Doc South

I remember a time at the Howling Dog Saloon during the winter of ‘74/’75.  I had met Doc and Louise through Gil Monroe when I was stationed at Eielson.  I wasn’t much of a musician so I mostly benefited from all the great music by being out in the crowd and dancing as often as possible.  During one of those typical 20 below nights at the Dog a whole bunch of young G.I.’s from Ft. Wainwright came in through the door.  I recognized the suspicious looks on their faces as they looked around at the hippie crowd.  I knew that it wouldn’t take much to make them seriously unhappy with consequences that I didn’t want to think about.  Remember, this was a time when soldiers were often treated very poorly.  Anyway, Doc and the band came back from a break and the music started and people started to dance and the regular crowd was having a great time.  Perhaps as a dare, but probably because they really wanted to, a couple of these troops asked some of the young ladies if they would dance, and they did.

They danced very well and really enjoyed themselves.  As I recall, when they left it was in a really happy state.  I would be willing to bet that they remember their time at the Howling Dog that night as well as I do.  I give the credit to Doc and the band.  They always brought people together and made the place and the time something special, something unforgettable.  Thank you Doc.

 

Bruce Erickson