Metcalf v. Bartrand

DIMOND, Justice.

OPINION

Greta Helga Bartrand filed for a homestead near Big Lake in 1958. In March 1962, after spending about $5,500 on improvements, she received a patent to the land. In 1960 she purchased a 12-acre parcel of land across Knik Arm from Anchorage for $9,600. She paid $1,200 down and gave a deed of trust note for the balance.

Soon after the land purchase, Bartrand began to suffer financial hardships. Her health deteriorated and she had to have surgery. Her mother also became ill and Bartrand was contributing to the mother’s support. In November 1961 she traveled to Denmark to…