Dwight Eisenhower; managing a homeless shelter in Alaska; being the first woman to sail west to east through the Northwest Passage on a yacht; learning to fly a plane; raising a baby polar bear; earning the nickname "Chainsaw Granny;" and much more.

Bonnie was raised in Nome, Alaska. "After my second year of high school in Nome, my parents decided I should get a better education. They sent me to an Episcopal boarding school (St. Helen's Hall, precursor to Oregon Episcopal School) in Portland, Oregon." Bonnie eventually became SHH student body president. Her younger sister, June Dunbar Phillips '51, several years later joined her at the school. During a recent visit with each other, Bonnie and June spent days mulling over photo albums and remembering their days at SHH. As Bonnie noted in a 2013 OES Magazine class note, "We sure had a good time at SHH, and the lessons, instruction, plays, musicals, wonderful teachers, and memories will stay with us always." 

"I hope to live another 10 years to 100 and get some more adventure too. Ha - you never know!"

If you would like to purchase a copy of her book, you can contact Bonnie directly at muskox2@nome.net.