Milton Galle on the Expedition
Milton Galle's presence during the Wrangel Island expedition was marked by camaraderie, dedication, and an adventurous spirit. His journey began with an unexpected twist, having met Stefansson during the Chautauqua circuit. Maurer and Knight, who had crossed paths with Galle in 1921, spoke highly of him, influencing Stefansson's decision to include him in the Arctic expedition.
On board, Galle's treatment was a reflection of the group dynamics. Despite not initially being aware of the final expedition to Nome, Galle quickly integrated into the team, forging strong connections. His enthusiasm for the Arctic adventure was evident in his actions, such as capturing a moment on film where he was blowing up a seal skin. However, he clearly was treated as inferior to some of the other members of the expedition. As it is noted that he knew that plans were being formed, but was not actually told of the plans of the trip to Nome.
Photographs captured Galle alongside Allan Crawford and Frederick Maurer, setting out for the day's hunt, showcasing the collaborative spirit within the team. Galle's role on the expedition extended beyond the typical expectations, as he did not receive a salary but was compensated in furs, akin to Maurer. His willingness to embark on this challenging journey without financial incentives underscored his passion for exploration and the Arctic. It also creates feeling of sympathy for Galle. He is presented as someone who is slightly taken advantage of by Steffanson and some of the other people involved in the trip. This is likely due to his novice nature as an explorer and unbridled excitement for Arctic exploration.
In a letter dated August 7, 1921, Stefansson acknowledged Galle's desire to venture northward and outlined the unconventional payment arrangement in furs. Galle's commitment to the expedition and Stefansson's acknowledgement of his aspirations demonstrated the admiration that Galle had for Steffanson. It also highlighted the importance of ambitious, but also slightly unquestioning individuals like Galle in the shaping of Arctic explorations.
Overall, Milton Galle's presence on the Wrangel Island expedition was characterized by a blend of adventurous spirit, teamwork, and a commitment to exploring the uncharted realms of the Arctic, purely out of the love of exploring, rather than the promise or desire of wealth and prosperity.