Hans Mirow arrived in the United States at Portland, Oregon, in the mid 1920s aboard a school training sailing ship. He worked as first officer for Matson Lines for a while until he learned to fly. He then barnstormed around Oregon, participated in air shows and circuses. He flew for Western (now United Airlines) from Seattle to Los Angeles, delivering mail and passengers. He then opened his own flying school (Mirow Flying Service). After a year or two, he sold this business and took off for Alaska. He flew for Northern Air Transport Company out of Fairbanks and then out of Nome until 1934, when he went into business for himself. At the time of his death he was negotiating with Trans-Canada Railroad (who at that time owned Canadian Airlines) to initiate a route between Eastern Canada and Europe via the North Pole. Hans had the first airmail contract between Anchorage and Nome. He also was the first to take over the dog mail contract to the Eskimo villages on the Seward Peninsula. He lost his life in an air crash in 1939. (From a letter in the collection, written by Madeline Orlando, Mirow's widow.)