Please sign our guestbook! (coming back soon)

Jerry: My winter under the dome was in 1981-82 (still the coldest Pole winter on record!) as a member of the USGS team. I just recently learned of your website from Jerry Marty and I commend your efforts. I am webmaster and long-time member of The Antarctican Society (www.antarctican.org). We have been encouraging our members to write letters and emails to support saving the dome. Now that the dome is safely on U.S. soil, I think we should all be working together to find a permanent home for it where all Americans and citizens of the world will have an opportunity to see it and learn about its place in Antarctic history. I look forward to working with you toward this goal.
Tom Henderson <webmaster@antarctican.org>
Slingerlands, New York U.S.A.
- Friday, March 19, 2010 at 19:48:02 (EDT)

I was on the first winter team in the Dome after living the first part of the 74 summer in Old Pole. Seventeen of us wintered in 75 and what an experience. We moved all the useable equipment and supplies over from Old Pole and had a huge pile in the garage arch. Part of my winter job was to put it all away. The Dome is a U.S. Icon that deserves the Smithsonian. I opt for reconstructing it in entirety (a partial dome just isn't a dome) as the centerpiece for a U.S. Antarctic Program museum at a location where many could visit; say, Washington D.C., perhaps adjacent to the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum Annex near Dulles. Jerry, talk to the Smithsonian.
Stuart Rawlinson <serawlin@cox.net>
Las Vegas, Nevada USA
- Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 10:00:02 (EST)

why remove a piece of history?
woody maxwell <woody.maxwell@ventruausd.org>
- Monday, February 08, 2010 at 12:37:53 (EST)

Thanks Jerry. Wintered-over in '87. Prior to that, spent time at old Pole station in early '70s. But, since that's not going anywhere soon, and the dome is, I would like to see it reconstructed as a museum rather than as a construction exhibit at Port Heuneme; although, better that than sold for scrap. I would like to help. Keep me in the loop.
Greg Littin <greglittin@gmail.com>
- Friday, January 29, 2010 at 14:41:19 (EST)

I heard from a reliable source that the DOME has been DECONSTRUCTED. The person is presently working at the Pole.
Neil Conant <SNOWMAN2@CEBRIDGE.NET>
Elkins, WV USA
- Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 15:42:17 (EST)

PS...How about a tour of the outfall caverns?
doug
- Friday, January 15, 2010 at 03:23:56 (EST)

Just heard Jerry's interview on "the Story". Very nice presentation. Brings back austral summer 85/86. The Dome's definitely a piece of architectural history and is not just any other aluminum geodesic shell, though it might actually be the same as a few others I've seen being used along highways here and there. I also hope they save the skylab lounge. HeeHaw. Cheers
doug <douglucchetti@hotmail.com>
- Friday, January 15, 2010 at 03:22:18 (EST)

Second try -heard your Story on NPR this evening. Our Zegrahm trip in Nov-Dec '07 included a morning visit to Palmer Station and a "cruise" around the Bay. The staff treated us to coffee, tea, and brownies and conversations and appreciation of our visit. Most interesting and informative! So glad I happened on this evening STORY program!
janet p gardiner
- Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 21:35:04 (EST)

I heard your story on "The Story" from NPR. Very fascinated. I hope that you are able to save it. Good luck
John Duque <jolijon@yahoo.com>
Boca Raton, FL USA
- Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 21:03:09 (EST)

Overwintered in the Dome in 2002. Had the time of my life (despite my broken leg). Glad to hear it's being saved.
Tom Barale <barale.t@ghc.org>
tacoma, wa usa
- Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 20:21:37 (EST)

Great NPR interview! The dome should certainly be saved, like they're saving the huts of historic explorers Scott, Shackleton, Borchgrevink and Mawson. Maybe it can be brought to the USA and set up as a museum. I would love to see it.
Grace
USA
- Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 19:43:11 (EST)

Excellent interview in NPR! we must save the dome and you should write a book about your experiences in Antarctica.
Federico
Atlanta, GA USA
- Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 13:23:21 (EST)

If all of history is destroyed to make room for the new, then we will never know where we came from. Good for you Jerry, for doing what you can to "Same the Dome."
Linda Zweig <lzweig@dc.rr.com>
Palm Desert, California USA
- Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 12:43:41 (EST)

Great NPR interview Jerry! Your story nicely stated the importance of the DOME, life in Antarctica and the meaning it has to the people who had lived there. I am certain that you will get supportive feedback and action.
Annaliza Apostol
Tustin, CA USA
- Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 12:00:09 (EST)

I was the TEMCOR "tech rep" for the Dome erection in 1971-73. The Dome will be saved!! It totally down at this time & is being disassembled piece-by-piece & boxed for shipment from Pole to McMurdo. It will be loaded onto the returning supply ship & off-loaded at Port Hueneme in early April where it will be stored for determination of future display. Part of it will be displayed in some fashion at the new Seabee Museum currently under construction at Port Heuneme. More about this later.
Lee Mattis <leemattis@att.net>
Danville, California USA
- Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 11:31:17 (EST)

The "Dome" is an institution or should we call it a "World Heritage Landmark". Studying the poles, this case needs more support now then ever.
Gregor Reti <gregorreti@hotmail.com>
Budapest, Hungary
- Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 02:25:49 (EST)

The dome needs to be saved.
Arthur Zweig <artmassuer@att.net>
Oak Park, Ca USA
- Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 22:19:36 (EST)

I saw the Dome is nearly gone. Sadness. I spent six weeks there in 1990 digging down to the base ring. What an experience.
Josh Glenn <jmg24601@comcast.net>
Aurora, CO USA
- Saturday, January 09, 2010 at 11:50:47 (EST)

I just heard about this project from Lee Mattis, who was the project engineer during construction. Lets hope that it can still have some life after being dismantled. Very interesting read going back to the early 70"s . Thanks to Lee
Don Stone <ourturn2@pacbell.net>
Danville, CA USA
- Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 23:29:17 (EST)

I was OIC of the summer 1971-1972 Seabee Det that started the Dome. I would enjoy getting involved in "Saving the Dome"
John Heinstadt <heinstaj@comcast.net>
Duxbury, Massachusetts USA
- Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 11:54:38 (EST)

I wintered over in 1981 with a great group of guys. The Dome holds many memories for me.
Cynthia (Cindy) McFee <cmcfeekma@aol.com>
Denver, Colorado USA
- Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 00:54:45 (EDT)

Wow...I created this site with Jerry during our 2001 winter...amazing you are keeping up the site! Thanks SouthPolies!
jkfiction
- Friday, October 09, 2009 at 03:36:33 (EDT)

Instead of dismantling it, why not using the money needed for that to start a Fund to maintain and upkeep the Dome? - If a reputable international organization or Government will handle the Fund raising, a lot of people will certainly contribute. Including myself.
Gerson C. Borges <editor-best@sinos.net>
Dois Irmaos, RS Brazil
- Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 07:29:00 (EDT)

Hey Neil, we are just a group of fellow Polies like yourself running the site. Thanks for checking in.
South Polie
Santa Barbara, CA USA
- Monday, June 08, 2009 at 10:31:46 (EDT)

Wondering who is running this site. I hope the best for Jerry Marty's efforts. I stayed in upper berthing it's last year (2005-2006) while helping build the Elevated Station.
Neil Miller <redrocks.neil@gmail.com>
Morrison, Colorado USA
- Friday, May 29, 2009 at 16:57:06 (EDT)

Save the dome!
FDNY EMS Website <FDNYEMSwebsite@aol.com>
NYC, NY USA
- Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 17:24:06 (EDT)

Finally, back up and running with a new script. Thanks for visiting and please leave a comment!
SouthPolie
- Tuesday, September 02, 2008 at 20:23:39 (EDT)

Name:     Thomas Danks
Email:     tdanks13_AT_hotmail_DoT_com
City/State:     Covington, Georgia
Country:     USA
Home Page:     www.
Date:     Fri May 27 14:59:19 2005
How found:     A link someplace
Wrote...
I helped build the Southpole station. My name is on the Plaque (SWCN Danks) that was erected at the completion of the station. I have not heard that there was a plan to demo the dome. Please send me any information on this matter. Thanks

Name:     Darrell F. Habel
Email:     dfhabel_AT_rrj_DoT_com / dlrdhabel_AT_msn_DoT_com
City/State:     Downers Grove, Illinois 60515
Country:     USA
Home Page:     www.
Date:     Mon May 2 21:25:48 2005
How found:     A link from an Antarctica page
Wrote...
Why dismantle it??? Leave it there forever.I arrived @ South Pole in November, '73. The Dome was built, it's all that was there. It was an awesome site. Is the plywood plaque with the Seabees / NMCB 71 still hanging? People down there these days have it too easy, not like when we were building the station. BU3 Habel NMCB71 Thank you.

Name:     karl bunner
Email:     lsbrunner_AT_cox_DoT_net
City/State:     va.beach va
Country:     usa
Home Page:     www.
Date:     Sat Mar 26 14:40:20 2005
How found:     A link from an Antarctica page
Wrote...
Last two summers with nmcb 71 working on dome was EO2

Name:     Carol
Email:     private
City/State:     Perth
Country:     Australia
Home Page:     nil
Date:     Fri Mar 25 19:05:37 2005
How found:     Word of mouth
Wrote...
My husband is a disabled Navy vet and he worked on the dome,,it started a lifelong interest in building dome homes,,please save it,,,dismantling it?no..leave it there please.

Name:     Lee Mattis
Email:     leemattis_AT_worldnet_DoT_att_DoT_net
City/State:     Danville, California
Country:     USA
Home Page:     none
Date:     Mon Mar 21 22:34:38 2005
How found:     Word of mouth
Wrote...
I was the Temcor "tech rep" assisting the Seabees in constructing the dome during the 71/72 & 72/73 summers. The dome will be saved. The National Science Foundation has agreed to disassembly (as opposed to demolition) and will give custody to the Seabee Historical Foundation. Plans are to erect it totally or partially as part of the Seabee Museum at Port Hueneme, California. Parts of the prefab buildings inside the dome will also be saved and may be included as exhibits of life at the Pole although this is uncertain at this time. I returned to the Ice in early February of this year as a volunteer consultant to the Foundation along with a Seabee Steelworker Chief to inspect the Dome and to discuss issues associated with disassembly. It was really (another) life experience to go back to the Pole after over 30 years and to see the Dome still performing its intended function. I am pleased to be able to assist with this effort. The Foundation needs $ to fund this effort. The amount of money available will determine what will be possible - complete or partial dome assembly, inclusion of cutaway exhibits of prefab buildings. Contact info for the Foundation is info@seabeehf.org. I'm certain they would appreciate any help with the fundraising. Lee Mattis

Name:     south polie
Email:     southpolie_AT_hotmail_DoT_com
City/State:     south pole
Country:     antarctica
Home Page:     www.
Date:     Mon Mar 21 00:55:14 2005
How found:     Word of mouth
Wrote...
99% on time and on budget!

Name:     MLM - Nebeneinkommen - PM
Email:     awause_AT_t-online_DoT_de
City/State:     Germany
Country:     Germany
Home Page:     www.beruf-und-erfolg.de
Date:     Sun Aug 22 22:05:41 2004
How found:     
Wrote...
Hi, this is a very intresting and informative site your picture`s look well. I think, i will go to your site more often. Best Regards :-)

Name:     South Polie
Email:     southpolie_AT_hotmail_DoT_com
City/State:     SB
Country:     CA
Home Page:     www.savethedome.com
Date:     Tue Aug 17 17:36:29 2004
How found:     Other
Wrote...
100% on time and on budget

Name:     patrick lynch
Email:     one_eye_turtleface_AT_yahoo_DoT_com
City/State:     
Country:     
Home Page:     none
Date:     Thu Jun 10 18:22:47 2004
How found:     You're kidding, right? I used a computer!
Wrote...
My Great grandfather was Admiral George Dufek. I have learned a great deal about this great man and would love to spend some time at the south pole. Whats the possibility? Thanks, Patrick

Name:     Gerson C. Borges
Email:     borgesgc_AT_terra_DoT_com_DoT_br
City/State:     Dois Irm?os - RS
Country:     Brazil
Home Page:     none
Date:     Mon May 24 00:03:43 2004
How found:     Search Engine
Wrote...
It is reassuring to know that there are people devoting time, away from their families, and energy to make sure science and research will make possible to improve humanity's chance for a better and safer life and future.

Name:     Amy
Email:     agross_AT_csupomona_DoT_edu
City/State:     CA
Country:     USA
Home Page:     none
Date:     Mon Apr 19 02:05:58 2004
How found:     Word of mouth
Wrote...
From the looks of the pictures, I should think living in the South Pole was an extremely positive life experience. Thanks for educating me on another facet of life I had yet to explore. Great site.

Name:     Susan Sawtelle
Email:     SawtelleS_AT_gao_DoT_gov
City/State:     Wash., DC
Country:     
Home Page:     none
Date:     Sat Apr 17 00:36:00 2004
How found:     You're kidding, right? I used a computer!
Wrote...
Good memories of living under the Dome '99-'00. Completely dismantled at this point? Cost aside, any thought of reassembling inside the new Air & Space Museum hangar at Dulles Airport in DC? NASA's been lecturing about South Pole recently; any assistance from them? How about the Explorers Club? Jerry Marty, you can do this! Thanks for this website. SDS

Name:     david w sleezer
Email:     
City/State:     hudson new york
Country:     U S A
Home Page:     none
Date:     Thu Mar 25 02:26:46 2004
How found:     Other
Wrote...
mcb 71 73-74 pole station

Name:     Danny Zamir
Email:     dizzydz85_AT_yahoo_DoT_com
City/State:     Santa Barbara, CA
Country:     USA
Home Page:     
Date:     Sat Feb 28 08:07:40 2004
How found:     Word of mouth
Wrote...
I am gonna go, Larry convinced me in the jacuzzi.

Name:     Stanley Wiley
Email:     eo3swiley_AT_hotmail_DoT_com
City/State:     New Castle , IN 47362
Country:     USA
Home Page:     none
Date:     Sun Feb 22 17:44:31 2004
How found:     
Wrote...
I spent Two Summers there with NMCB-71 building the Dome.We burnt our names on a piece of Plywood and mounted it just inside the Main Entrance . Is it still there ?

Name:     James Heckman
Email:     heckman22_AT_verizon_DoT_net
City/State:     Kane, PA 16735
Country:     
Home Page:     none
Date:     Tue Feb 17 16:25:12 2004
How found:     
Wrote...
I spent 3 "summers" at the Pole helping to construct the Dome. I was an SW2. My name should be on the dome's skin if it hasn,t weathered away. I helped erect the first flag atop the dome mt PA state flag

Name:     Mark Smith
Email:     smithm_1970_AT_yahoo_DoT_com
City/State:     Gahanna, OH
Country:     43230
Home Page:     none
Date:     Wed Jan 21 22:45:09 2004
How found:     Search Engine
Wrote...
I certainly hope that the Dome will stay in place and serve in some capacity; please keep me posted of its future. PS Very interested in communicating with someone at the Pole- prefereably someone wintering over; I would love to correspond with someone there, and I know that there is a real feast or famine in terms of time available- I am more than willing to Email a little or a lot. Thanks for your time. Mark

Name:     douglas bibeau
Email:     harrybear7_AT_hotmail_DoT_com
City/State:     balsam lake wisconsin
Country:     usa
Home Page:     none
Date:     Sat Jan 17 23:08:22 2004
How found:     A link from an Antarctica page
Wrote...
I helped to build the dome I spent 2 summers there when I was with NMCB-71

Name:     Rob Aitchison
Email:     
City/State:     Halifax
Country:     England
Home Page:     none
Date:     Wed Jan 7 16:35:24 2004
How found:     A link from an Antarctica page
Wrote...
No no no no, they can't demolish the dome that would be criminal. Surely it would make more economic sence to leave it there and use it for cold storage. It's only a shell there can't be to much maintainance or is there? I'm sure it would cost more to demolish and ship of the continent. Great site by the way, if i could go any where in the world it would be the South Pole,what a wounderful place.

Name:     Gary
Email:     croc12004_AT_yahoo_DoT_com
City/State:     Fraser Island
Country:     Australia
Home Page:     http://www.ozmagic.homestead.com/index.html
Date:     Sat Nov 29 01:47:51 2003
How found:     Search Engine
Wrote...
I all for saving the dome. Keep up the good work.

Name:     Kevin Morrison
Email:     kevinmmor_AT_msn_DoT_com
City/State:     Eiremay, Scotland
Country:     UK
Home Page:     none
Date:     Sat Nov 1 11:39:07 2003
How found:     Other
Wrote...
Relocate the Dome to the Antartic Centre in Ch'ch. A tourist attraction.

Name:     Rosalie Thomas
Email:     letathomas_AT_AOL_DoT_com
City/State:     Wetumpka, Alabama
Country:     USA
Home Page:     none
Date:     Tue Oct 14 00:00:08 2003
How found:     You're kidding, right? I used a computer!
Wrote...
I have known about the dome for only a short while. I hate to think that it would be destroyed when there are a lot of people who would love to just walk around inside and try to imagine what it would be like to have lived there. Of course I would rather do it in a much warmer climit! It can be used as a teaching tool for a lot of potential scientist, like space camp is for young astronats.

Name:     Jeffko
Email:     yuiorta_AT_yahoo_DoT_com
City/State:     Elkhorn Wisconsin
Country:     USA
Home Page:     none
Date:     Wed Sep 17 06:27:28 2003
How found:     A link from an Antarctica page
Wrote...
Hey--what a great bunch of people you all must be--or a bunch of crazies. How many babies have been born down there to the best of your knowledge?

Name:     Trish Horton
Email:     trishg_AT_alvarado_DoT_isd_DoT_tenet_DoT_edu
City/State:     Alvarado, Texas
Country:     USA
Home Page:     none
Date:     Thu May 1 19:21:04 2003
How found:     A link from an Antarctica page
Wrote...
thanks for all of the info! My husband was a US Navy Seabee, and helped to construct the dome. I have enjoyed seeing the pictures and reading about something that he helped to create.

Name:     Paul Daniels
Email:     
City/State:     Detroit MI
Country:     USA
Home Page:     none
Date:     Thu Mar 20 00:02:54 2003
How found:     Word of mouth
Wrote...
I want to take the dome apart and bring it to Detroit.

Name:     DAVID IACOBUCCI
Email:     YACOBUDA_AT_MSN_DoT_COM
City/State:     COVENTRY, RI
Country:     U.S.A.
Home Page:     none
Date:     Sat Feb 22 02:50:50 2003
How found:     You're kidding, right? I used a computer!
Wrote...
SO GOOD TO SEE THE DOME ONCE AGAIN. I WORKED THERE IN 95&96. SAVE THE DOME!!!!!

Name:     Kevin M. Morrison
Email:     kevinmmor_AT_msn_DoT_com
City/State:     
Country:     Here, there and everywhere.....
Home Page:     http://groups.msn.com/Placesandpeople
Date:     Wed Feb 12 23:26:20 2003
How found:     Other
Wrote...
Our protector from the elements, a place to gather, the first sight we strain to see when flying in and the last we look back upon when departing Pole. To those of us who have lived and worked within it, The Dome shall always remain a very special place in our lives.

Name:     Jill ALEXANDER
Email:     sophiekahn_AT_earthlink_DoT_net
City/State:     San Francisco, CA
Country:     USA
Home Page:     none
Date:     Wed Feb 5 22:08:18 2003
How found:     Other
Wrote...
It's a wonderful (literally) website. For your information, I found the website because I took a card from Leifur Thor at the Bucky play, which is also wonderful, illuminating and thoughtful. Question: why is the dome particularly suited to freezing and snowy weather? Why a dome over conventional spaces?

Name:     Jim Maxwell
Email:     geraldv57_AT_hotmail_DoT_com
City/State:     Toronto
Country:     Canada
Home Page:     none
Date:     Mon Feb 3 16:47:12 2003
How found:     
Wrote...
Hello, I'm writing from a post-production facility in Toronto. We're working on a feature film that takes place in an Amundsen-Scott geodesic dome facility. We were wondering if anyone out there is aware of any model kits of the Amundsen-Scott dome. Also does anyone know of any large format images of the dome that are copyright free and available for download - they would be utilized towards a decent cause. The film takes place entirely in and around the Amundsen-Scott dome. please let me know any help would be appreciated thankyou Jim

Name:     George Hay Kain, III
Email:     ghkain_AT_blazenet_DoT_net
City/State:     York, PA
Country:     USA
Home Page:     http://yourpage.blazenet.net/ghkain/DetALFA/Index.htm
Date:     Thu Jan 30 01:33:18 2003
How found:     A link from an Antarctica page
Wrote...
My website URL above documents my experiences at McMurdo, and to a lesser extent, South Pole in '72-'73. The dome was just being finished at that time. We were all Navy at the time, and I remember a SeaBee re-enlisting ON TOP of the dome so he could say he re-enlisted "further South" than anyone else before. I, too, hope the dome can be saved. And remember, "Don't eat the yellow snow!"

Name:     Jim Daniels
Email:     dani5211_AT_bellsouth_DoT_net
City/State:     Miami, FL
Country:     U.S.
Home Page:     none
Date:     Mon Dec 30 22:41:57 2002
How found:     Word of mouth
Wrote...
Great Web site! Are there any photos that show the Dome soon after it was finished, before the snow levels started to creep up the sides? Saving the Dome would be great, but not likely. World economy! Uncertainty!

Name:     Russell Schultz
Email:     schultz_AT_friendlyacres_DoT_com
City/State:     Weston VT
Country:     USA
Home Page:     none
Date:     Wed Aug 28 11:34:00 2002
How found:     Other
Wrote...
Get a life. Is this all you have to do? Save a structure when there are at least 1,000,000 other causes that are so much more needy than this. You should be ashamed of yourselves for wasting time, money, and other peoples sympathy when it could be spent on something of importance. SAVE THINGS THAT MATTER! It's only a man-made building. It is not anything that matters. You people make me sick!

Name:     Donald W. Jackson (DJ)
Email:     don_DoT_jackson_AT_nbc_DoT_com
City/State:     Lake Hopatcong NJ
Country:     USA
Home Page:     none
Date:     Wed Jul 17 04:49:40 2002
How found:     A link from an Antarctica page
Wrote...
I cannot imagine the Pole without the dome! Who do we write? Congressmen, Senators? Anyone anyone? (dj- early 80's, 4 seasons)

Name:     Leifur Thor
Email:     lthor_AT_earhtlink_DoT_net
City/State:     San Francisco
Country:     USA
Home Page:     none
Date:     Mon Jul 15 18:50:32 2002
How found:     Word of mouth
Wrote...
Thank you for working to save this structure. Your work is very important. I can think of one reason to save it besides that fact that it represents the most advanced structure know to man, and that this one in particular represents just how indestructible the geodesic dome is. The main reason though is because I I would like to see it used for a project I'm working on. I'm interested in a truly modern home. One that goes beyond just shelter. I don't have any renderings of this project yet. I do have another project I'm working on though that might give you some idea how crazy or same I am, decide for yourselves. It's an alternative to current high speed rail systems using ground effect. Here's a link to a rendering of the concept.- http://www.home.earthlink.net/~lthor/artifacts_rs2.html I've been in contact with Amtrak about it and have a couple local municipalities looking at it as well. Thanks again, and keep up the fight. Leifur Thor

Name:     Jeff Kietzmann
Email:     jeff_AT_bedouinboundaries_DoT_com
City/State:     Surprise, AZ
Country:     USA
Home Page:     http://www.bedouinboundaries.com
Date:     Sun Jul 14 23:37:24 2002
How found:     Word of mouth
Wrote...
Excellent Work Getting the Guest Book working Jerry! It was great spending a year with you and the crew under the dome. Some of my fondest life memories are captured under that polar icon and I cannot imagine a South Pole Station without it!

Name:     Jerry Macala
Email:     macala_AT_savethedome_DoT_com
City/State:     Glendora, California
Country:     USA
Home Page:     http://www.savethedome.com
Date:     Sat Jul 13 01:52:19 2002
How found:     Word of mouth
Wrote...
Welcome to SaveTheDome.Com! There is much to do and time is running short. Please leave your comments. If there is sufficient interest I will set up a bulletin board for further discussion. Thanks for visiting, and . . .SAVE THE DOME !!!