Anchorage Memories VIP: Recent Episodes
Michael R Dougherty
Enjoy nostalgic Anchorage, Alaska stories as we look back at the Anchorage you remember.
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Photo above, circa 1950s, courtesy Michael Nore
We all share something in common about Anchorage.
Each of us carries fond memories of sights, sounds, tastes, and smells that happily remind us of our days in the Anchorage we love.
Walking down the 4th Avenue sidewalk across from the visitors log cabin and seeing the delicious-looking roast hanging in the window under amber heat lamps at the Hofbrau. Yum.
Goinginto the 4th Avenue theatre after you purchased your ticket, and being delighted by the smell of fresh popped popcorn.
On a cold winter day, when Jack Frost was nipping at your nose, remember how good it felt to open the door to a shop and step into the waiting warmth. If you wore glasses, they immediately fogged up.
Being bussed to the Spa swimming pool from your school during gym for swimming lessons. As you walked into the building, you could smell the chlorine. And afterward, the girls had to deal with the feeling of wet hair out in the cold weather as they headed for the waiting bus.
When Gilman’s Bakery had a store on 4th Avenue, remember the wonderful smell of fresh bread and pastries?
Young boys and girls selling newspapers downtown could be heard singing, “Get your Anchorage Daily Newspaper, get your Anchorage Daily Newspaper.”
Warming up with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa at the Woolworths lunch counter.
The sound of those beautiful downtown chimes telling you the time.
Do you recall the incredible smell of hamburgers as you walked by or into the White Spot? And oh, how good they tasted.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy they will name an Alaska lake after you… Well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public so feel free to share it.
Standing in line at Benny’s Taco wagon, waiting to place your order. Then you stepped up into the wagon, and it was finally your turn. What a heavenly aroma.
The smell of sun tan lotion at Goose Lake and the sound of rock n roll music from a local radio station playing over the loudspeakers. And do you remember the DJ ringing a bell and telling everyone at Goose Lake to roll over so they didn’t get a sunburn?
The amazing vistas and the sensation of skiing down Alyeska or Arctic Valley.
Remember the roar of the engines as modified stock cars raced around Anchorage tracks?
The taste of fresh strawberries grown in your own Anchorage garden.
Sounds of Ice skates gliding over a crisp Anchorage ice rink.
The crack of a bat and the roar of the crowd at an Anchorage baseball game.
The distinctive sound of a ball rolling down the lane and striking the pins at Center Bowl.
Trickling water and the sun on your face as you floated down Campbell Creek.
The happy sights and sounds of a circus on the Park Strip.
Tasting those wonderful burgers and fries as you sat in your car at the Bun Drive-In listening to Ron Moore and the Coke Show.
What are some Anchorage sights, sounds, tastes, and smells you fondly remember?
BONUS
What were some of your Anchorage Firsts?
The first place you lived, your first school, favorite teachers, and your first Anchorage driving test.
Take a look at Your Anchorage, Alaska Firsts and remember to comment.
Connect with Mike and Mary Jane
You’re probably enjoying a flood of fond Anchorage memories right now. Mary Jane and I sure are.
Be sure to share your memories with us.
You can also connect with us by replying to this email.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary Jane
The Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
It was big news on the streets of Anchorage. “WE’RE IN,” screamed the newspaper headline.
On June 30, 1958, Anchorage celebrated Alaska's admission as the 49th state in the Union.
Giant American Flag on the Federal Building
on 4th Avenue
1958 Fur Rendezvous Queen, Rita Martin, climbed up the Fire Department ladder to pin a large, glitter-covered 49th star to the American flag representing Alaska.
It seemed like the entire town of Anchorage turned out to celebrate. Check out the traffic on 4th Avenue.
Yes, You Can Share this Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will make you a huge dinner featuring your favorite Alaska foods… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
A Massive Bonfire on the Park Strip
A huge pile of wood was stacked on the Park Strip for an evening bonfire.
The people of Anchorage were so excited that they had to have guards to keep eager citizens from lighting the fire too early.
Mary Jane of Anchorage Memories was There
“My mom, dad, and all 8 of us children were excited as we went downtown for the celebrations and the parade.
That evening, we headed over to the Park Strip for music, fun, and to see the big bonfire. I’ll always remember that special day when Alaska became a state.”
BONUS
The following video has no sound.
Are you in the crowd enjoying the Alaska statehood festivities?
And here’s a silent video taken on June 30, 1958, that shows a different view of the city. You’ll even see a KENI-TV camera on the street.
Were you in Anchorage for the Statehood Celebration?
Tell us all about it.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Picture Memories edition.
Roberta loved the pictures:
“Precious memories, thank you!”
Jackie commented on the picture of the old Providence Hospital:
“I wasn't born in the old Providence hospital, but I worked there in the early 1960s.”
Connect with Mike and Mary Jane
Great memories! Alaskans were happy and proud on June 30, 1958, and we had a right to be.
What are your memories of celebrating Alaska statehood?
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary Jane
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
Skate blades on the ice, the roar of crowds cheering the Wolverines hockey team, legendary rock and roll stars and bands, all under one iconic roof in Anchorage.
From its debut in 1965 and into the late 1970s, the Anchorage Sports Arena, located at 100 W. Fireweed Lane and A Streets, wasn't just a building; it was a big part of the Anchorage entertainment scene.
It was the place where bone-rattling indoor hockey, ice-skating, electrifying concerts, and the unforgettable, larger-than-life drama of Big Time wrestling came alive.
Until the Sports Arena, you could skate outdoors all over town, but there wasn’t an indoor skating venue to be found.
Indoor Wolverines Hockey
When the Sports Arena opened its doors, it became the original home of the Wolverines, Anchorage’s semi-pro hockey team.
Even KIMO-TV channel 13 (Now KYUR) got into the game by broadcasting Wolverines hockey live from the Sports Arena.
Big Time Wrestling Came to Town
In the 1970s, KTVA (Channel 11) broadcast a show called Big Time Wrestling.
The program was produced in another state and was broadcast in Anchorage on videotape.
Big Time wrestling stars included Bobo Brazil, The Sheik, Abdullah the Butcher, Dick the Bruiser, and George “The Animal” Steele. Because of the Sports Arena, Big Time Wrestling decided to come to Anchorage.
Weeks before the scheduled matches at the Sports Arena, the stars of Big Time Wrestling who were coming to Anchorage began promoting their local appearance. They snarled and growled on camera about how they were going to come up and crush each other in front of the Anchorage crowd.
On the Saturday night of the Big Time Wrestling extravaganza at the Sports Arena, I drove from the KTVA studios in Spenard to see how big a crowd would turn out at the Sports Arena.
Much to my surprise, the parking lot was full to overflowing. It was jam-packed with Big Time Wrestling fans.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will give you a gift card for a year’s supply of your favorite lunch at the Lucky Wishbone in Anchorage… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Concerts at the Sports Arena
And here’s a look at some of the musical groups that performed at the Sports Arena.
In early August of 1970, Fats Domino (Blueberry Hill) played the Sports Arena.
At that time, Mary Jane and I had only been married for about two months, and our first apartment was across the street from the Sports Arena. So on the night of Rick Nelson’s concert, we opened our bedroom window and went to sleep listening to Rick singing “I’m a Traveling Man.” Cool.
Other Sports Arena concerts included:
The Turtles (“Happy Together”)performed there in the 1960s, and Mary Jane of Anchorage Memories was on stage as a Go-Go Girl with Pacesetters for the warm-up band.
In the picture above, Mary Jane poses with Mark Volman, a member of the Turtles, in the Sports Arena.
In 1973, Anchorage enjoyed a Johnny Cash concert at the Sports Arena
Santana rocked the stage in 1973
In 1975, Grand Funk Railroad headlined a show
And 1975 saw Fleetwood Mac at the Sports Arena
Three Dog Night (“Joy to the World”) performed in 1975
In 1976, Gordon Lightfoot (“Sundown”) played the Sports Arena
And America (“A Horse with No Name”) came to town in 1978
Mary Jane Skating at The Sports Arena
At the age of 4, I started ice skating. Fun places to skate included neighborhood backyard rinks, the 9th Avenue rink, and the rinks set up at my schools.
In the winter of 1970, myfriend told me they were offering ice skating lessons at the Sports Arena. So, we enrolled in a 6-week course for beginners.
It worked out great. Mike and I lived across the street from the Sports Arena, so it was a nice, short walk. And as a side benefit, because of all the energy I used on the ice, I went home to a “second” breakfast.
I was happy to have taken the lessons, and I even earned an ice skating patch at the end of my 6 weeks. What fun.
Echoes of the Past
Do you remember going to an event or concert at the Sports Arena?
Tell us about it.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Anchorage Picture Memories edition.
Diana remembers:
“Thanks for the memories! I certainly remember Providence Hospital and the Bun Drive-In with Ron Moore. I always enjoy your postings. I grew up there from 1949, graduated from high school at East High in 1967, and even got married up there.”
Jackie recalls:
“I wasn't born in the old Providence Hospital, but I worked there in the early 1960s when it was St. Mary's Residence, a nursing home. Wonderful old building full of history.”
Michael and the Book Cash:
“Thanks for these memories. We lived in Bethel for many years, beginning in 1968. The Book Cache was my favorite place to go on those rare trips to Anchorage back in the day. Great Memories!”
Anchorage Memories.com
Take a look at this treasure chest of Anchorage Memories and enjoy.
Connect with Mike and Mary Jane
Living right across the street from the old Sports Arena was interesting and sometimes rewarding. Getting to listen to part of a concert for free by simply opening our bedroom window was enjoyable.
No crowd, no parking hassle, and no concert ticket to purchase. Wow.
Got a comment?
You can also contact us by replying to this email.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary Jane
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
Photo by Ward Wells
We thought it would be fun to remember some places in Anchorage that are dear to our hearts. And what better way to begin than to look at where you may have begun your life.
Providence Hospital, originally located at 9th Avenue and L Streets, first opened on June 29, 1939, by the Sisters of Providence.
Many were born in the hospital between 1939 and 1963. A few of those include Mary Jane of Anchorage Memories, along with all her brothers and sisters. And while Mike of Anchorage memories was born in the lower 48, his brother Tom was born in Providence, as was his little sister Sybil.
How about you? Were you or someone in your family born there?
BONUS
Maybe you were born in one of these First Hospitals in Anchorage.
Remembering the Bun Drive-In and the Coke Show
photo by Ty Pierce
Our Story Begins on Christmas Eve, 1959
It was a cold December night when Ron Moore first took his radio show, known as “The Coke Show,” to new heights. Literally.
The show began originating from, as Ron used to say, “high atop the Bun Drive-In” at 601 Northern Lights Boulevard (later named “Wooly Bully Blvd” by Ron and the gang).
The new Coke Show studio was a small booth, affectionately known as the “Chicken Coop” or the “Royal Roost” (remember, Ron was also known as the “Royal Coachman” on his radio program).
The studio sat on the roof of the Bun Drive-In, overlooking the parking lot through a picture window.
The Coke Show and the Bun Drive-In bring back a flood of great memories. Do you have a request and a dedication?
BONUS
Relive those wonderful days and hear the Coke Show once again.
Jonas Brothers Memories
When you had visitors from the lower 48, Jonas Brothers was probably one of the places you took them for a peek at Alaska.
The outside of the building had a rustic Anchorage look, and inside was a treasure chest of Alaska animals, furs, and more.
And did you know that another Anchorage treasure got its start in Jonas Brothers?
In about 1958, Russ and Doris Riemann considered selling books directly to customers in a retail store.
That’s when they joined a lady named Esther Tout, who ran a small 15-by-25-foot bookstore in the same building as Jonas Brothers Taxidermy and Furriers, located on Fifth Avenue.
The little bookstore in Jonas Brothers became so popular that Russ and Doris decided to relocate. Their new location became known as The Book Cache, one of the most popular book stores in Anchorage.
BONUS
Get to know The Book Cache, an Anchorage favorite.
Swim Into Your Memories
Until March 1953, when the Spa first opened, if you wanted to swim in or around Anchorage, you had one choice. It had to be summer, and you had to swim in a lake. Or with your rubber ducky in the bathtub.
Then on March 31, 1952, a man named Edwin Suddock, a wholesale grocer, and his wife, Mary, made a welcome announcement. They were going to build a private, indoor swimming pool in Anchorage.The pool would be located at 1720 F Street between West 16th and 17th Avenues. The location was just above what would later become the Valley of the Moon Park.
And many remember being bused from school to the Spa for swimming lessons.
Barbara remembers:
“For two weeks, first thing in the morning, a bus load of us were taken to the Spa. It was great to have swimming lessons. I still really appreciate the building design with the wall of windows. But afterward, we had to get back on the bus in our damp clothes, coats, and wet hair.”
BONUS
This will make a splash. Read The Spa Story and remember.
Sydney Laurence and Rainbow Trout
On the west side of the 4th Avenue Theatre was the First National Bank.
You could stand on the sidewalk and enjoy looking at a fish tank, filled with Rainbow trout. Inside the bank was an incredible collection of huge paintings by Alaska’s premier artist, Sydney Laurence.
The paintings were a real treat to look at. Many, if not all, were of the great mountain known to Alaskans as Denali.
And in the Spring of 1961
The first escalator was introduced in Anchorage
Photo by Ward Wells
When Caribou’s Department Store in Spenard announced the grand opening of its store escalator, it seemed like a theme park ride had opened, and most of the town turned out to ride it. Were you there?
Precious Memories
Wow, this has been a great trip down memory lane.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our look at the Alaska Zoo
Tony had this memory:
“I lived in Bruin Park off of O’Malley Rd. from ‘64-’75, my buddy lived across from the Diamond H Ranch and I remember when the Zoo opened how surprised we were that someone would open a Zoo there. But then again there were also Lions in Mt. View back then.”
In our Alaska Zoo edition, we included a picture of an Artist helping Annabelle the elephant paint a picture.
Eric identified the artist for us:
“The artist painting with Annabelle is Diane Barske well known in Anchorage. She has since retired out of state.”
Connect with Mike and Mary Jane
If you still carry an older Anchorage in your bones--certain streets, certain winters, certain small details no outsider would think to mention-- you're in the right place.
Do you have a comment about this edition?
You can also contact us by replying to this email.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary Jane
The Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
If you live in Alaska, or used to, you probably know what the above photo is all about. But more about this picture in a moment.
This look at the Alaska Zoo, located in Anchorage, starts with an interesting story.
What’s Behind Door Number Three?
The title above refers to a TV game show called “Let’s Make a Deal.” The story that follows is sort of like that show.
In 1966, Jack Snyder, the owner of the S&F Foodland grocery store, located at Minnesota Drive and Spenard Road (did you shop there?), entered a contest.
The contest was run by the good folks who make Chiffon toilet paper. It was simple: the grocery store that sold the most Chiffon TP would get a prize.
Mr. Snyder won. We guess that Anchorage needed a lot of TP that year.
As it turned out, Snyder had two choices for his prize.
Behind door number one was a $3,000 cash prize. Not bad. Behind door number two was a real-life, 400-pound baby Indian elephant named Annabelle. No one knows what was behind door number three.
Well, for some reason (perhaps he was an animal lover), Mr. Snyder decided to take the door number two prize, the Elephant.
Not Since the Ice Age
It had been a really long time (the Ice Age) since Alaska had seen a 400-pound baby elephant stomping around in the Great Land. And by the way, baby Annabelle was known to eat 60 pounds of food a day on her way to becoming a full-grown elephant.
Because Annabelle was such a rare sight in Anchorage, she used to make personal appearances at Foodland and other places around town. Annabelle quickly became a local celebrity.
Fast-forward to 1969, when the “Alaska Children’s Zoo” opened with Annabelle the elephant as the featured attraction, along with assorted animals that were donated.
Annabelle Was Also an Artist
In the picture above, Anchorage artist Dianne Barske works with Annabelle as the elephant creates her latest painting. She was an artist, yes, she was.
A Fitting Tribute
Annabelle passed away on December 15, 1997. And she was so loved that she was buried in the Alaska Zoo, where the large marker pictured above pays tribute.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so excited that they will give you your own tropical island hideaway, complete with a mansion and a beach named after you… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Binky the Polar Bear
Binky poses with a tennis shoe. More about the shoe in a moment.
Another zoo favorite was Binky the polar bear.
Back in 1975, Binky was an orphaned cub who was found near Cape Beaufort on the North Slope of Alaska.
When Binky was brought to the Alaska Zoo, Mike of Anchorage Memories was a news videographer and was sent to the Zoo with KTVA channel 11 reporter Tom Miller to get video of the cute little polar bear cub.
At the zoo, Mike was let inside a small enclosure with the cub.
“Binky was just this tiny ball of white fur and was very curious about me and my video camera. At one point I sat the camera down on the floor and Binky came up and licked the front of the lens. That remarkable footage was seen that evening on the channel 11, 6 o’clock news.”
Some years later, Mike, our children Nikki and Chris, and I visited the zoo and went to see Binky, who was full-grown and weighed 1,200 pounds. Mike remembered Binky, but was sure that Binky didn’t remember him.
Binky and the Shoe
On July 29, 1994, a 29-year-old woman became a news headline around the world when she decided to get closer to Binky, so she could take a picture of the Polar Bear.
The woman jumped the safety rails, and Binky stuck his head through the bars and grabbed her. The woman survived, but Binky had her shoe in his mouth (see the picture above). Binky kept the shoe for 3 days before zoo officials were able to retrieve it.
BONUS
You can read more about Binky the Polar Bear and remember when.
So here’s the question
If you had won the Chiffon Toilet Paper sales contest, would you have chosen the $3,000 prize or the 400-pound baby Indian elephant?
Send a Message to Mike and Mary Jane
Did you answer the burning question? Would you have taken the $3,000 cash prize, or the 400-pound baby Indian elephant that consumed 60 pounds of food every day?
Until next time
Mike and Mary Jane
The Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
In the picture above, a boy sells newspapers in Anchorage, circa 1918-1920.
If you grew up in Anchorage, what was your first job?
Did you move to Anchorage from somewhere else in Alaska, or from the “lower 48?”
Growing up, your parents likely told you to “clean up your room”, “take out the trash”, or “do the dishes.” But those jobs didn’t come with an actual paycheck.
Remember how good it felt to get the reward of money in exchange for your hard work.
Mary Jane of Anchorage Memories, Recalls Her First Jobs
Wah! Wah! Wah!
That’s the sound all babysitters hear.
When I was in the 5th grade, my very first job was watching and caring for my nieces and nephews, and neighborhood children. And because some parents referred me to other parents, I was the go-to babysitter for even more children. And yes, the pay was very good.
As a high school senior, I worked as a child attendant at the Anchorage Montessori School for 3 and 1/2 hours each weekday.
The 3 to 5-year-olds enjoyed listening to children’s records, playing games, and sing-alongs. In addition, I read stories to them. Interesting that now I’m the author of several children’s books.
Back then, my paycheck from the Montessori school made me feel all grown up at 17.
Yes, You Can Share This Fun Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will create a bronze statue of you with a plaque proclaiming to the world that your first job was in Anchorage, Alaska… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Mike of Anchorage Memories Had Three First Jobs
At the ripe old age of 14, I had a newspaper route, delivering the Anchorage Daily Times to my neighborhood near East High School.
I saved the money I earned from that job and purchased a used Sears Moped.
Not long after that, A friend of my parents asked me if I would like a job as the janitor for their hair salon in downtown Anchorage. I agreed to give it a try. But after a few weeks, it was obvious that working in a hair salon was not for me.
When I was 18, I got a part-time job at KTVA channel 11, and that led to a 30-plus-year career in television broadcasting.
What was your first job in Anchorage?
Just click on the following button and tell us all about it.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our “Favorite Teachers” edition.
Randy remembers:
“Mike/Mary. So many wonderful teachers from the days that the first Williwaw opened (1960 first grade) up through graduation at East High in 1972. Far too many to mention. All I know is that most created the most memorable education this old man could have. We had some great teachers.”
Edi has these favorites:
“Two of my favorite teachers were math teachers - Mr. Hardin in junior high and Ms Rougier in high school. I went on to major in math in college. Mr. Granville was a junior high school principal who also taught classes in Alaska Geography and History. He always included humor in his classes. One other favorite was a language teacher - Mrs. Dahl, in whose classes I studied Spanish, which I also continued to study in college.”
When I was in school there was only one Anchorage Junior High/Senior High School. It was downtown on 6th Ave. Part of the time the junior high schoolers went to school in shifts. The senior high schoolers went when they had classes scheduled. They tried to set up our class schedule so that we had a free period near to noon so we could eat lunch. But, one semester I ate half of my lunch at 10:00 and the other half after I finished at 2:00.”
Becky recalls:
“Mountain View Elementary when it was brand new gave me a great start and I remember all my teachers there very well. Possibly my favorite was Mr. (Howard?) Barr who had been in the military and still carried himself that way. I had a wonderful time studying the Civil War in his class--a hobby of mine, still.
At Orah Dee Clark, I loved Mrs. Lily Neilson's Eng class and can still remember her reading Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, giving all the characters different voices. SO great!
At East High, I loved the music teachers - Mr. Kirke Muse and Mr. James Everly - of course, but also those who insisted that i work hard. (I came from the "do only enough work to get an A or maybe a B" school of tho't.) Mrs. Joan Baxter taught English Lit and for her I DID work. And it paid off with higher grades (imagine it). So in one sense she is probably my most unforgettable teacher at EAHS.”
Dennis had these favorites:
“While attending Ora Dee Clark School, I had a few favorites.. I was a band guy as well, and Mr. Kelly was the band director then.... But as for teachers, Mrs. Von Rohr, for algebra and Mr. Whitner (sp?).
Ahh, good memories.”
Gene remembers:
“Perhaps the one teacher who had the biggest impact on my life was Jack McGuin, the band director I learned from, first at the downtown Jr. High where he was my teacher in 7th and 8th grades, and then through all four years of high school band at the school on Romig Hill.”
Friederike recalls:
“Mr. Joe Buckingham, Ev DeMello, and Mr. Ed Harbke were my favorites. Each taught me life lessons and skills I’ve used every day since. We all remained friends until their individual passings.”
Send A Message to Mike and Mary Jane
Those great memories of our first jobs in Anchorage, Alaska, remind us of that time in our lives when our horizons were limitless, and anything was possible.
What did you learn about yourself from your first jobs in Anchorage?
You can also reply to this email.
Or you can Send Us a Message right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary Jane
The Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
In the photo above is the Denali Elementary School 3rd-grade class of Mrs. McGraw. Mary of Anchorage Memories is circled in the front row.
From elementary school, junior high school, and high school, we all have special memories of a teacher or two, or three, who really made a difference.
And we carry those memories with us for a lifetime.
Mary and I want to give you some space here to share your memories of a favorite Anchorage teacher who made a difference in your life.
Mary Remembers
Miss Werner was my first-grade teacher at Denali Elementary.
She made a shy student feel like a friend. And she went out of her way to make the other classmates my friends, too.
I had the same teacher for the 2nd and 3rd grade at Denali. Mrs. McGraw was very nice and helpful.
Our morning sharing time with my classmates was good and helped me to learn about them and to make friends.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will give you a free year of your favorite Lucky Wishbone lunch… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Mike Remembers
Two teachers come to mind here.
The first was my early 1960s gym teacher, Mr. Balote (sp?) at Clark Junior High School.
I remember him as being stern, but very understanding. In the 7th grade, I recall needing to visit his office in the boys’ locker room. As I came up to his office, I noticed a sign on the door. The sign read, “Knock or Suffer.” I immediately knocked on the door and was told to come in.
Another thing I recall about Mr. Balote was something I witnessed when I was in the 8th grade.
The incoming 7th-grade boys had to adjust to changing into their gym gear and then taking a shower with all the other guys at the end of gym class.
My Balote noticed one 7th-grade boy was having a hard time and standing way off by himself. Coach Balote went over to him and gave him some reassuring words. The boy thanked him and joined the others.
In 1963, I auditioned as a trumpet player for Mr. James Everly, the conductor of the East Anchorage High School Symphonic Band.
Mr. Everly was an excellent teacher, and I learned a lot from him. In the East High band, I ended up in what is known as the first trumpet section. And by my senior year, I was First Chair First, the head of the trumpet section.
What Mr. Everly taught me was even more helpful in my television and motion picture production career.
I was fortunate enough to win an Emmy Award for my camera work. I should have mentioned Mr. Everly in my acceptance speech.
BONUS
Take a look at Your Favorite Anchorage School Teachers and remember.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Our favorite teachersmade a positive impact on our lives.
Who were your favorite teachers? We want to hear about them.
Share your memories of your favorite Anchorage school teacher.
You can also reply to this email.
Or, you canContact Usright here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary Jane
The Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
He had no money and no job prospects on the horizon.So, in 1929, during the Great Depression, he was able to sneak on board the SS Aleutian steamship, headed for Seward, Alaska.Once in Seward, he made his way to Anchorage, where he found work, driving a delivery truck for Standard Oil.Later, he began a fur trading business using dog teams and chartered planes to reach remote Alaska villages.And it was his fur trading company that led him to the aviation business.
Meet Linious “Mac” McGee
But he never learned to fly because he was more interested in business and organization than he was in aviation.
Yes, you can Share this Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will buy you a tropical island… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
How it Began
In 1931, McGee partneredwith an Alaska Bush pilot named Harvey W. Barnhill.The two purchased a three-seat Stinson aircraft and began Barnhill and McGee Airways in Anchorage.About a year later, in 1932, McGee bought out Barnhill’s share of the company. Then, after purchasing another Stinson aircraft, McGee started McGee Airways. It was one of the first air services in Anchorage.Over the next two years, McGee Airways grew into a fleet of seven Stinson aircraft.With all the same planes, McGee reasoned that they could interchange parts, which would make it easier to maintain flight schedules.
1934
McGee sold his airline to Anchorage-based Star Air Service, but stayed on as the manager for several years.
1937
He later decided to get out of aviation altogether.By this time, McGee was involved in the mining industry and later retired at the age of 73.
Star Air Service became Star Airlines
Then, in 1942, Star Airlines was sold, and the name was changed to Alaska Star Airlines.
The Beginning of Alaska Airlines
Photo by Harley D. NygrenIn the picture above is a 1949 Alaska Airlines DC-3In 1944, the company, which began as McGee Airways, was renamed for the last time. The new name is Alaska Airlines.Yes, Alaska Airlines came about because of a 1929 stowaway named Linious “Mac” McGee, who came to Anchorage, Alaska, seeking a new life and opportunity in the Last Frontier.
BONUS
You can learn more about Linious “Mac” McGee and Alaska aviation history.Take a look at McGee Airways: The Story Of Alaska Airlines…and discover.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Did you enjoy the story of Anchorage Pioneer, Linious “Mac” McGee, and his contribution to Alaska aviation? We certainly did.Do you have a comment?
You can also reply to this email.
Or, you can Contact Us to say, “I flew with Alaska Airlines 243 times”.Until Next TimeMike and MaryAnchorage, Alaska Memories Club.com
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The photo above is of 1950s Anchorage
If you were an Anchorage teen, you probably went through the exciting, but scary process of getting your Alaska driver’s license.
Or perhaps you were an adult when you got your first Alaska Driver’s License.
Anchorage streets are challenging. In the winter, you have to drive on ice and snow. Remember, “Pump your brakes and turn into a skid.” In the spring, there is muddy water everywhere, and roads are filled with potholes as big as moon craters.
What are your memories?
Did you start with a Learner’s Permit?
To enjoy first driver’s license test stories from fellow Alaskans, take a look at First Anchorage Driving Test Stories and remember.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you a free Lucky Wishbone burger basket every week for a year… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Connect with Mike and Mary Jane
What are your memories of taking your Alaska Driver’s Test, or even taking the written Driver’s Test as an adult in Alaska?
Do you have a comment?
You can also reply to this email.
Or, you can Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary Jane
The Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
You can see the Ship Creek Meat Market in the middle of the picture.
Oscar Anderson made his way from Seattle to Seward, Alaska, then onto Ship Creek in 1915 and what would become Anchorage.
Anderson said he was the 8th person to set foot in the rugged tent city that was located on the north shore of Ship Creek.
His first job was cutting wood in an area that would later become known as Government Hill.
In the weeks that followed, Anderson teamed up with a man named Jensen. The two decided to put together a cold storage business. That operation became a meat packing company, serving the entire Cook Inlet region.
Later, Anderson headed for Seattle to purchase equipment for a cold storage plant and what would become the Ship Creek Meat Company.
After purchasing a lot on 4th Avenue in Anchorage, where Stewart’s Photo is now located, he opened the Ship Creek Meat Market.
Live Cattle were then shipped from Seattle and kept in corrals in Anchorage.
The Ship Creek Meat Market became the largest fresh meat supplier in Alaska. The business closed in the 1950s.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you on an adventurous tour of Alaska in a dog sled… well, it could happen…Mush!
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Woolworth’s in Downtown Anchorage
Photo by Ward Wells, June 27, 1961
Oh, the memories.
Located on the south side of 4th Avenue and F Street, Woolworth’s was an Anchorage favorite.
Remember the lunch counter, known as the Frontier Room? Mike of Anchorage Memories remembers when his mom, Louise Dougherty, worked there.
And Mary remembers going into Woolworth’s to buy a large (about two feet long) bag of popcorn and some candy to take with her to see a movie at the 4th Avenue Theatre. And back in those days, the 4th Avenue Theatre was nice enough to let you do that if you asked nicely.
The Woolworth Grand Opening
From Mary of Anchorage Memories:
“As I walked into Woolworth's for the first time, I saw the café on the left, makeup, and school supplies in the middle and my favorite aisle… the toy section.Woolworth's was just a few doors down from the 4th Ave Theater, and that made it a happening place to go. My entire family went to Woolworth's Grand Opening in Anchorage when I was in grade school.”
BONUS
Enjoy Mary’s Woolworth’s grand opening adventure.
Take a look at Mary’s story, “Woolworth’s Grand Opening” and remember.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Alaska Flag story.
Eric recalls:
“The best Flag and the best State Song in the Union. As a child in school, we would sing it every morning. I still sing it for friends.”
Jerry’s Daughter sang at the World Fair in Seattle:
“At the World's Fair in Seattle in 1962, the Alaska exhibit was well attended. The announcer was describing the Alaska flag and the Alaska song that went along with it. Then asked if anyone knew the Alaska song? My two very young daughters, ten and eleven, sang it alone for the entire crowd. They received loud applause.”
Jerry Knew Benny Benson:
“Benny was a great friend of mine and many others in Kodiak. He was an outstanding Elk of the Kodiak Lodge, 1772. I have an Alaska flag signed by Benny.”
Connect with Mike and Mary
This double memories edition really brought back some great memories.
You can share your memories by commenting below.
You can also reply to this email.
Or, you can Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
The Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
Pictured above is 4th Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska, in the 1940s.
Have you ever wondered how a street got its name? Or who a street was named after?
From around 1915, when the Alaska railroad was being constructed, many people headed to what would become Anchorage, Alaska, in search of a new life.
For some, a street name has given them a permanent place in Anchorage history. A few others may have never been to Anchorage, but they were part of Alaska's history.
Let’s Start with the Glenn Highway
If you head north/northeast out of Anchorage toward Palmer and Wasilla, you find yourself on the Glenn Highway, named after U.S. Army Captain Edwin Glenn.
How About the Seward Highway
One of the most scenic highways in America, the Seward Highway takes you from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula. The Seward Highway was named after former Secretary of State William H. Seward, who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. At that time, Alaska was often called “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s Ice Box.”
It wasn’t Always Northern Lights Boulevard
It was named after the famed Northern Lights, but it started with a different name. Before it became Northern Lights Boulevard, it was known as KFQD Road. At that time, the road took you to the studios of KFQD radio, the first radio station in Anchorage and Alaska.
Rabbit Creek Road
The Dena’ina people gave Rabbit Creek its name. And Rabbit Creek Road is named after the creek.
And How About Romig Hill?
This section of Northern Lights Boulevard is sometimes called “Heart Attack Hill” because it’s so steep and challenging when covered with snow or ice.
Romig Hill is named after Dr. Joseph R. Romig, who was known as the dog team doctor, not because he was a veterinarian, but because he traveled by dog team in the Alaska interior.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will name a street after you.
Thanks for reading and listening to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
What About Fireweed Lane?
At one time, this street was lined with those bright red Fireweed plants.
In the photo above is Benny Benson.
Do You Know About Benson Boulevard?
This street honors Benny Benson, the school boy who designed the Alaska Flag.
Let’s go to Bootlegger Cove Drive
In 1915, the Alaska Railroad Commission declared that liquor was banned in the area around Ship Creek that would become Anchorage, Alaska.
BONUS
Well, just around the bend and out of sight was a cove that became a popular spot for those who distilled “squirrel juice,” otherwise known as “moonshine”, to bring their banned goods to shore. The area later became known as Bootlegger’s Cove.
Then There is Lake Otis Parkway
You wouldn’t know it now, but back in 1919, a local named Otis turned a lake into an Ice Skating rink. The lake was named after him, and the Parkway was named after his lake.
The View of Mountain View Drive
A homesteader named Norman Lang decided to sell off part of his homestead as lots. He named his subdivision “Mountain View” because, well, it has a great view of the mountains. The road was given the same name.
To Bar or Not to Bar Debarr Road
You are welcome to take this one with a grain of salt. In Anchorage folklore, the story goes like this.
An unnamed homesteader became frustrated with Army restrictions on his property. The Army was apparently barring him from doing something. So the homesteader was reportedly heard saying, “First they bar us, then they de-bar us.” Debarr Road is possibly the result of his frustration… or not.
Spenard Road
In 1916, Joe and Edith Spenard came to Anchorage from Valdez. Joe even brought the first vehicle to Anchorage.
Along the way, Joe turned what would become known as Spenard Lake into a resort. But to get there, he needed a road. So he convinced some local Anchorage groups to help him build a sort of road from the new area of Anchorage to his lake. The result is now called Spenard Road.
The Whitneys Have a Road
John and Daisy Whitney first arrived at the mouth of Ship Creek in 1911 from across Cook Inlet in Knik.
Whitney Road is located just below Government Hill, not far from their homestead.
BONUS
And Talking About Homesteaders
Many roads and streets in Anchorage are named after homesteaders.
Muldoon and Muldoon Road
Arnold Muldoon first arrived in Anchorage in 1939. He homesteaded in an area that was way out of town at that time. That area is now known as Muldoon.
He also built a road of sorts that quickly became known as Muldoon’s Road.
BONUS
Turpin Street
Near Muldoon Road, you’ll find Turpin Street. Named after Eldrich “Dick” Turpin, who came to Anchorage in 1937, just a couple of years ahead of Arnold Muldoon. His homestead was next to the street that now bears his name.
Bragaw Street
It’s named after Robert Bragaw Jr.
Klatt Road
Named after homesteaders, Lester and Dora Klatt.
DeArmoun Road
This road was named after a homesteader named Harold DeArmoun.
Abbott Road
Homesteader Cecil Abbott was honored with the naming of this road.
Huffman Road
As you might have guessed, this road is named after a homesteader named Vernon Huffman.
Boniface Parkway
And you guessed it, Paul Boniface was also a homesteader.
Have You Ever Shopped at the Dimond Center Mall?
Dimond Boulevard was named after Judge Anthony “Tony” Dimond.
And What About O’Malley Road?
This road is named after a well-thought-of Anchorage doctor, James “Doc” O’Malley.
Dowling Road
This Anchorage road is named after a one-time Anchorage Surveyor named “Bud” Dowling.
Tudor Road
Named after Burl Tudor, who was involved with the Chugach Electric Association.
Baxter Road
This road was named in honor of Dr. William “Bill” Baxter, a local physician, for his contributions to Anchorage.
And Who Was Marijane Street Named After?
Located in the Pennington subdivision of Anchorage, this street was named after our own Mary Jane of Anchorage Memories.
Do you know the origins of other Anchorage, Alaska, roads, streets, or Boulevards? You can send them to us by replying to this email.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our look at the Seward Highway.
Jackie was excited about this:
“Oooo, yeah, Kiddie Land! The roller coaster was small, but still fun. And don't forget McHugh Creek - beautiful place for a picnic!”
A Note from Anchorage Memories:
Jackie, the picture above of Mary of Anchorage Memories with our children, Nikki and Chris, was taken at McHugh Creek. You’re right, it is a fantastic spot for a picnic. What a view.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Do you know the origins of any Anchorage roads we may have missed?
You can easily send us your comments:
You can also reply to this email.
Or, you can Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
A Little Background
William H. Seward was the United States Secretary of State from 1861 to 1869.
Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia for 7.2 million dollars in 1867. In his honor, the road linking Anchorage to the Kenai peninsula was named the Seward Highway.
Mike of Anchorage Memories has this memory:
“In 1950, our family moved to Anchorage because my dad had a job as a heavy equipment operator, during construction of the Seward Highway.”
Notice:
In the Anchorage Daily Times newspaper, Tuesday, October 16, 1951, article above, the Seward Highway was going to be opened to traffic that Friday.
It’s been a lot of years since the highway opened. So in this edition of Anchorage Memories, we’re looking at some favorite places along the famed highway.
Kiddie Land
In the photo above is the Kiddie Land, Alaska Railroad train.
Remember the Kiddie Land amusement park just off the Seward Highway? It had all kinds a fun rides. But the best ride was the train seen above.
Modified Stock Car Race Track
Out on the Seward Highway in the mid 1950s was a dirt racetrack. And every Sunday they held races.
BONUS
Mike of Anchorage Memories remembers his dad was a mechanic on a race car he owned with the driver. They raced every Sunday on the Seward Highway dirt track.
Take a look at Anchorage Race Track Memories and enjoy.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will name a tropical island in your honor… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Bird House
Whenever you had quest come to Alaska, the Bird House was on the list for places to visit.
Located on the Seward Highway near Bird Creek, the Bird House was a one-of-a-kind Alaska bar. The large bird welcomed you, and inside was a sight to see. All kinds of things hanging from the walls and ceiling.
Bird Creek
When the salmon were running, nearby Bird Creek was lined with people and fishing poles. The picture above was a typical sight.
Picnic with a Spectacular View
In the picture above, Mary, Nikki and Christopher of Anchorage Memories enjoy a beautiful view.
On a drive down the Seward Highway, this spot overlooks Cook Inlet.
The Town of Portage
Photo by Bob Pendleton, courtesy of Cindy Pendleton. Circa 1960s.
The town of portage was another great place to stop when traveling the Seward Highway. One of the restaurants had a sign that read, “You can ask to have 1,000-year-old ice in your drink.”
Apparently, once in a while, the owner of the restaurant and bar sent someone to nearby Portage glacier to chip off a block of glacier ice. The ice was then broken into smaller chunks and customers could enjoy having an actual miniature iceberg in their drink. Something to tell the folks about back home.
Welcome to Portage
The town of Portage had a sense of humor.
The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake destroyed the town, but we have always wondered what happened to the “1 old sorehead.”
Portage Glacier
In the picture above are Mary, Nikki and Christopher of Alaska Stories
Remember the story above where the restaurant offered 1,000-year-old ice in your drink? Well, Portage Glacier was where they got the ice.
Girdwood
The 1948 picture above is Girdwood, Alaska. The building on the right was a bar. Possible one of the oldest in Alaska.
The town of Girdwood has always been a beautiful place to stop along the Seward Highway. Today, it hosts Alyeska Resort, a world-class ski hill.
Yes, the Seward Highway offers unsurpassed scenic beauty and a lot of places to spend some time. It’s also filled with rich memories.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Anchorage Skiing Memories edition.
Lawrence has this memory:
“I really enjoyed cross country skiing at Russian Jack park in the late 1970s. It was also great for sledding.”
Connect with Mike and Mary
Driving down the Seward Highway was a lot of fun. What are your memories?
Do you have a comment?
You can also reply to this email.
Or you can Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
In the 1963 photo above is Romig Hill, which was across the street from West High School.
Downhill and cross-country skiing are some of the great things about living in and around Anchorage, Alaska.
Now, let’s take a look at some areas used by early Anchorage pioneers and some places we remember for having a fun time on our skis.
1910 to the 1950s
In the 1925 photo above, early Anchorage homesteaders are using the Lake Otis/South Chester Creek Ski Trails.
City Ski Bowl
From 1917 to 1957, the City Ski Bowl, also known as the Army Ski Bowl and Watertank Hill, served as the go-to place.
The City Ski Bowl was located on the bluff, northwest of Gambell and 3rd, overlooking Ship Creek. It featured a downhill run, a ski jump (pictured above), and cross-country ski trails.
In the picture above, notice part of the Recreation Bowling Alley sign in the upper right.
In the winter, from 1917 into the 1950s, the downtown streets of Anchorage were unpaved and covered with snow.
Because of that, they used to race on cross-country skis right down 4th Avenue as part of the Fur Rendezvous winter carnival. The races began in front of the Recreation Bowling Alley.
Photo by Nancy Simmerman
In the 1969 picture above, Barbara Britch is seen on the right, tagging Anne Thomas, the number 3 cross-country skier on the left.
Arctic Valley Ski Hill
Pictured above is Arctic Valley in the 1960s.
Beginning in 1941, the military developed Arctic Valley, a ski hill in the Chugach Mountains overlooking Anchorage. Arctic Valley is near Site Summit, where the Christmas Star is located, a gift from the military.
There was also a civilian ski hill right next to the military ski hill.
1950s to 1967
Remember the Forest Park Golf Course Rope Tow Ski Hill?
Located just south of Westchester Lagoon and east of the railroad tracks.
This one was a private ski hill; however, the Anchorage Nordic Cross Country Ski Club also used the hill in the 1960s.
Remember the Government Hill Ski Run?
In the 1950s, this ski hill was next to the Curling Ice Rink.
It had no rope tow, so skiers would ski down the hill, then they had to hike back up to the top. How many trips up and down do you think they could make in a day?
Point Woronzof Ski Trails
Yes, you could cross-country ski near the airport.
The Point Woronzof Ski Trails were located in the northern part of what is now Ted Stevens International Airport.
The Old Hilltop Ski Area
Hilltop got its start in 1962 with a rope tow set-up in a gravel pit west of the old Seward Highway.
In 1967, things changed.
A new ski hill and ski jump were located on Abbott Road near where the road turns into Hillside Drive. This was a ski hill and a ski jump, lighted for night skiing.
Centennial Park in 1973
Located in the western part of Anchorage, this facility featured a rope tow for downhill skiing and cross-country trails.
Glen Alps Early Season Cross-Country Ski Loop
Located near the base of Flattop mountain, this 1970s location was the first place to get snow in the Anchorage area.
Muldoon Park
This ski location was built by the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation.
Anchorage Schools and Skiing
In 1968, Dimond-Mears had a cross-country ski trail across Arlene Street from the Dimond High School track.
Then in 1969, you could use the Wendler Junior High School Ski Trails and Alaska Communitry College (ACC) Ski Trail. Those trails were located to the east and south of Wendler.
Outside of Anchorage
And not far from Anchorage is Alyeska Resort.
Located in Girdwood, Alyeska is a great place to ski for beginners and experts.
Are You Ready to Ski?
After all this talk about skiing, Mike and Mary are ready for a run down one of our favorite slopes. And if you’re a cross-country fan, time to get those skiis ready.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Independence Gold Mine edition of Alaska Stories.
Eric has this memory:
“My Dad work at Independence Mine in 1941. He was a mining engineering student at the University of Alaska. He is in the picture of the miners standing in the mouth of the mine on display at the park headquarters. (The only one with glasses.)”
Connect with Mike and Mary
That’s Mike in the picture above at Alyeska Resort in the 1970s. Mary was behind the camera.
Like we said at the begining, downhill and cross-country skiing are some of the great things about living in and around Anchorage, Alaska.
Do you have a skiing memory you’d like to share?
You can also reply to this email.
Or you can Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
Pictured above are the Heartbeats. Left to right are John (Raphael), Eddie, and Raul, the Apostol brothers. In the front is Emerson Crivello.
A big thank you to Anchorage DJ Ron Moore, the Coke Show, the Heartbeats, and their hit song “Anne” for the fun audio introduction to this edition of the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club.
Note:
You can hear the entire song “Anne” at the end of the article voiceover above.
Who were your favorite Anchorage bands?
Did you play in an Anchorage band?
Anchorage, Alaska, was blessed with a lot of musical talent, both teens and adults. And the music they gave us is dear to our hearts.
The teen bands played at teen nightclubs and dances, while the Anchorage club scene had its own bands and entertainers.
So how does an Anchorage teen band come together?
There are many ways, but here’s how the Heartbeats began, as told by John Apostol.
“On February 9, 1964, after watching the Beatles’ debut appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. We were so inspired and motivated by the Fab Four's music that night and couldn’t seem to stop talking about them.My brother Eddie, half joking, said to Paul (Raul) and me, “Let’s create a band for our enjoyment,” but at that time, none of us knew how to play any musical instruments. That summer, my brother Eddie worked and saved all his hard-earned money and bought us the musical instruments we needed from the Sears catalog. He bought me my first electric guitar, an amp, and a guitar chord book. He bought Paul a drum set, and he bought an electric bass guitar and amp for himself, and then he asked us to learn how to play the instruments he gave us.
And that’s how we got started.”
BONUS
You can enjoy the whole story of the Heartbeats.
Take a look at In John’s Own Words: The Pulsating Heartbeats and enjoy.
But our story begins long before the Heartbeats
Pictured above are the KFQD Serenaders. Photo courtesy of Gary Smith.
In the 1930s, the KFQD Serenaders band was formed by Gene Smith, who is the dad of Gary Smith. Gary is a contributor to Anchorage Memories. KFQD radio was the first radio station in Anchorage and Alaska, and KFQD featured local music talent.
The Five Pages
Pictured above in 1963 are the Five Pages. Photo courtesy of Gary Smith.
In the 1960s, The Five Pages were performing all over town. They included Don Huhndorf on guitar, Gary Smith on guitar, Cradoc (Dick) Bagshaw bass, Bob Smith (Brother) on sax, and Ceasar Romero on drums. The singer was Fred Bibbler.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will send you on a one-week, all-expenses-paid stay at the most expensive hotel in the world… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
The First Band to Play at the Royal Pad
Pictured above is Blain’s paint store in Spenard.
The second story of Blain’s paint store in Spenard was home to the teen nightclub known as the Royal Pad.
Anchorage radio DJ Ron Moore was known as the “Royal Coachman,” and still is, by the way. For that reason, his teen nightclub (pictured above) was called the Royal Pad, and his car was the Royal Coach.
The first band to perform at Ron Moore’s Royal Pad was a group called The Von Essex's, which included Jackie Goodman on piano, Gary Smith on guitar, Fred Johnston on bass, and Darryl Smaw on vocals.
Plenty of Teen Bands
Do you remember the Arsons? They were a popular Anchorage teen band in the 1960s.
In the photo above is the Blue Chip Stock.
The Blue Chip Stock was a popular Anchorage teen band in the 60s.
Skip Conte, the keyboard player for Blue Chip Stock and the Heartbeats, went on to co-write the hit song “Ride Captain Ride.”
The Outlaws were a 1960s Anchorage teen band.
If memory serves,Gary Sloan (pictured above) was the lead singer.
BONUS
Dean Forbes played guitar for Mother’s Apple Pie and Baseball Band. Dean was interviewed by Anchorage Memories some years ago.
Take a look at Dean Forbes and Mother’s Apple Pie and Baseball Band and enjoy.
The Heikes Family band was based in Eagle River. They also played the Alaska State Fair.
BONUS
Author Sandy Heikes tells the story of her family's band.
Take a look at The Heikes Family Band and remember.
The Anchorage Music Scene
Because of limited space, we were barely able to scratch the surface here.
Remember Burgundy Rose, G. Morgan S. and the Jets, Fantastic Zoot, and Albatros? And we remember the Chandels, the Gatormen, the Johnson Brothers, the Nomads, the Prophets, and the Quarrymen just to name a few.
How about the house band at the Pines called The Pacesetters, and another was Family Tradition?
And “Johnny Collinsworth and the Country Capers Music Variety Show”
Some time ago we wrote about the Anchorage music scene on Anchorage Memories.com. And since then, many band members have sent us comments about the local teen bands and the many nightclub bands. It’s a great read.
BONUS
You’ll love these memories.
Take a look at The Anchorage Music Scene and remember when.
Connect with Mike and Mary
What wonderful memories of the bands and musicians we enjoyed in our town. We can almost hear the music again. How about you? Now listen to the audio and enjoy the entire Heartbeats song, “Anne.”
Do you have a comment?
You can also reply to this email.
Or, you can Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
Pictured above is Lester Peter Aloysius Snow (Gene Miner) in the KBYR radio studio.
Do you remember those wonderful days when you listened to your favorite Anchorage, Alaska, radio personalities?
Sometimes you listened at home. Maybe you were tuned in with your car radio. And who can forget that nifty invention called the portable transistor radio? You could take those with you just about anywhere.
An anonymous reader remembers:
“Sitting here with my coffee in hand, I started thinking about a long time ago.
I used to wait in my bedroom until “The Scotty Ferguson Show” would come on the radio on KFQD.
The music was so good, and I really got a kick out of his commercials. There was the soft drink team, whose jingle I can still sing, and there was “Gerald McBoing Boing”.
I remember when his show ended, Gardner Ted Armstrong would follow. I listened to Ruben Gaines all the time; he had a way of making you feel things were good.
It was a wonderful time to grow up in Alaska.”
First in Anchorage and Alaska
Pictured above is KFQD radio when it was located on 4th Avenue in 1924.
Did You Know?
When KFQD radio went on the air on May 24, 1924, it wasn’t just a first for Anchorage. They were also the first radio station in Alaska.
Note:
The station’s call letters. K-F-Q-D, don’t mean anything; they were assigned randomly.
The Second Radio Station in Anchorage
In the photo above is the KENI radio building. The building sits on a bluff with the rear of the building overlooking Westchester Lagoon. The building is now a private residence.
24 years after KFQD began broadcasting, “Cap” Lathrop, the owner of the 4th Avenue Theatre, also built the second radio station in Anchorage, Alaska. KENI radio, which began broadcasting on May 2, 1948, from inside the 4th Avenue Theatre building. Later moving into its own building.
KENI Radio and the Coke Show
In the photo above is Ron Moore, the Royal Coachman.
Did you listen to the Coke Show, hosted by Ron Moore on KENI radio?
You could call in, request a song, and dedicate it to your friends.
Photo courtesy of Ty Pierce.
The Coke Show originated from the small radio booth you see above on the roof of the Bun Drive-In.
And remember, when the cars in the parking lot would beep their horns, Ron called them “Honker Bonkers.”
BONUS
You can hear the Coke Show again and Ron Moore’s Royal Coachman theme.
Take a look at Anchorage Coke Show Memories and enjoy.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you on an all-expenses-paid Alaska cruise every summer for 5 years straight… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Mukluk Telegraph
Remember how you could connect with Alaskans who were in remote areas? The radio station would broadcast your messages.
GrandmaRobbie had a comment:
“We also used the Mukluk Telegraph to contact friends who homesteaded at Sunshine near Talkeetna.”
The KENI radio program, Mukluk Telegraph, was a great service for Alaska audiences.
Mary of Anchorage Memories recalls that her family used Mukluk Telegraph to communicate with other family members at their commercial fishing site at Point Possession, across Cook Inlet from Anchorage.
“Everyone used Mukluk Telegraph to communicate with family while we were going back and forth to our commercial fishing site during the summer. People in places like Tyonek, Chickaloon and Point Possession all relied on Mukluk Telegraph.”
Because that type of radio program was such a well-received community service, other Anchorage radio stations had their own versions.
North Winds on KHAR
Jim remembers:
“In 1959-1961 my father was assigned to Fort Richardson.
Around dinner time there was a regular radio program, probably out of Anchorage, that preceded or followed announcements from people on the grid to homesteaders beyond routine contact.
“For Bob & Sue on Triple Creek: Arrived safely, baby boy 7 lbs 6, mom doing fine. Home on the 13th.”
The program that followed, something like Tales of the Tundra, Jack London-like Sourdough stories read by a man over a background of the song,Claire d’Lune or other mood music.
Note:
The show that followed North Winds was hosted by Rubin Gaines, a favorite Anchorage radio personality.
When you listened to his radio program, you heard Ruben, a fellow named “Six-Toed Mordecai,” Mrs. Malone, Chilkoot Charlie, and a few others. Each one had a strong voice and distinct personality—and Ruben Gaines had created every one of them in his very creative mind—and brought them to life with his incredible vocal talent. As you listened to Ruben’s show, you couldn’t help but be amazed at how he seamlessly weaved his characters in and out of conversations. And speaking of conversations, his radio program “Conversations Unlimited” was heard in the afternoons on KHAR, Monday through Friday, to the absolute delight of Anchorage audiences. His theme song was “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy.
Chilkoot Charlie
Of all of Ruben’s characters, one became the namesake for a local bar.Now known the world over, Chilkoot Charlie’s (sometimes just referred to affectionately as “Koots”) in Spenard has the following bar motto: “We cheat the other guy and pass the savings on to you.”
BONUS
You can listen to Ruben’s radio show. Click on the following link to hear not one, but two recordings from February 1974.
Listen toRuben Gaines and Conversations Unlimited and enjoy.
1970s Anchorage Radio
Click on the following link and enjoy:
By the way, the KENI radio personality is doing his program from the KENI building near Westchester Lagoon.
Oh, the Memories
Cabin Fever in the Winter
Fun Times in the Summer
Local Anchorage radio kept us connected, entertained, and informed.
And we all had our favorite local radio personalities.
BONUS
Do you wonder where your favorite Anchorage radio personality is now?
Take a look at Your Favorite Radio Personalities: Where Are They Now? And remember.
You Can Listen Once More
A website called Alaska Oldies has some recordings of many Anchorage radio personalities doing their shows.
Listen to Your Favorite Anchorage radio personalities and remember.
Connect with Mike and Mary
What a great episode of the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club!
Did you enjoy remembering your favorite Anchorage radio personalities?
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Or, you can Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club
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photo above courtesy Patricia Brown. 1940s temporary housing in Mountain View.
In the 1940s, Anchorage, Alaska, was growing, and some homesteaders headed out of town to stake their claim to some land.
Norman Lange was just such a homesteader. Lange headed about 3 miles northeast from Anchorage to a spot that had a perfect view of the Chugach Mountains. Lange ended up subdividing his land and naming it, appropriately, “Mountain View.”
Other early homesteaders in Mountain View now have a neighborhood street named after them. Those include a Norwegian immigrant named Nels Kleven. For some reason, his street name was misspelled “Klevin.”
Robert Bragaw was a territorial legislator and photographer, and Harry Bliss was a contractor. Both have Mountain View streets named after them. But more about Bragaw Street shortly.
In the 1940s, construction workers and others were coming to Anchorage to build Elmendorf Air Force Base. But there was a big problem. Anchorage didn’t have enough housing to accommodate them.
As a partial solution, small temporary housing structures were put up in Mountain View (pictured above).
And speaking of Bragaw Street, you probably didn’t know that from 1942 until 1951, a man named John Vanover ran a 20-acre pig farm in the area.
Pictured above is Brewster’s on Mountain View Drive.
In 1949, Charles H. Brewster and his wife, Betty, opened the Mountain View Washaroo Laundry. But the Brewsters were ready for more, so they started selling clothing in their spare time from their log cabin home located in the Muldoon area of Anchorage.
Then in 1959, the two opened the first Brewster’s Clothing Store in a small log cabin at North Bragaw and Mountain View Drive. They later expanded and became an Anchorage fixture.
Yes, You Can Share this edition
And when you do, your friends and family will send you a year’s supply of your favorite bakery item. Yummy… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
In the picture above is Mountain View Elementary, first opened in 1956.
Mike of the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club attended Mountain View Elementary School, and one summer, he was a pitcher for the Indians Little League team that practiced on the Mountain View Elementary School baseball field.
A&W Root Beer
In 1957, the first drive-in, A&W Root Beer, opened in Anchorage. It was located in Mountain View.
The location was also home to Timbo and Princess, the A&W lions.
BONUS
Take a look at A&W Drive-In Memories and enjoy.
In the photo above, taken by Ward Wells, is Mountain View Drive on July 2, 1958.
Notice the large building in the background? That’s Caribou’s Department Store.
The picture above is the original Clark Junior High School.
First opened in 1959, Clark Junior High School was the first junior high in Anchorage. Located on Bragaw Street, the school was named after Orah Dee Clark.
Clark was the very first schoolteacher and principal hired in 1915 in the new town of Anchorage, Alaska.
After Clark Junior High opened, Clark herself often visited the school, and students were able to speak with her between classes and after school.
Mountain View Community Center
In the 1960s, Mike of the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club attended weekly square dancing get-togethers in the Mountain View Community Center. Mr. and Mrs. Topolski ran the dances.
During each weekly dance, they took a short break from square dancing and played some rock and roll for the kids to dance to. Mike of the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club even got his first announcing gig one week when he was asked to play the rock and roll records and introduce each song.
“I remember playing “Harbor Lights” by the Platters. After I introduced the song and started the record, I looked down from the stage, and there were 3 or 4 girls looking up at me, all wide-eyed and smiling. Wow, my first fan club.”
Then one week, a well-known KENI radio DJ named Bob Fleming was the special guest at the dance. We had a great time at that community center.
In the photo above is the Anchorage teen band, the Heartbeats.
All but one of the Heartbeats band members were the Apostol brothers, and their family lived in Mountain View. Both Mary and Mike of the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club were friends of the Heartbeats.
In 1966, the “Pulsating Heartbeats” released the hit record “Anne.” On the flip side of the record was “Talkin’ Bout You.”
BONUS
Get the story behind the Heartbeats band and hear their song, “Anne.”
Take a look at In John’s Own Words and enjoy.
Remember Park Lanes Bowling?
Beginning in 1976, Mountain View enjoyed bowling at this Anchorage favorite.
And for a short while, KTVA channel 11 broadcast the weekly TV show, “Bowling for Dollars,” hosted by Chuck Talsky and shot on location at Park Lanes. As a side note, Mike of the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club was one of the camera operators on the show and also edited the program for broadcast.
Mountain View
We have 1940s homesteader Norman Lange to thank for our Mountain View memories.
Do you have a comment?
Connect with Mike and Mary
Yes, we have plenty of great memories of a place called Mountain View in Anchorage, Alaska.
What are your memories?
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Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club
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Anchorage Visitor’s log cabin, year unknown.
When you had out-of-town visitors, where did you take them? It’s likely that you took Uncle Bob and Aunt Darlene to 546 West 4th. Avenue in downtown Anchorage so they could see the visitor’s log cabin.
There it was (and still is), an old, sod-covered Alaska cabin, right smack dab in the middle of our city. How Alaskan.
And displayed there on the ground, right beside the front door, your guests spotted that very impressive 5,445-pound Alaska copper nugget.
Did You Know?
The Visitor’s Log Cabin was built in Homer, Alaska, in 1954.
If you’re into log cabins, you’ll be delighted to learn that this one is made of round logs with saddle-notched corners. It also features a gable roof covered with sod.
Photo by Jet Lowe. Notice the downtown Woolworth’s store just across the street.
The cabin was designed by an architect named Edwin B. Crittenden.
Building took place in Homer at a sawmill owned by “Cap” King.
Others who created the cabin include a logger from Washington state, Otis R. Russell, who had become a homesteader in Alaska’s Kachemak Bay, and Bob Cole. Both were the craftsmen who cut the logs and assembled them.
After the two put the cabin together and checked everything, the cabin was then taken apart, loaded on a truck, and sent to Anchorage.
Meanwhile, back in Anchorage
A foundation had been laid in Anchorage, next to city hall at 4th. and F Streets.
When the truck hauling the cabin arrived from Homer, the cabin was assembled on top of its new foundation, and presto, an instant visitor’s center… Alaska style.
Watercolor by Alaskan Artist Cindy Pendleton
The Anchorage Visitor’s Log Cabin is a part of Anchorage that many of us remember from our childhood. Others may recall the first time they saw this little gem as a grown-up coming to live in this special place called Anchorage, Alaska.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will have a parade in your name, featuring you as grand marshal… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
BONUS
The original Anchorage City Hall was built in 1936.
Now, since the Visitor’s Log Cabin sits on the lawn right next to Anchorage’s original City Hall building, we thought it would be fun to include these facts.
Located at 524 West 4th. Avenue, the original City Hall was designed by Ellsworth Sedille and constructed in 1936.
Did You Know it even housed a Jail?
When it first opened, the building was home to the city mayor’s office, a telephone switchboard, city council chambers, the chief of police, the city engineer, the public utilities superintendent, and the city library.
The building’s basement also housed three jail cells and a “tank room” for drunks, a caretaker’s apartment, as well as quarters for on-duty firefighters.
Visit Anchorage Memories
A treasure chest of great memories. Take a look at AnchorageMemories.com.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Anchorage Denali Elementary School Memories.
Joe remembers:
“I went to Denali for first grade in 1955. My teacher was Miss Rook in Room 47. Yup, I remember Dick, Jane, Sally, Spot, and Puff: “Run, Spot, run! Run, run, run!” Reading opened a whole world for me.”
Claudia recalls:
“I attended North Star until 3rd grade, then we moved and I attended Inlet View before going to Central Jr. High.”
John tells us:
“I attended kindergarten at Government Hill Elementary in 1960. For the 1st grade through the 3rd grade, I was at Elmendorf attending Aurora Elementary School.”
Gary says, “She became a star”:
“I went to Denali for first and second grade. In my first grade class (Mrs. Johnson was the teacher) was Rosie Hamlin.
She became best known for “Rosie and the Originals - and the song Angel Baby.”
Jerry and his family went there:
“Tom, Jim, Jerry, Patsy, Joe & Jack Ward all went to Denali. Great memories.”
Allen informs us:
“I went to Willowcrest and, in 5th grade, to Northwood Elementary.”
Joe attended these:
“Primarily Nunaka Valley and then Chester Valley. Then, on to Clark in 1973.”
Paula remembers:
“Nunaka - K through 6th grade.”
Melinda recalls:
“From 1959 to 1963, I attended Government Hill Elementary School as we lived in Panoramic View apartments. And we all walked to school. My parents bought a new house on Abbott Loop Road, and we rode a school bus to Abbott Loop Elementary School from 1963 to 1964.”
Patricia informs us:
“Regarding Mt. View Elementary. I attended grade school in that same building, but it was then called Talkeetna Elementary. My second grade teacher was Mrs. Gilman of Gilman’s Bakery fame. In 4th grade, we had 44 kids with only one teacher who was with us the entire day. If my memory is correct, there was a fire in the school during the 54/55 year, and we double-shifted at Airport Heights Elementary. When our school reopened, it was renamed Mt. View Elementary.”
Ronnie recalls:
“My family lived in Anchorage from 1957 to 1960. I think my brother and I went to Airport Heights. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades.”
Eric remembers:
“I attended Mountain View for first grade. Airport Heights, second through 4th. While Nunaka Valley was finished being constructed, I attended Denali for a month and then the old high school downtown until November. Then finished fifth and sixth grade at Nunaka Valley.”
Connect with Mike and Mary
What a great stroll down memory lane.
What are your memories? Do you have a comment?
You can also reply to this email.
Or, you can Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
Why should you join the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club?
Here are just four good reasons:
Reason #1:
Mary and I are both Alaskans who grew up in Anchorage, Alaska.
Reason #2:
Every edition of our publication and podcast is filled with memories of the Anchorage, Alaska, you love.
Reason #3:
Every edition is special.
Join Us
So here’s your invitation to join the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club.
Yes, You Can Share This with friends and Family
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
In the photo above, Mike and Mary of the Anchorage Memories Club are standing in front of the old Denali Elementary School circa 1990s.
You, and well, most all of us, remember where we attended the first grade.
Mike and Mary, pictured above, have a unique memory. Both began their education as first graders in Anchorage’s Denali Elementary School.
“We didn’t attend at the same time. I began some years ahead of Mary, and after the first grade, our family moved to the Mountain View area of Anchorage, where I attended Mountain View Elementary,” says Mike.
In the photo above is Mary of Anchorage Memories. She is posing with her third-grade class at Denali Elementary. Her teacher (left side) is Mrs. McGraw.
Fire Trucks and Ice Skates at Denali Elementary?
by Mary of the Anchorage Memories Club
I was in the third grade in 1960. I was so excited on that dark, cold, crisp morning as my classmates and I stood in the playground watching the firemen. They were filling the previously prepared ice skating rink with water from the fire trucks hoses.
Finally, the day came when we could ice skate. It was very cold; however, I was wearing my mittens and scarf. And after skating several times around the rink, I warmed up.
I started ice skatingat the age of four. I was the youngest of eight, and ice skating was a sport my mother wanted her children to do. So, I was an experienced skater and helped my classmates who had never skated before. I felt a deep sense of pride helping them.
As spring came, the ice skating rink melted, and we hung up our skates. At recess time, my friends and I grabbed jump ropes and ran around in our sneakers, having loads of fun.
I went to Denali Elementary Schoolfrom first grade through the sixth. Walking from 2nd Ave to 9th Ave with my family and friends.
Denali Elementary School was damaged in the 1964 Alaska earthquake, and all the students had to finish out the school year at Mountain View Elementary. That was the first time I rode in a school bus. We were the second shift that started around noon.
I was truly thankful for the firemen and their bright red fire trucks for coming back year after year to make us a really “cool” ice skating rink.
BONUS
Take a look at My Green Double-Bladed Ice Skates by Mary Jane Dougherty
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do share this, your friends and family will be so happy that they will gift you with the largest flat-screen TV (292 inches) for your home theatre. Wow.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Mike Recalls His First Days at Denali in the 1950s.
We lived on Fairbanks Street, just a couple of blocks from Denali. On my first day, Mom walked with me to school.
My teacher’s name was Mrs. Rauch. She was a very nice lady.
While at school, I discovered that those leather-looking airplane pilot caps were the cool thing for boys to wear to school. A little too cool in Alaska’s colder months.
In the photo above is first-grade Mike, wearing his pilot hat with borrowed goggles. In the background, Mike’s dad and friends work on their race car.
The hat was actually a dumb-looking skullcap with snaps to hold your goggles in place, should the wearer happen to run into bug-infested skies on his way to school.
Mom and Dad bought me the hat but declined the goggles. I proudly wore my hat to Denali. My taste in hats aside, I was off on a great adventure. The first grade in Anchorage, Alaska, is where I was introduced to Fun with Dick and Jane, Sally, Puff, and Spot. Those five characters would, along with Mrs. Rausch, teach me how to read and write… So I guess I have them to thank for the Anchorage Memories Club.
Fun Lunch Boxes
Back then, Denali didn’t have a lunchroom, so we brought our lunches from home in brown paper bags or lunch boxes.
Girls often had Dale Evans, Tinker Bell, or Alice in Wonderland lunch boxes. The boys favored Roy Rogers, Peter Pan, or Superman. For the record, I was a Superman lunch box guy.
Recess
After lunch and a last gulp of hot chocolate, we headed for the playground.
Of course we had oodles of fun on the swings, slide, and merry-go-round. Plus, we met kids from the other classrooms.
One of the other kids, Bobby Kallander, would become my brother-in-law around 15 years later.
Mike's mom just happened to take the photo above. About 14 years later, Mary was looking at the picture and said, “Hey, Mike is standing right behind my brother Bobby.”
In the red circle, Mike is on the left and Bobby is on the right.
Anchorage Elementary Schools
What elementary school did you attend?
If you lived in Anchorage, you might have attended one of the following:
Mountain View Elementary first opened in 1956
Northern Lights Elementary first opened in 1959
Ptarmigan Elementary first opened in 1967
If you don’t know, a ptarmigan is an Alaskan bird, pronounced “tar-mi-gan.”
And, if your parent was in the Air Force or Army in Anchorage and serving at Elmendorf Air Force Base or Fort Richardson, you may have attended elementary school on one of those military bases. We thank your parent(s) for their service.
Memories
What elementary school did you attend in Anchorage? What are your memories?
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Star the Reindeer memories.
Gary has this memory:
“The reindeer was always in their yard on 10th and D. We could go by and pet him when we were out that way.”
Jackie remembers:
“My husband, Bob, rented a basement apartment from the Stewarts in the mid-60s, and several times was allowed to take Star for a walk. Great memories of both Star and the Stewarts!”
Claudia’s memory:
“I remember walking by Star's home and sticking my little fingers through the chain-link fence for her to lick them. It was such a magical experience for a little girl. Each time I visited Anchorage, I would go and see Star.”
Cindy had this comment:
“My late husband, Bob Pendleton, came to Alaska in 1962 and went to work for the Stewarts, who often took young aspiring photographers under their wing, giving them a job plus a great start in learning how to be an Alaskan. Star was an integral part of it all. What a delight she was for the children of Anchorage, as well as all the big kids (like me)!”
In the photo above is Bob Pendleton with Star the Reindeer.
The above is a watercolor of Star the Reindeer by Alaskan artist, Cindy Pendleton.
Connect with Mike and Mary
It’s been a “few” years now since we were all in elementary school. But it’s fun to remember those times we shared as we began our academic careers.
And as Sherlock Holmes says, “Elementary, Watson.”
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You can also reply to this email.
Or, you can Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
The Anchorage Memories Club
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In the picture above is Star the Reindeer with Oro Stewart.
Photo above by Albert Whitehead
Do you know the story of Star the Reindeer?
To know Star, you first need to meet Ivan and Oro Stewart.
The Stewarts first came to Anchorage from Kodiak in 1944 and opened Stewart’s Photo Shop.
Now anyone who has ever lived in or visited Anchorage has probably at least seen Stewart’s Photo Shop at 531 W. 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage, just across the street from the Visitor’s Log Cabin.
She wanted an Alaskan Pet
In 1960, Oro announced to Ivan that she wanted an Alaskan pet. At first, Ivan thought that his wife, Oro, wanted an Alaskan Husky. But what she had in mind was a reindeer.
So Ivan contacted Larry Davis, a Native herder outside of Nome.
Wait Just a Minute
It was and still is illegal to own an Alaska reindeer unless you are an Alaska Native. However, there was a way around that law. A reindeer could be leased to someone.
Now, before you head out to lease your very own reindeer pet, the law has been amended, and leasing a reindeer to non-Alaskan Natives is no longer allowed.
Enter Star the Reindeer
Larry Davis came through, and Oro happily received her leased pet reindeer.
In reindeer land, most tend to be either brown or grey in color. But Oro’s reindeer looked a bit different. This reindeer had a white breast and white trim. But her most distinguishing feature was a splash of white, star-shaped fur on her face.
So Oro named her reindeer “Star.” And a star she was.
In the photo above is Star the Reindeer, delighting crowds in the Fur Rendezvous Parade in Anchorage, Alaska.
What a Ham
Star the Reindeer quickly became a local celebrity, and in no time, Star’s fame had spread worldwide.
In Anchorage, Star could be spotted in front of Stewart’s Photo Shop in downtown Anchorage, where Star was happy to pose for local paparazzi (news cameras). But Star wasn’t a diva. No, not Star. This celebrity reindeer was happy to pose for pictures with locals and visitors alike.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will get you and a guest a ride on Santa’s sleigh, plus a photo op with Rudolph… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Enter Albert Whitehead
Albert worked for Ivan and Oro and his responsibilities evolved into becoming the reindeer caregiver. A position he happily continued for many years.
Star Got Evicted
No, Star wasn’t playing her music too loud, and she wasn’t behind on her rent.
Ivan and Oro kept Star at their home at 10th Avenue and I Street near downtown Anchorage.
Then, in 1973, a change in zoning laws ordered that Star could no longer stay in her home. But Ivan and Oro appealed that Grinchy law, and Star was able to stay.
Years Later
Star lived to be 23 years old. The average life span of a reindeer in the wild is 15 to 18 years.
Since Star’s passing, there were six more who continued the Star the Reindeer phenomenon in Anchorage.
Larry Davis, the Herder, selected every Star, except the last one, Star number seven.
The End of the Star the Reindeer Line
Star number seven left us in 2025. And with that, so ended the long Anchorage tradition of Star the Reindeer.
Our thanks to Ivan and Oro Stewart, Larry Davis, and Albert Whitehead for bringing such joy to so many people in Alaska and all over the world.
And our thanks to Star.
A great Anchorage memory.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Anchorage Bootlegger Cove Memories
Jackie had this comment:
“Very much enjoyed this edition and Maggie Wilkinson's memories. I also attended the Quonset hut school, earlier than Maggie (1953-54) and with a real teacher (Mrs. Gordon), and went on to junior high downtown where she did. Things were so different back then - and in my mind, better!”
Did You Know?
Mike and Mary also publish Alaska Stories twice each month.
Take a look at Anchorage Stories and enjoy.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Star was a wonderful, unofficial mascot for Anchorage. We wonder if Star ever met Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Hummm?
Do you have a comment?
You can also reply to this email.
And you can Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
The Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
1968 Bootlegger Cove photo by Cindy Pendleton
Anchorage, Alaska, was a brand-new town in 1915.
And it was a company town, run by the Alaska Engineering Commission as they built the Alaska Railroad.
In those days, entertainment was scarce. Two movie houses, the Empress and the Harmony theatre showed their films to packed houses.
But many railroad workers, business people, and others wanted something they couldn’t have. They wanted liquor. The problem was, Anchorage was bone dry.
Moonshiners Under the Northern Lights
Enter shadowy figures like the Phantom Swede, Russian Jack, and others.
They were known as moonshiners, and they distilled their squirrel juice, as it was called, or white mule in places hidden from authorities.
Russian Jack had a homestead of sorts, located about three miles east of town, next to a spring. That area was later named Russian Jack Springs.
Oh no You Don’t
To combat the manufacturing and sale of alcohol, the Alaska Engineering Commission put together strict rules about intoxicating liquors, gambling, and other vices.
When land was auctioned off to begin building the new town of Anchorage, buyers had to agree that if the property was used for any of the above, the penalty was forfeiture of the lot.
Even so, there was a demand for the whiskey produced by the hidden stills around Anchorage.
Hey, Here’s an Idea
In no time, local moonshiners came up with a new delivery method.
Just to the south and around the bend from the mouth of Ship Creek was the mouth of Chester Creek.
Because Chester Creek was relatively hidden from the prying eyes of authorities in the new townsite, moonshiners like the Phantom Swede and Russian Jack began using the area to deliver their goods.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you to Girdwood, Alaska, for a steak dinner at the Double Musky Inn… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Anchorage’s Early Days
Can you imagine Anchorage in those early days?
A mass of people drawn to the frontier of Alaska. A tent city on the banks of Ship Creek, and a new town coming to life.
Today, the names of people and places, like Russian Jack and Bootlegger Cove, are all that remain. A gentle reminder of how a town called Anchorage, Alaska, came to be.
BONUS
Memories of Bootlegger Cove
Photo courtesy of Maggie Wilkinson
by Maggie Wilkinson
From 1956 to 1959 I lived in this little log cabin in Bootlegger Cove, Anchorage, Alaska.It was a momentous time in my life, a time of transition. I was 10 when we moved into the garage apartment in the alley and 13 when we moved to a bigger home because our family was growing.I went to fifth grade in 1956 in a Quonset hut on the Park Strip, where my teacher was a butcher from the neighborhood grocery store. There were many more students in Anchorage than there were teachers, so the Anchorage School District hired anyone who applied. It was a very difficult year for me.But things turned around because in 1957, in the sixth grade, I went to the brand-new Inlet View School, and my teacher was a man who made an extra effort to learn about each of his students. He gave me my nickname of “Maggie,” and that made a very positive difference in my life. I felt seen, recognized, and understood.In 1958, I was in the 7th grade at what is now the location of the Performing Arts Center.My mother fell in love with and married my stepfather. He was a pilot for Reeve Aleutian Airways, and we were all very proud of him. Life was good. I had a new bike, and I made a little extra money from mowing lawns for $1.00/hr (I later learned to charge by the lawn instead of by the hour!) My best friend lived a block away, and she had a TV that we watched every day after school.In 1959, when I was in 8th grade, my little sister Betsy was born, and I didn’t know how my life could get any better. The summers lasted forever, and joy filled every day of my life. All of this and more happened in that little log cabin more than 65 years ago.Recently, my dogs and I walked at ”Betsy’s Park” (Elderberry Park), and then we walked to the log cabin, which is very close by.I spent a little time there, remembering how I played marbles and jumped rope in the alley, picked pussy willows in the spring, and I got a Chesapeake puppy (named Cinnabar). Many days were spent climbing high up in the cottonwood trees, chasing the train, and getting the engineer to blow the train whistle.I climbed on icebergs on the mudflats in the winter, played kickball at the park in the summer, and had to be home when the sun touched Susitna’s tummy. I remember riding my bike so fast down the 5th Avenue hill and then pedaling hard back up to do it all again. In the winter, we rode our sleds down the hill and swept the sand off it after the sanding truck went by. In the summer, we jumped over the water spraying from the water truck that came by to keep the dust down on the dirt roads.
It was a good childhood.I remember a lot of it, and I am truly thankful.It’s such a cute little log cabin, and it’s packed full of childhood memories.
BONUS
What was that name?
Most folks that live in, or have ever lived in Anchorage, know the name Russian Jack. He was one of those early pioneers who went by a nickname.
But have you ever heard of The Pale-Faced Kid, Dago Jim or Cream Puff Bill?
What about Happy Jack Smith, Big Red or Walking Swayze?
***As for Cream Puff Bill, he was a baker for the railroad and word was that the pastry he baked, especially his cream puffs, were legendary.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From Alaska Stories and our An Alaska Commercial Fishing Adventure edition:
Aletha had this comment:
“I would have left that boat, skipper, and his attitude the minute I learned about the hip waders, I would have jumped (ship) and walked away...”
BONUS
Take a look at An Alaska Commercial Fishing Adventure and enjoy.
Connect with Mike and Mary
The Bootlegger Cove area of Anchorage includes Westchester Lagoon, a man-made recreational lake, and several very nice neighborhoods. It’s funny to think that many people who go there now have no idea that many years ago, the activity of moonshiners gave it the name Bootlegger Cove.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
The photo above is Ship Creek.
Summer in Anchorage means fishing along the banks of Ship Creek, Campbell Creek, and many of the lakes in town.
Dolly Varden and rainbow trout are plentiful in the waters around Anchorage.
With visions of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, it was fun to pack a snack, grab your fishing gear, and head out to spend some time at your favorite fishing hole.
She Caught Her First Fish
Mike of the Anchorage Memories Club has this fishing memory he will never forget.
“There I was, fishing from the banks of Campbell Creek. I was suddenly aware of a lady and her young daughter. It was the girl’s birthday, and her mom had given her one of those little ice-fishing poles as a gift.
I watched as the happy young girl put her line in the water. It was obvious that she didn’t know how to fish. So, I offered her some help.
There were some trout in a likely spot in the creek, so I told her to cast her line in that direction. Then I showed her how to hold her line and wait for a nibble.
Within moments, a nice-sized fish was on her line. I then coached her by telling her how to land her fish.
The girl was delighted and had a huge smile on her face as she stood there, holding her fish. Then she looked up at me with big eyes and a smile to match and said, “This is my first fish. Thank you, I’ll never forget you.”
Over the years, I’ve remembered that precious moment on the banks of Campbell Creek. I never knew her name, but I’ll never forget her.”
Old proverb:
"Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime."
Did You Know?
Ship Creek is considered the only urban king salmon fishery in the world.
Ship Creek is so named for the safe anchorage provided for ships near the mouth of the creek.
The Dena’ina called Ship Creek “Crying Ridge Creek.”
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
It's easy.
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will give you a life-time pass to fish every day of the week if it pleases you… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
In the picture above is Campbell Creek
This Anchorage creek is named after Sir Joseph Campbell, who explored the area between 1785 and 1792.
While Ship Creek, mentioned earlier, is the largest waterway in Anchorage, Campbell Creek is the second-largest.
The One That Got Away
Mike of the Anchorage Memories Club was fishing in Campbell Creek one afternoon near a beaver dam and has this memory:
“I had my line in the water in a likely spot near a beaver dam. But not having any nibbles or strikes for a while, I started to pull my line out of the water.
Suddenly, I had a huge, strong strike.
For a moment, I panicked because I thought I had accidentally hooked a beaver. But seconds later, a rather large rainbow trout took off from where my line had been and shot across the stream like it was jet propelled. The rainbow darted and dashed about in the water, obviously upset at the surprise of my hook.
I quickly got a bigger hook and put my line back in the water.
But the large rainbow trout would have none of it.
Talk about the fish that got away.”
Sport Fishing Changed in the 1950s
Did you know that sport fishing technology made some significant changes in the 1950s?
Fiberglass rods and synthetic line were made available. Before those changes, if you fished, you were using a cane pole (a large stalk of bamboo) with a string line.
The Territorial Department of Fisheries was created in Alaska in 1949. In 1951, the Department of Fish and Game was created.
Fish Were Jumping Over the Nets
Mary of the Anchorage Memories Club has this special fishing memory.
“My summers were spent at our families commercial fishing village at Point Possession, just across Cook Inlet from Anchorage.
One of the great things about summer in Alaska is all the daylight. That was very helpful when the fish run was on. I remember watching in awe as fish jumped over our net.
My mother Feodoria, two uncles; five brothers; and two sisters all had jobs to do when the fish were running and our nets were full.
When the tide went back out, and the run was over, we had to pick the fish out of our nets. And you had to be careful not to mangle the fish, because each one was worth money. It was a lot of responsibility for us as youngsters.
The sharp teeth of the dog fish would get wrapped around the net. It was also challenging to get the humpies through the small holes of the net. And I remember the silver salmon were so shiny, and wow, the kings were so long.
It wasn’t all work at our commercial fishing site. Summers included taking a break by roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the beach campfire and listening to Anchorage radio.”
Oh the Memories
As you fished along the banks of your favorite stream or lake in and around Anchorage, it was quiet, relaxing, and fun.
There you were, surrounded by Alaska’s glorious nature in full summer bloom. At times, there was only the sound of the stream as it gently flowed to its destination.
And while catching a fish was the main goal, it didn’t always matter.
Fishing in and around Anchorage is a special experience. There you are, one with nature. But, strangely, still in town.
Your Anchorage fishing memories are precious indeed.
Mike and Mary also publish Alaska Stories twice each month. It’s FREE.
Take a look at Alaska Stories and discover Alaska.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Ok, time to reel in and pull your fishing line out of the water. But let’s keep the soft glow of those watercolor Anchorage fishing memories near to our hearts.
Do you have a comment? Or a memory to share?
You can also reply to this email, or Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
The photo above is how Delaney Park looked when it was an airfield.
The oldest park in the city of Anchorage
wasn’t always a park
In around 1917, the citizens of Anchorage worked for free to clear the land for a firebreak to protect the mostly wooden buildings in the new city of Anchorage.
in the 1923 photo above, the firebreak became the first golf course in Anchorage.
A year later, the citizens of Anchorage cleared the land even more, and it became a 300-foot by 2000-foot landing field for aviation pioneer, Noel Wien.
Note:
The golf course was still in use when planes began landing and taking off from the new airstrip. But golfers were cautioned to “give the right of way, to aircraft.”
Wien’s first flight took place on June 4, 1924. And by the end of that month he had flown 170 passengers from the airstrip.
Wien also started the first Anchorage to Fairbanks flights from that airstrip.
By the way, the airstrip would become Delaney Park, the largest park in Anchorage. It was officially named on September 14 , 1971, after James Delaney, one of the first mayors in Anchorage.
BONUS
Want to know more?
Take a look at Anchorage Delaney Park as an Airstrip and discover.
Yes, You Can Share this Edition
You can share this edition of the Anchorage Memories Club with friends and family.
And when you do, they will be so happy that they will send you on a first-class flight around the world… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Merrill Field, opened in 1932
Once Merrill Field opened, the Delaney Park Airstrip was no longer needed.
Merrill Field was the first official airport in Anchorage. And, until 1951, it was the only airport in Anchorage.
Construction of Merrill Field began in 1929 and was originally called Anchorage Aviation Field, then the Anchorage Municipal Airport. It was later named after Alaska aviation pioneer Russel Merrill.
During the 1930s, Merrill Field had so much air traffic that it became the most active civilian airport in the entire U.S.
NOTE:
The very first aviation beacon in what was, then, the Territory of Alaska, was located at Merrill Field.
BONUS
Click on the following link:
Take a look at the History of Merrill Field and enjoy.
DOUBLE BONUS
Click on the following link:
Read about Alaska pioneer aviator Russel Merrill and discover.
Anchorage Airport 1950s
Anchorage International Airport, now called Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, was first opened in 1953 when commercial aircraft were getting too big to land at Merrill Field.
Because of its location in the world, Anchorage International Airport became known as the “Air Crossroads of the World”.
It is now the 3rd busiest cargo airport in the world.
BONUS
Click on the following link:
Read more about The History of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and enjoy.
Lake Hood Seaplane Base
Back in 1938, a channel was built between Lake Spenard and Lake Hood, and a gravel airstrip was built on the South side of lake Hood.
In the 1950s, the combined lakes were developed and enlarged into the Lake Hood Sea Plane Base.
A traffic control tower was added in 1954. Then, in the 1970s, the tower at Anchorage International Airport took over for Lake Hood air traffic.
Lake Hood has an average of 190 flights each day.
In the summer, planes take off and land on the lake using “pontoons.” In the winter, they use snow skis.
BONUS
Want to know more?
Take a look at the Lake Hood Seaplane Base and discover.
Did you fly out of land at any of the above airfields in Anchorage?
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From The Matanuska Coal Fields Story (our Alaska Stories publication)
George commented:
“Very interesting article about the coal fields.
The Mention of Cap Lathrop as one of the original investors reminded me that the 4th Avenue Theater was heated with a coal fired furnace.
The maintenance man for the Hill Bldg. where I worked, also maintained the theater and would have to fire it up early enough to get the temperature up before the evening shows. This was in the 60s and 70s. I don't know if and when it might have been converted.”
Randall remembers:
“Many an evening in the 1970s (during the housing crunch) I sat with friends around their heavy metal stoves heated by the coal they collected along the tracks which ran from the mines north of Palmer.
My friends shared living spaces (in quonset huts), serving, as best could, as their homes, work spaces, etc.
Everyone scrambling to find a place to live and a place to keep warm.
To enjoy Alaska Stories (it’s free)
Take a look at Alaska Stories and get ready for Alaska history, adventure, and pioneers.
Connect with Mike and Mary
The smiling couple above are Mike and Mary of Anchorage Memories.
This picture was taken at Anchorage International Airport in 1970, as we were getting ready to board our Western Airlines flight at the beginning of our honeymoon. We had been married the day before… Boy, were we ever that young?
OK, please take your seat and buckle up as we prepare for landing.
Did you enjoy this look at Anchorage Airport Memories?
Did you arrive in Anchorage at Merrill Field? Have you ever flown out of Lake Hood?
We love hearing from our North Stars (that’s you).
You can also reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right here.
Until next time
Mike and Mary
The Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
In the inset above is Austin Eugene “Cap” Lathrop
You may have heard his name before, and you may even remember that for years, all the movie theaters in Anchorage were built and operated by the Lathrop Corporation. And the most well-remembered of those was the 4th Avenue theatre (pictured above).
But as a pioneer, Cap Lathrop was involved in many successful businesses.
Lathrop’s Alaskan Adventures Began in 1895
Those included a shipping and freighting company that would later serve the Klondike gold strike.
In 1897, Lathrop obtained his master mariner’s license. He then became the captain of a steam schooner he already owned called the L.J. Perry. And with that, he earned the nickname, Captain, or “Cap” Lathrop.
The First Wedding in Valdez
On February 18, 1901, when he was in Valdez, Alaska, Cap Lathrop and Lillian McDowell were married at the residence of Reverend D.W. Crane. That wedding was the first ever in Valdez.
Lathrop Movie Theaters
The picture above is on 4th Avenue in Anchorage
Cap Lathrop started his chain of movie theatres in the early 1910s. And by the way, he always used the British spelling, “theatre,” for his movie houses.
It all started with the Empress in Cordova, Alaska, which was first opened in 1911. Then he built Anchorage’s first movie theater, The Empress, in 1916.
At that time, the early settlers and railroad workers living in the tent city that would become Anchorage, Alaska, were starved for entertainment. So there was always a full house at every movie shown at the Empress.
The silent movie “Peggy,” starring Billie Burke, was the very first movie shown to the tent city population at the Empress.
And while the movie house opened without one, a theatre organ was later added, so local audiences enjoyed music while they watched movies.
The Empress showed movies well into the 1950s.
Did You Know?
Parts of the Empress theatre organ were later used in the Uncle's Pizza organ in Anchorage.
The 4th Avenue Theatre
From 1941 to 1947 Cap Lathrop built Anchorage’s 4th Avenue Theatre. It took that long because of World War Two. In 1927, he built the Empress and the Lacy Street theatres in Fairbanks.
BONUS
You’ll love this free e-book and instant download of 4th Avenue theatre memories.
Take a look at 4th Avenue Theatre Memories and enjoy.
Yes, You can Share This Edition
Your friends and family will think you are totally cool when you share this edition of the Anchorage Memories Club with them.
And when you do, they will send you an entire years worth of your favorite Alaska salmon or crab… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
KENI Radio
While the first radio station in all of Alaska and Anchorage was KFQD, Lathrop started the second radio station in Anchorage, KENI.
May 2, 1948, marked the very first broadcast by KENI radio. Both KENI and KFAR radio in Fairbanks were operated under the banner Midnight Sun Broadcasting, with Cap Lathrop as the company president.
A Movie Studio in Downtown Anchorage?
In the summer of 1922, Lathrop started the Alaska Motion Picture Corporation.
The first (and only) movie they produced was a 1923 silent movie production titled “The Chechahcos.”
In November of that year, a 7,000 square foot movie studio was constructed at the end of Third Avenue in Anchorage.
On March 8, 1923, the actors who were starring in the movie, Eva Gordon, William Dills and Albert Van Antwep, (as well as others) arrived in Anchorage from Oregon, New York, and Hollywood.
A “townwide” party was held in their honor. It was billed as a “free dance and jollification at the moviedome.”
Scenes for The Cheechahcos were filmed in Anchorage, Denali, and Girdwood where they recreated the famous Chilkoot Pass.
When the movie was completed, it played to packed houses and happy audiences all around the Territory of Alaska.
But in its stateside showings, it was not a commercial success.
Critics called the plot “hokey” and the title “unpronounceable.” Stateside audiences agreed.
The Chechahcos was the first feature-length movie ever made entirely in Alaska. And the first and only movie Cap Lathrop ever produced.
The moviedome studio on 3rd Avenue was converted into an exhibition center for the Western Alaska Fair in 1924. It later served as the Anchorage Community Center.
Austin Eugene “Cap” Lathrop
His Anchorage, and indeed Alaska legacy was vast. And, like many others who traveled to Anchorage in the days when Anchorage was nothing more than a raggedy tent city on the muddy banks of Ship Creek, Cap Lathrop will long be remembered.
BONUS
There is a lot more to the Cap Lathrop story.
Take a look at the “Cap” Lathrop Story and discover.
From Our North Stars (thats you)
From our look at the Lucky Wishbone
Linda has this memory:
“My dad, Neil Sagerser, was the 3rd airport policeman ever hired in Anchorage, Alaska. One day in the mid-50s, my dad was moose hunting near the Anchorage Airport (which was legal then) and shot a moose. He was so excited!
He hiked back to the moose, and just as he arrived, another gentleman came from another direction. My dad said “I just shot this moose,” and the other gentleman (who was Mr. George Brown) said, “I just shot this moose.” They both laughed and decided, as true Alaskan gentlemen, that they would just share the moose so they could feed their families.
My father and Mr. Brown were friends for many years. Even after being gone from Alaska for 40 years, I ( Neil’s daughter) walked into the Lucky Wishbone, and Mr. Brown recognized me! He said, “With those blue eyes, you know it is a Sagerser!”
A true Alaskan dearly missed!”
Robert remembers:
“I grew up treasuring a cheeseburger from Lucky Wishbone as a break from moose! Our family business, Reynolds Equipment, was just across the empty field next to Peggy’s Airport Cafe. For about thirteen years I ordered my lunch, a cheeseburger and fries, from Lucky Wishbone. I live in Portland now, but my first two restaurant stops on my last visit were for a Wishbone burger and shrimp at Mam O’s.”
Connect with Mike and Mary
Well, its time to put down your popcorn, Milk Duds, and soda.
Did you enjoy this edition of the Anchorage Memories Club?
You can also reply to this email or Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
“A great, true Alaska story” Roger
It all began far from Anchorage, in Denver, Colorado, when George Brown met Peggy Krause.
George was so taken by Peggy that he asked her to marry him on their first date.
Hey, Let’s Start A Restaurant
In 1946, George and Peggy opened a restaurant in Wisconsin, called “Brownies”. By the way, while George had no restaurant experience, Peggy had at least worked in one before.
Alaska, Here we Come
In 1951, George and Peggy must have been feeling adventurous because they packed up and drove the ALCAN (Alaska Canadian highway), and headed for Anchorage, Alaska and the Last Frontier.
The First Lucky Wishbone
Fast-forward to November 30, 1955, when the Lucky Wishbone first opened in Anchorage.
On the first day, the restaurant made a whopping $80 dollars.
Should we or Shouldn’t we?
In 1990, George’s mother passed away from cancer.
Wanting to honor his mother, George wanted to make the Lucky Wishbone, Alaska’s first smoke-free restaurant. Peggy thought that if they went smoke-free, the restaurant would end up going out of business. The two had a strong disagreement.
But after all was said and done, the Lucky Wishbone became smoke-free. And Anchorage loved it.
“This Lady”
In 2002, the Lucky Wishbone was named, Alaska’s Small Business of the year.
Peggy Brown flew to Washington, DC to receive the award.
Senator Ted Stevens introduced Peggy to President Bush by saying, “this lady makes some of the best fried chicken in the country.”
Yes, You can Share This Edition
Imagine how happy your friends and family will be when you share this edition with them.
They will be so happy, they will give you a free, one year supply of fried chicken, from the Lucky Wishbone… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
That’s a Lot of Spuds
Patricia Brown - Heller was in the 8th grade when her parents George and Peggy gave her the job of peeling potatoes every morning before school.
Patricia remembers peeling 150 to 200 pounds of spuds a day to be cut into french fries.
It’s Not Just a Restaurant
Over the years, the Lucky Wishbone became dear to the hearts of not only the people of Anchorage, but people all over Alaska.
George and Peggy cared about their customers, and it showed.
We’re Headed for the Lucky Wishbone
Mary of the Anchorage Memories Club has this memory:
“When I was a sophomore at East High School, and my brother Norman was a Senior, we would drive our 1968 Camero to the Lucky Wishbone for an after school snack.”
BONUS
You’ll enjoy Mary’s whole story.
Take a look at Wishing for a Lucky Wishbone Lunch and remember when.
And you’ll love our interview with Patricia Brown - Heller, where you’ll learn the entire Lucky Wishbone story.
Take a look at The Lucky Wishbone Story and remember when.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Anchorage Kid’s TV Shows edition.
Johnny has this memory:
“I played my accordion on the Buckaroo Show.”
Karen shared this:
“My father, Ralph Walker, was an engineer who helped to build and run many of the radio stations in Alaska. We lived at KENI and were often available as audience members for KoKo the KENI Klown show.”
Lynn had this comment:
“I really enjoyed the Anchorage Kid’s TV Shows edition. It brought back fond memories.”
Connect with Mike and Mary
Are you hungry for some Lucky Wishbone Chicken?
We sure are.
Our thanks to Patricia Brown - Heller for letting us interview her about her father, and mother, George and Peggy Brown and the Lucky Wishbone in Anchorage, Alaska.
Do you have a comment?
You can also reply to this email.
Or you can Contact Us to say, “I love the Lucky Wishbone.”
Until next time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
Our Anchorage, Alaska kid’s TV shows brought us together.
They were shows we could relate to. We enjoyed the hosts, characters, and the cartoons some shows presented. And occasionally, we could see our friends and neighbors on the shows. What fun for Anchorage kids.
Mother Moose
In the 1970s, “Mother Moose” premiered on KTVA channel eleven and Anchorage, Alaska TV screens were never the same.
Every weekday, Anchorage kids would gather around their TV and wait to hear this -
“It’s Mother Moose, It’s Mother Moose, there by the cabin in the spruce. Miss Northern Lights the eye delights and into the cabin the gang invites”
It was a fun and exciting time as kids listened to the Old Sourdough (Larry Beck) tell his tales of Alaska, while Miss Northern Lights (Carol) showed fun crafts.
And of course, there she was, Mother Moose herself.
By the way, the little girl in the picture is Nikki. She’s the daughter of Mike and Mary of the Anchorage Memories Club. And of course, you know Mother Moose.
And besides everyone’s favorite Moose lady, there were other characters to enjoy.
Remember “Gorp”, “Glacier Gruff”, “Oil Finch” and “Wrangell Worm”?
BONUS
But Anchorage kids (and moms, and dads) also loved those wonderful cartoon favorites, “Rocky and Bullwinkle”.
Take a look at the link below to see a clip of “Rocky and Bullwinkle”. Great memories.
Read more about The Mother Moose Show and enjoy.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
You can easily share all these fun memories with friends and family.
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will buy you a brand-new car of your choice… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
HiJinks with Frank Feeman
There isn’t much out there about this Anchorage kid’s TV show, but maybe you remember it… Mike of the Anchorage Memories Club remembers this one.
It was called “HiJinks” and the man in front of the camera in the picture above is the host, Frank Feeman.
Notice the bow ties?
Frank Feeman would wear a little tiny bow tie one day, then the next day he would have a huge bow tie with flashing lights.
HiJinks actually got started on KFIA-TV channel 2 which later became KENI-TV and is now KTUU channel 2.
The show was a lot of fun. Do you remember HiJinks? Were you on the show? Tell us about it.
The Buckaroo Show
Sheriff John (third from the right) welcomed us every weekday in the 1960s on KTVA channel 11, for the western themed, Buckaroo Show, featuring games, puppets, and cartoons. In the later years of the show, there was a character named Deputy Dick and a silly jailhouse.
BONUS
After the 1964 earthquake, KTVA continued The Buckaroo show, but they could no longer have children in the studio because of the earthquake damage to the building.
Sheriff John had left the show just before the earthquake, so Deputy Dick took over as the host for a short time.
BONUS
The Buckaroo set was later used as the cabin in the spruce on the Mother Moose TV Show,
Take a look at this fun story “KTVA’s Buckaroo Show and the 64’ Earthquake” and remember.
KoKo the KENI Klown
Pictured above is the 1963 Shrine Circus Queen, Leslie Waldron, with KoKo the KENI Klown. )KoKo is the second person on the right, Chu Chu is on the left).
Weekdays on KENI-TV channel 2, KoKo the KENI Klown, (Dick Randlett) had fun with studio audiences and his Kartoon Karnival.
And kids were glued to their television sets to watch Koko, Chu Chu the clown, and episodes of the Mickey Mouse show, and short Warner Brother Cartoons.
Mary, of the Anchorage Memories Club, remembers being on the show.
BONUS
Do You remember Kiddie Land, the fun place for rides and that wonderful mini train?
Kiddie Land was created by Dick Rand (KoKo) and Les Fetrow (Chu Chu the clown).
Read more about Kiddie Land and “KoKo’s Karnival of Klowns” and enjoy.
Romper Room
photo courtesy of Monica Hall (seated far left)
Carolyn Guess is next to Monica in the picture above.
“Romper stomper, bomper, boo, tell me, tell me, tell me do. Magic Mirror, tell me today, did all my friends have fun at play?”
When you watched Romper Room on KTVA channel 11, you hoped the Romper Room teacher would see you through that “Magic Mirror”. Did she?
OK, I have to ask.
Were you a “Do Bee” or were you a “Don’t Bee”?
A look at part of the Romper Room set in the studios of KTVA.
BONUS
Here is a fun Romper Room “behind the scenes” story.
When the Romper Room teacher (Miss Neilia) did the Magic Mirror, she held up a small hand mirror decorated with sparkles.
After saying “Romper stomper, bomper, boo, tell me, tell me, tell me do. Magic Mirror, tell me today, did all my friends have fun at play?” the TV control room would go to a film that looked like a kaleidoscope.
While that film was being shown, the teacher would switch to the mirror she could “see through”.
One day, Miss Neilia was doing the Magic Mirror. We went to the film and she changed mirrors. And just when we came back to her, a little boy who was sitting next to Miss Neilia said, “I saw what you did, you switched mirrors”.
After the show, Miss Neilia and the crew had a good laugh.
BONUS
Take a look at these fun “Anchorage Romper Room Memories” and enjoy.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Ok, time to put down your PJ sandwich and chocolate milk as our look at Anchorage’s Kid’s TV shows comes to an end.
This has been a wonderful trip down memory lane.
What were your favorite Anchorage Kid’s TV shows?
Do you have a comment?
You can also reply to this email. It’s so easy… Even Mother Moose could do it.
Or, you can Contact Us right here.
Until next time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club.
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
Yes, this edition of Anchorage Memories will bring back a flood of memories just for you.
As kids growing up in Anchorage, Mary and I remember playing outside a lot. We played games, sports, explored, and laughed. We fished in Campbell Creek, Ship Creek and had great times with our friends.
Then there were other fun things to do in Anchorage for kids and grown-ups.
Our Favorite Movie Theatres
Pictured above is the Center Movie Theater located in Spenard. It opened circa 1955
4th Avenue in downtown had three movie theatres. One was the Denali, which had to relocate to Spenard after the 1964 earthquake. There was also the Empress, which was the first movie theater in Anchorage, and of course, this favorite, the 4th Avenue Theatre.
What was your favorite Anchorage movie theatre?
Bowling
In the photo above is the Center Bowl in Spenard.
Now, let’s go bowling.
It didn’t matter how good you were. It was just a great way to get out there and have some fun.
Did you bowl? Were you in a league? What were your favorite Anchorage bowling alleys?
BONUS
Mike and Mary also publish, Alaska Stories
It’s FREE. Delivered by email twice a month. You’ll love it.
Take a look at Alaska Stories and discover the Great Land.
Dances and Concerts
Pictured above is the Royal Pad and later the Cinnamon Cinder. Both were located on the second floor of Blain’s Paint Store in Spenard.
Did you like to go to dances at Carpenter’s Hall? DJ Ron Moore’s Royal Pad, the National Guard Armory, the Sports Arena, Shindig City in Muldoon, or the Cheetah on Government Hill?
You could hear and dance to the music of local Anchorage bands and groups from the lower 48 who had hits on the top ten charts, like Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs playing “Wooly Bully”. Fun times and good memories.
BONUS
Anchorage DJ Ron Moore had a lot to do with the teen scene in Anchorage.
Take a look at Ron Moore Remembers the Teen Nightclubs and enjoy.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you on an around-the-world cruise… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Anchorage Car Races
In the photo above is a Fur Rendezvous car race.
Remember the “fast and furious” in Anchorage competed on oval racetracks, featuring stock car races. There was also a Drag Strip near Palmer and there were car races in downtown Anchorage, during the Fur Rendezvous winter carnival.
BONUS
Anchorage racing legend “Fuzzy” Sprinkle spoke with Anchorage Memories a few years ago. He discussed racing stock cars and drag racing snow machines on asphalt at the Palmer Drag Strip. You’ll even learn how he got his nickname.
Take a look at “Fuzzy Sprinkle” Anchorage Racing Legend” and remember the action.
Fur Rendezvous
In the photo above, left to right: KENI President, and General Manager Al Bramstedt, News Anchor Ty Clark, Camera Operator Jim Balog, Bill Stewart and Host Orville Lake.
Did you have fun at Anchorage’s winter carnival, the Fur Rendezvous? Schools even gave us a day off to enjoy the February festivities. Did you watch the dog sled races on TV at home?
What were your favorite Rondy activities?
BONUS
You’ll love this. We have an entire section of Anchorage Memories dedicated to Rondy Stories.
Take a look at Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Memories and enjoy the good times.
The Varsity Show
In the picture above, in the top middle photo, is Anchorage DJ Ron Moore wearing a white jacket.
Remember when you could go down to the studios of KTVA channel 11 in the downtown McKinley Building and later in Spenard on a Saturday afternoon to dance on TV?
The Varsity Show was Anchorage’s answer to American Bandstand.
You could have a fun time in front of the TV cameras, dancing to the latest hits. And later, your friends would say, “I saw you dancing on the Varsity Show”.
BONUS
You can see a lot of nostalgic Varsity Show pictures on Anchorage Memories. You’ll also love the stories.
Note: Get your FREE Varsity Show e-Book on the following page.
Take a look at Varsity Show Memories and get your free Varsity Show e-book, it’s a fun keepsake.
The Coke Show
Photo above, courtesy of Malcolm Burgess.
And remember the radio boothon top of the Bun Drive-In? Anchorage DJ Ron Moore broadcast the Coke Show from that location.
Did you call in to request a song, make a dedication, or just to say hello to Ron?
BONUS
The Coke Show was jam-packed with action and fun from the first record to the last. and it was a nightly event for Anchorage teens.
You can listen to the Coke Show once again by visiting the following page on Anchorage Memories.com
Take a look at Anchorage Coke Show Memories and have fun.
Your Memories of Having Fun in Anchorage
After reading over all the activities in this edition, you probably have some great memories of things that aren’t listed here.
Tell us your memories.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Wow, this edition brought back so many memories. Some we haven’t thought of in years. And right now, Mary is looking in the back of the closet for her white go-go boots.
Do you have a memory you want to share?
You can also reply to this email, or you can send us a note and say, “I was in the Fur Rendezvous Parade”. Contact Us right here and say hello.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
As the show begins, you’ll hear popular Anchorage DJ Ron Moore, asking callers to guess how much Paul of the Heartbeats weight when he was born. What’s your guess?
The Rapid Robert Connection
By the way, the Coke Show in this edition was recorded in about 1965 by a good friend of the Anchorage Memories Club, Bob Martin. Bob was known on the Coke Show as “Rapid Robert”, a name given to him by Ron Moore.
Note:
In this edition of the Coke Show, you’ll hear Ron talking about “Rapid Robert”.
Home of the Coke Show
Photo above courtesy of Malcolm Burgess
The Coke Show Radio Booth
Anchorage teens on the roof of the Bun Drive-In, standing in front of the radio booth for the Coke Show with Ron Moore.
Ron Moore and His Fans
In the photo above, Ron Moore is signing autographs for Anchorage, Alaska teens.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
You can share this with family and friends.
And when you do, they will request your favorite songs for a whole year and dedicate them to you… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
In the photo above, Ron Moore is right where he loves to be… behind the microphone in a radio studio, playing all your favorite songs.
BONUS
Do you want to enjoy some great Coke Show Memories?
Take a look at The Anchorage Coke Show and enjoy.
A Dedication from Mike and Mary
Hello,
Mary and I dedicate this special edition of the Anchorage Memories Club to Anchorage DJ, Ron Moore of the Coke Show.
And to all the Anchorage, Alaska teens who listened to the show and to those who called in, requested a song and made a dedication.
Do you have a dedication?
You can also reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
It was Anchorage, Alaska’s version of “American Bandstand”.
From September to May of each year, Anchorage teens could tune their family TV set to KTVA channel 11 on Saturday afternoons to watch friends dancing to the latest hit songs on the Varsity Show.
But Our Story Begins in the 1950s
Pictured above is Chuck Wenger. The photo was taken in the garage entrance to the KTVA studios in the McKinley building.
In 1959, Anchorage DJ, Chuck Wenger premiered a TV show on KTVA channel 11, featuring Anchorage teens dancing to the hit songs of the day. That show was called, “Chuck’s DJ Dance Party”.
The hits of 1959 included:
Venus, by Frankie Avalon, Smoke gets in Your Eyes, by the Platters, A Teenager in Love, by Dion Dimucci
When Chuck Wenger stepped away from the turn table, the name of the program was changed to, the Varsity Show.
The young fellow wearing the white coat in the center of the picture above is Anchorage DJ, Ron Moore, hosting the Varsity Show.
Circa 1960 to 1971
Anchorage teens loved watching the Varsity Show, and going down to the KTVA studios in the McKinley building, and later to the Broadcast Center in Spenard to dance on the show.
Yes, You Can Share this Edition
You can share this edition of the Anchorage Memories Club with your friends and family.
And when you do, they will be so happy that they will send you on an all - expense paid cruise… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Varsity Show Hosts Included
In the photo above is Ron Moore, the most well-known host.
Pictured above are Mike Ray (Mike of the Anchorage Memories Club), and Anchorage DJ, Roger Lathum (who also hosted the Morning Show on KTVA channel 11).
In the photo above is Anchorage DJ, Jerry Rose (Peter Bie).
Jerry Rose hosted the Varsity Show in 1971. The show was broadcast in color starting in about 1968. By the way, the picture above was taken to promote Jerry’s radio show on KBYR when that station was playing rock n’ roll.
Over the years, hosts for the show included Ron Moore, Bill Kelley, Roger Lathum, Mike Ray, Mike of the Anchorage Memories Club, and Jerry Rose (Peter Bie).
BONUS
Would you like to have the free, Varsity Show e-book?
Featuring a foreword by Ron Moore
The whole storyof The Varsity Show is told in this one of a kind, gift.
And if you danced on the show or worked on the show, you might even see your name in this informative e-book.
This free e-book is a PDF download that you can read on your computer or mobile device.
Get your free Varsity Show e-book and enjoy.
Anchorage Teens Worked on the Show
Pictured above is Maryof the Anchorage Memories Club, when she was a staff dancer on the Varsity Show.
Marywent on to become a movie and TV background actress in Hollywood.
BONUS
Mary’s story of how she became a staff dancer on The Varsity Show is a little different.
Take a look at How I Became a Staff Dancer on The Varsity Show and enjoy.
Every year, just before school ended, The Varsity Show held auditions for area high school students who wanted to work on The Varsity Show.
The Varsity Show Crew in Action
Pictured above, Anchorage high school students work behind the scenes on the live weekly Varsity Show.
Pictured above is The Varsity Show crew just before the 1964 earthquake. In the middle back row is host Jim Roach.
Area students were trained at the KTVA studios during the summer to work on the show. As a result, many of the show’s teen crew members went on to work in television, motion picture production and even as radio DJs.
Special Thanks to KTVA’s Augie Hiebert
Mr. Hiebert of KTVA had the idea to create a teen TV program where Anchorage teens could work as interns on the show and be awarded scholarships for their efforts. As a result, many Anchorage teens began their careers because of Mr. Hiebert’s generosity.
BONUS
You can read fun stories about the show at Varsity Show Memories and remember when.
Mike and Mary, Authors of the Anchorage Memories Club
Well, I see that Mary is putting on her white go-go boots, so I’d better get out there on the dance floor to see if I still have it.
Did you enjoy this look at Anchorage’s popular teen TV dance show?
Did you download your free Varsity Show ebook? If not, scroll back up this email and click on the link for your download that you can read on your computer or mobile device.
And be sure to send us your comments:
You can also reply to this email, or Contact Us to say, “I remember the Varsity Show”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
Above photo by Jim Zoller
Tom had this memory:
“I love the Anchorage Memories Club, and remembering the good times in Anchorage in the 1970s when I was a teen.
Your post about Stewart's Photo Shop rekindled memories of spending a lot of time there, usually during the Fur Rondy dog races. We'd stop in to buy more film (we took plenty of photos back then!), warm up, look at some jade, and dream about buying fancier cameras. Thanks for doing what you do to remind us of Anchorage history.”
Don and Maurine remember the Fur Rendezvous:
“Thanks, Mike and Mary, for refreshing our Rondy memories.
Yes, I marched and played trombone in the West High band, and the brass got pretty cold. Our friends and family were very active during Fur Rendezvous each year. I still have a partial collection of Rondy pins. I have a vague recollection of a 3-block-long section of rail placed along 4th Ave. and a railcar riding that section during Rondy perhaps in the early 50s.”
BONUS
Take a look at The Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Story and enjoy.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
Your friends and family will love reading these comments from people who live or have lived in Anchorage, Alaska.
And when you share this, they will be so happy that they will give you a secret map to all the gold deposits in Alaska… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Lynn remembers her first job:
“My first “real” job was at The Book Cache in the Sears Mall. I worked with a wonderful crew, really nice folks. I remember the mall was a happening place back then, with plenty of people shopping or having lunch there.”
Dennis remembers the Sears mall:
“Thanks for the Anchorage Memories Club! I was the apprentice fire sprinkler employee on the Mall project. Our son was born in July 1968 at the community hospital. Great memories.”
Michael recalls his visits to the Sears Mall:
“So many great memories of the Sears Mall when the Bethel High band would travel to Anchorage every spring for the Southwest Alaska High School Music Festival at West High.
We would always stay at Turnagain Methodist Church on Northern Lights, closer to the airport. Nobody had ever been to a Mall before, so it was exciting. One year we even walked to the Mall from the church! Thanks for sharing.”
Barbara shared this memory:
“I lived in Anchorage in the 1970s, and your stories bring back fond memories.
Not long ago, you ran a story about Larry Carr and Carr's Markets. We lived in Spenard when my daughter was born in the old Anchorage Community Hospital in 1972. After a few other stops in Bethel and Fairbanks (my husband was a Wien pilot), we returned to Anchorage and lived on Campbell Lake. The Carrs had the house next to us, although they were not close by neighbors because they had a triple lot.
Sadly, my husband was killed in a plane crash of our small plane in March 1978. I carried on, as one must, and later in the spring I was out putting in a new mailbox post. Mrs. Carr came over—I think her name was Wilma—and offered her condolences, explaining that they had just returned from their winter in Palm Springs. She asked about the sack of Quick Crete in my wheelbarrow, and I explained that it had all the ingredients for a small amount of concrete and that you just added water and mixed it up like a cake mix.
“What a wonderful idea,” she said, and proceeded to tell me about the time when she and Larry were starting out in Eagle River, and she was setting a clothes pole post. “I had to get a bucket of cement from a cement supplier and rush home with it before it hardened.”
Only in Alaska will one of the wealthiest residents in one of the nicest neighborhoods in town think nothing of seeing her neighbor out there with a wheelbarrow and posthole diggers, then recount a story from her humble past. It is one of my fondest Anchorage memories.”
Sheila had a lot to do with bringing the Sears Mall to Anchorage:
“Boy do I remember The Mall. I was Larry Carr's secretary while it was being built. What a time that was!
Ironically the biggest attraction was the rocking horse at the West End. Sadly gone now.
Larry Carr was a visionary as well as being a really decent human being.”
BONUS
Take a look at The Sears Mall in Anchorage and remember.
Nelson remembers Anchorage:
“Thank you for keeping these memories alive.
Our family was the first Colombian family to reside in Anchorage. At the time, there were only a handful of migrants from Latin America. Most of them came after the Alaska earthquake. My father worked on the Alyeska pipeline and on Amchitka Island before and after the Cannikin test.
I attended both Central Junior High and West High School in Anchorage.”
Loren recalls the Alaska Highway:
“Came to Alaska in 1956 from Illinois, in the back of a 1951 Chevy with two brothers and a sister. 12 days on the Alaska Highway with numerous flat tires.
In Anchorage, Fireweed Lane was the city limits then. You could go downtown, and you knew just about everybody.”
BONUS
Take a look at The History of Downtown Anchorage, Alaska and discover.
Joe recalls things after the 1964 earthquake:
“I remember sitting atop the McKay (McKinley) building, top floor, southwest corner, looking down 4th Avenue doing my morning radio show for nigh on 7 years, 1966-1973, on KWKO FM.
I can remember riding up the rickety elevator to the top floor and stopping on various floors to take in the results of the earthquake. Enjoy you and your lovely wife's research re: Alaska and its heritage.”
BONUS
In the photo above, Frank Feeman hosts HiJinks
Click on the following link to learn more.
Take a look at Anchorage First TV Memories and remember.
Anchorage Memories.com
Take a look at Anchorage Memories.com, a treasure chest of memories.
Connect with Mike and Mary
What great memories.
Thank you to all our North Stars (that’s you) for sending in your comments.
We are often reminded by our readers that when they read the Anchorage Memories Club, those memories often remind them of their long-forgotten memories.
Do you have a comment?
You can also reach us by replying to this email, or you can Contact Us right here to say, “Thanks for the great memories”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
Somewhere between the newsreel and the main movie, I sat there, a young boy in the 4th Avenue Theater, when an ad filled the screen.The first thing I noticed was that it was for a local Anchorage business. I had heard the name, “Snow White Laundry and Cleaners” many times before, but knew nothing about them. I became fascinated as I watched their movie theater ad.Snow White Laundry and Cleaners got its humble start back in 1915.Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska around 1914, 1915 and 1916. It was nothing more than a “tent city” that sprang up around the mouth of Ship Creek. And it was only there, because of the Alaska Railroad.“Harry” Kimura and his wife Katsuki moved from Seattle to that tent city that would become Anchorage, Alaska. They took over a small hand laundry from a relative, and gave it the name, H&K Hand Laundry. It was located near 5th Avenue and C Street.By the way, there was no running water. Harry and Katsuki had to hall water from Ship Creek.
Chop Suey House
Then, as if he didn’t have enough to do, Harry opened the Chop Suey House in a small building next door to the laundry.
Yes, You Can Share this Edition
Would your friends and family enjoy learning about the early history of Anchorage?When you do, they will be so happy that they will take you out for the dinner of your choice at your favorite restaurant… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading, Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public ,so feel free to share it.
The Kimura family grew to include:
Sam, who went on to become a professional photographer and taught at the University of Anchorage, Alaska for 23 years. His wife, Joan, an Anchorage artist, designed the seal for the city of Anchorage. William “Bill” Kimura, who became a painter, sculptor, and teacher. And George, who ran Kimura restaurants like the Golden Pheasant Café and Nikko Garden.
World War II
In 1941, Harry Kimura was locked in a barracks at Anchorage’s Fort Richardson as part of America’s wartime “internment” program.During that time, his son George was in basic training and was given MP duty outside that same detention center.
At some point, the Kimura family left Anchorage.
Snow White Laundry and Cleaners
Following World War II, the Kimuras returned to Anchorage and expanded their H&K Hand Laundry into Snow White Laundry and Cleaners.Along the way, they also opened a restaurant called “The Golden Pheasant Café” on D Street between 4th and 5th Avenues.
Nikko Garden
Opened in 1966 and located on Spenard Road near Spenard Lake, Nikko Garden was Anchorage’s finest Oriental restaurant.It quickly became, “the” place to go in Anchorage.A Very Special Note:For many years, Mary and I celebrated our wedding anniversary with dinner in one of those memorable private rooms in Nikko Garden.
Today, that restaurant location is but a fond memory for so many Alaskans.In 1979, Nikko Garden burned down.Mike, of the Anchorage Memories Club, was a news videographer for KTVA, channel 11 at the time and following the fire. Mike was assigned to go inside and shoot video of the charred remains.
“I remember the strange, tragic sight of the pond that ran the length of the restaurant.It was covered with black soot and burnt debris was floating in the once beautiful water.”
Now, even though it’s gone, we will always have the wonderful memories of that fine Kimura restaurant.
Nikko Garden – Gwennie’s Connection
Pictured above are Gwennie Thorton and George Kimura.
BONUS
Anchorage Memories wrote a story about Gwennie’s Old Alaskan Restaurant in Spenard.
Take a look at Gwennie’s Restaurant, In Her Own Words, and enjoy.Gwennie told us that when she and her mother first came to Anchorage, they rented an apartment from the Kimura family and got to know them.Then one evening, many years later, Gwennie decided to drive down Spenard road from her Old Alaska Restaurant and visit Nikko Garden.When she walked into the restaurant and George Kimura saw her, he nearly fainted because he hadn’t seen her in so many years.
BONUS
You can learn more about this remarkable Anchorage pioneer family.Take a kook at the Anchorage’s Kimura Family and discover.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
Juanita sent us this comment:
“I’ve learned a lotabout my hometown, and you’ve jogged memories of things I haven’t thought about for years. I can only say YAY!”
Diana had this to say:
”Well done, and thank you for the trip down memory lane”.
From our look at Anchorage Movie Theatres.
Patti shared this memory:
“I remember going to the movies as a kid at the old 4th Avenue Theater. You could watch a movie for a cereal box top and 10-25 cents on Saturday.”
BONUS
Take a look atAnchorage Movie Theatre Memoriesand enjoy.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Do you remember Nikko Garden? Do you know anyone in the Kimura family?You can send us your comments:
You can also reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right here.Until Next TimeMike and MaryAnchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
Peggy’s Airport Café
Barbara says:
“Your stories bring back fond memories.”
Mike of the Anchorage Memories Club has this memory
“When our family first arrived in Anchorage in 1950, we landed at Merrill Field.
After the long, 5-hour flight from Seattle, Mom asked someone at Merrill Field if there was a restaurant nearby. We were told about Peggy’s Airport Café just across the street.
So for our family, Peggy’s has a special place in our hearts.”
Later known as Peggy’s Café, the restaurant was first opened in 1944. It was originally a one-story building and a favorite of bush pilots.
Peggy was a lady named Peggy Lott. She first moved to Alaska to teach school in Seldovia, then Bethel before coming to Anchorage.
If you liked pie, Peggy’s was the place to be. The pies were always created using the same recipes Peggy Lott used when she first opened the café.
Mary of Anchorage Memories recalls this story
“My mother, Feodoria Pennington, used to bake the pies at Peggy’s Airport Café and was there when the 1964 earthquake struck.
My mom told me that when the 1964 earthquake started shaking, Peggy Lott and my mom ended up crawling around on the kitchen floor on their hands and knees, dodging flying pots, pans, and knives.”
Remember the Tent City celebration in the 1980s? Peggy’s Café was there, and so was Mary of Anchorage Memories. Notice the “fresh homemade pies” sign.
Peggy left Alaska in the 1970s for Mount Vernon, Washington. She lived to be 103.
BONUS
Take a look at Peggy’s Airport Café Memoriesand enjoy.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
Your Anchorage friends and family will love these great Anchorage Restaurant Memories. So take a moment to share this edition. Your friends and family will be so happy that they’ll take you out to dinner at your favorite restaurant… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
A&W Root Beer Memories
A note from Mike of the Anchorage Memories Club
“Back in 1951, my dad, Ray Dougherty, cleared some land on Mountain View Drive, not far from Merrill Field. The area he cleared became an important place in Anchorage history. It became A&W Drive-In.”
Remember those great-tasting “mashed potato” French fries? And of course, there were the lions, Timbo, and Princess.
BONUS
Read more about the A&W Drive-In and enjoy.
Nikko Garden
Photo by Ward Wells
Here’s another great Anchorage, Alaska restaurant memory.
The Kimura family hit a home run when they created Nikko Garden.
Located in Spenard, the restaurant’s atmosphere was beautiful, and the service and food was memorable.
What are your favorite memories of Nikko Garden?
The Arctic Roadrunner
Oh, the memories…
The Arctic Roadrunner is a favorite. The location shown above is now closed, but such fond memories remain.
BONUS
Mary of Anchorage Memories recalls her Arctic Roadrunner memories.
Take a look at The Arctic Roadrunner and enjoy.
Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant
Gwennie had a secret
To find out what it was, click on the BONUS link below.
One of Anchorage’s favorites
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Gwennie’s was the place to be. And this is what made it so good.
The owner, Gwennie Thornton, loved to cook, and she loved making her customers happy.
Not long ago, Anchorage Memories caught up with Gwennie and here’s what she had to say to all her Anchorage friends.
BONUS
Gwennie had a secret. Find out what it was.
Take a look at “Gwennie’s Restaurant – in her Own Words” and enjoy.
La Cabana
It didn’t look like the picture above the first time Mike of the Anchorage Memories Club visited the La Cabana.
“Back in the day, the La Cabana, Mexican restaurant was in a log cabin. When I was a boy, my mom and dad took the family to that small cabin in downtown Anchorage. I had never had Mexican food, and I wasn’t at all sure that I wanted to.
Then, when our dinner arrived at our table and I took my first bite… It was love at first taste.
My wife, Mary, had the same experience.
And although we have traveled all over, now live in California, and have tasted Mexican food in some great restaurants… nothing compares to the wonderful Mexican food we enjoyed at La Cabana.”
What are your La Cabana memories?
BONUS
Read Mary’s La Cabana Memoriesand enjoy.
The Lucky Wishbone
Oh, what we wouldn’t give for one of those delicious Lucky Wishbone cheeseburger baskets… followed by the strawberry shortcake they served in a glass. Oh, be still, my heart.
All you had to do was just walk into the restaurant, and you knew the food was going to be wonderful.
BONUS
Now here’s a special treat.
Take a look at The Lucky Wishbone Story and enjoy.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Are you hungry for your favorite Anchorage restaurant?
We are.
Do you have a comment? Just click on the following comment button:
Or do you just want to say, “I’m headed for the Lucky Wishbone right now.”
You can reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right now.
Until next time
Mike & Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
As the story goes, when the Anchorage Times Newspaper reporters got off work in the 1960s, they would head over to Club 25.
Once there, they would buy Nellie Brown a beer (her favorite was Olympia) and she would tell stories about the very early days of Anchorage.
They Met in Cordova, Alaska
John “Jack” Brown met Nellie Edith Shepard in Cordova, Alaska, in 1911. The two were married on May 1, 1912, in Cordova, and soon after traveled by boat to upper Cook Inlet and Ship Creek, where Jack began working as a forest ranger.
Ship Creek Flats in 1912
A tent on Ship Creek, which served as the Forest Service office, was also the Browns's home when they first arrived in what would become Anchorage.
Early homesteaders, J.D. “Bud” Whitney and his wife Daisy, had built a 10-foot by 14-foot cabin that later became the Browns' home. The Browns made their furniture out of grocery store crates.
When Nellie Brown spoke of the area back then, she said:
“It was very peaceful and quiet. Nothing unusual happened.”
Things were very spread out in those days. The Browns got their mail in Eagle River at a roadhouse along the Iditarod Trail. And for supplies, they had to go all the way across Cook Inlet to Knik. In 1913, Jack and Nellie built their own three-room cabin on Ship Creek Flats.
Yes, You can Share this Edition
Hey, do you want your friends and family to think you’re swell? Just share this edition of the Anchorage Memories Club with them. You’ll instantly become their favorite person… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Alaska Railroad Days
In 1914, things changed when the railroad set up camp and a “tent city” full of railroad workers sprang up on the muddy banks of Ship Creek.
The Brown Chicken Ranch
Have You Heard of “Green Lake”?
In 1920, the Browns moved to a homestead about five miles out of Anchorage on Green Lake, where they built a log cabin and a chicken house. They named the area “Alderbrook.”In 1940, the land was selected by the U.S. Army Air Force to become Elmendorf Field, now Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The Browns sold the Alderbrook homestead for $2,500 dollars.
He Met the Browns in Cordova
Alaskan artist Sydney Laurence had met Nellie’s family in Cordova and remained a close friend of the Browns, who had a collection of Sydney Laurence paintings.
BONUS
Take a look at the fascinating life of Alaska artist Sydney Laurence and discover.
348 Harvard Avenue
Nellie and Jack returned to Anchorage in 1925, and in 1927 they moved into a cottage on Government Hill (the first neighborhood in Anchorage) at 349 Harvard Avenue, where they stayed for most of their lives.
Nellie’s Diner
Nellie Brown holds a cake shaped like her diner, seen in the background.
In the 1940s, a surplus railroad passenger car became “Nellie’s Diner” in Anchorage. It was a success. Nationally known comedian Joe E. Brown even ate there when visiting Anchorage.
BONUS
Visit Anchorage Memories.com
A treasure chest of memories of Anchorage, Alaska. Take a look at Anchorage Memories and enjoy.
There is More to the Story
But we’ll have to leave the Browns this way.
Jack Brown passed away in 1972
Nellie Brown continued to live on Government Hill until she moved to the Alaska Pioneer Home in Palmer. She passed away in 1978 at the age of 86 after living over 60 years in Anchorage.
BONUS
Would you like to know more? Take a look at Jack and Nellie Brown and enjoy.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Joe Spenard, Anchorage Pioneer edition.
Gene sent in this comment:
“My memories of Spenard are wonderful.
Our band was the house band for The Lake Shore Club, later the Fancy Moose, the Flying Machine, etc. The Youngbloods (“Get Together) with Jesse Collin Young played there and named a song on their album for beautiful Lake Spenard.”
Connect with Mike and Mary
Did you enjoy this edition of the Anchorage Memories Club? The pioneers, who first came to the mouth of Ship Creek and helped begin the town of Anchorage, were a hearty breed. Do you have a comment?
Or you can also reply to this email or Contact Us right here. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
What Are Your Memories of the Spa?
Here are some reader memories of the Spa
Eric remembers:
“Learned to swim there. Bussed over from Clark Junior High. How did we have the time to swim before we had to get back to class?”
Barbara had this to say:
“For two weeks, first thing in the morning, a busload of us were taken to the Spa. It was great to have swimming lessons. I still really appreciate the building design with the wall of windows. But afterward, we had to get back on the bus in our damp clothes, coats, and wet hair.”
Joe shares this memory:
“I swam there. It was only a block from my house.”
Paige remembers the swim club:
“I was on a swim club there in 1970”
Marcia has this vivid memory:
“It was Heaven on earth! Our youth group used to go there, and I’ve never forgotten the wonder of it all.”
Kathi said this:
“Loved swimming there.”
The Spa’s Beginnings
Until March 1953, when the Spa first opened, if you wanted to swim in or around Anchorage, you had one choice. It had to be summer, and you had to swim in a lake. Or with your rubber ducky in the bathtub. Then on March 31, 1952, a man named Edwin Suddock, a wholesale grocer, and his wife, Mary, made a welcome announcement. They were going to build a private, indoor swimming pool in Anchorage. The location for the pool was at 1720 F Street between West 16th and 17th Avenues. The location was just above what would later become the Valley of the Moon Park. The initial cost estimate was $40,000 . Today, that would be well over $400,000 .
Charter Memberships
As a private pool, Spa memberships that allowed access for your immediate family were initially offered for 200 dollars, or around 2,000 dollars in today’s money. In less than 2 hours, they sold 35 memberships. 2 months later, they had sold 200.
The Original Plan
A smaller initial pool concept of a 30 by 40 foot pool was updated to 30 by 60 feet. The addition of a children’s splash pool also increased the cost of memberships.
Yes, You can Share this Edition
You can share this edition of the Anchorage Memories Club with friends and family. Come to think of it, you could even share this with some folks you barely know. And they’ll love you for it. And when you share this with someone, they will be so happy that they’ll bake you a batch of your favorite cookies… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
The March 1953 Grand Opening
Over 300 members enjoyed the new facility. The final cost came in at $95,000 , or roughly $935,000 in today’s money. Everyone loved the south-facing wall of glass. An aquatic ballet performer named Joyce Dillman was the Spa’s first lifeguard and swimming instructor.
Mary of the Anchorage Memories Club
“As a student at Central Junior High, I remember being bussed to the Spa in late fall. I didn’t know how to swim, so I started with a group as a beginner. Other students were in the intermediate group. When our swimming lessons were over, everyone else had advanced to the next level. Everyone but me and one other student. We started and left as beginners who never learned to swim. At the end of each session, I remember walking out into the crisp, cold air and getting back on the bus with my long, wet, steaming hair. Ugh!”
The Fort Richardson Field House
Interestingly, a swimming pool was also built on Fort Richardson for military personnel and their dependents about the same time as the Spa.
The West High School Pool
On June 19, 1972, a public indoor pool opened at West High School. At 42 by 75 feet, it was larger than the Spa’s pool, and no membership was required.
The Spa’s Last Days
We can’t find any references to “the Spa” after 1977, so it’s not clear when the Spa closed its doors. The structure around the pool was torn down in 1983. Hal Manning, the new owner, built around the pool and called the new facility the “Country Club” or the “Club House.”
Mike of the Anchorage Memories Club Remembers:
“I remember driving by the Spa with my family when I was a boy. The big glass wall of windows looked very intriguing to me. And the shape of the building was very different from other Anchorage buildings. While I was at Clark Junior High, I remember when we were told that we would be taken to the Spa by bus. There we would receive swimming lessons, and those of us who didn’t know how to swim would learn how. Following our lessons, we had an open house where each of us made a solo dive into the pool and swam to the far side… When it was my turn, I didn’t dive very well and ended up doing a major “belly flop” in front of a room full of parents. Ouch!”
Anchorage Memories
You can enjoy a treasure chest filled with memories of the Anchorage you love.
Take a look at Anchorage Memories.com and enjoy.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our look at Nellie Brown, Anchorage Pioneer. She and her husband, Jack, lived near Green Lake for a time.
Jackie remembers Green Lake:
“Ah, Green Lake. I spent a lovely, sunny day there back in the 50s with my dear friend Cherie, whose dad was military. Beautiful setting and a really carefree afternoon. Thanks for the background info.”
Rozanne had a close connection with Nellie Brown:
“I love stories about her. I worked for her a couple of times while she was still living in her Government Hill home.”
Helen had this observation:
“I never realized that the earliest pioneers in Anchorage would have gotten their mail in Eagle River, on the Iditarod Trail, but of course, that makes perfect sense.”
Nellie Brown
Take a look at Nellie Brown, Anchorage Pioneer and enjoy.
Connect with Mike and Mary
After our look at the Spa Swimming Pool, is your hair dry yet?
The Spa Swimming Pool is a great memory for so many people who live, or used to live, in Anchorage. What are your Spa Swimming Pool memories?
You can also reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right here. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
From 1954 to 1985, Anchorage kids and adults enjoyed spending time in the downtown Loussac Library at 5th and F streets. The picture above is from 1955.
So who was this Loussac fellow?
His full name was Zadrich Joshua Loussac, also known as Zachary or Zachariah or even “Zach”. He was born to Jewish parents in Pokrov, Russia (near Moscow), in 1882.
Gold Fever
At the age of 18, Loussac arrived in New York. He was unable to speak English and nearly broke. He ended up doing various jobs on the Lower East Side. But one of his jobs, introduced him to what would become his profession. That job was working in a drugstore. Then one day, he overheard a man talking about the discovery of gold in the Klondike. Loussac mistakenly thought the Klondike was in Alaska. And like many others, he quickly came down with gold fever and a burning desire to go to Alaska.
Finally Heading for Alaska
In 1901, Zachary Loussac was finally able to travel across the lower 48, toward his ultimate destination, to find some of that Alaska gold. He got as far as Great Falls, Montana, where he ran out of money. And once again, he found himself working in a drugstore. But by 1903, he had returned to New York and had graduated from the New York College of Pharmacy. Then, in 1907, his dream of Alaska gold finally took him to Nome. But like many before him, gold fever never paid off.
Hello Tent City
In 1916, it wasn’t much. Anchorage was just a ragtag tent city on the muddy shores of Ship Creek Flats. When ZJ Loussac first arrived in Anchorage, he and a friend bought a lot at 4th Avenue and D Street. His friend, Mr. Batles, opened a men’s store, and Zachariah opened a drugstore. They each had a building that was about 25 feet by 50 feet.Loussac’s drugstore did well. His slogan was, “We’ve got what you want when you want it.” He opened a second drugstore called ZJ Loussac Drug Store No. 2 on the street level of the downtown Anchorage Hotel Annex in 1937. He operated two stores until he retired in 1943.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
Robert shares his Anchorage memories:
“As I look back on my years in Anchorage, they were absolutely magical. The happiest time of my life. What a wondrous city. A gem in the snow. Surrounded by purple mountains. I miss it so much.”
You can easily share this edition with friends and family. And when you do, they will be so happy that they will name a library after you… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Community Service for Anchorage
After he retired, Loussac became very involved in community service. In 1946, Zachariah set up the Loussac Foundation to be used for “social, scientific, and cultural activities in the Anchorage area”. From 1954 to 1985, the ZJ Loussac Library, created by his foundation, and located on the northeast corner of 5th and F Street, served the people of Anchorage.
BONUS
Take a look at this ZJ Loussac Biography and enjoy.
Mayor of Anchorage
Did you know that Loussac was elected mayor of Anchorage for three one-year terms from 1948 to 1951?
Ada Harper – Loussac
In 1949, at the age of 66, Zachariah, a lifelong bachelor, married Ada Harper, who ran the Colonial Dress Shop in Anchorage.
Would You Like to Know More?
Our look at Zachariah Loussac is a brief one, but you can read lots more by clicking on the link below. Read more about ZJ Loussac and enjoy.
Imagine, Remember, and Appreciate
The story of Zachariah Loussac reminds us of just how dedicated those early Anchorage pioneers were. They forged what would become the city of Anchorage from the humble banks of Ship Creek. Like you may have, Mary and I spent many an afternoon in the downtown Loussac Library. And while I was in high school and I became interested in a career in motion pictures and television, I spent hours reading every book I could find on the subject in the downtown Loussac Library… So, I guess I got my start in that library. Thank you, ZJ Loussac.
A Historic Anchorage Place Comes to an End
The Loussac Library on 5th and F Street was demolished in 1981 to make way for the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center. In 1986, a new four-story ZJ Loussac Public Library was opened in midtown. Times change, but thank you, Z. J. Loussac, for the wonderful Anchorage memories.
Anchorage Memories.com
You can enjoy a treasure chest, filled with memories of the Anchorage you love.
Take a look at Anchorage Memories.com and enjoy.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From “Anchorage, Kid's TV Shows”
Christine remembers:
“I was on HiJinks a couple of times as a child.”
Mary shared this Anchorage childhood memory:
“We were so fortunate in Anchorage to have such fun shows for us children. We would go ice skating and sledding during the winter and come in for our cocoa and warm up while watching all those fun shows.”
And Eric said:
“Great memories!”
Take a look at Anchorage Kid’s TV Shows and remember.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Did this edition of the Anchorage Memories Club, make you want to go visit your local library?
Mary and I are friends of our local library, and our children and grandchildren love libraries. And we have ZJ Loussac to thank.Do you have a comment?
Or would you just like to say “Hello!”… Not too loud now… the librarian will “shush” us.
You can also reach us by replying to this email, or you can Contact Us to say, “I loved the Loussac Library.” Until Next Time Mike and Mary Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
During the long, cold dark of winter, Anchorage movie theaters offered us a relief from the grip of Cabin Fever.
For two hours or more, you could enjoy a movie or two if it was a double feature.
In the 1940s, 1950s, and into the early 1960s, you might also see a cartoon, a serial, or a newsreel just before your movie.
Movies (and television) were our window on the world outside of Alaska.
The Empress Theater
Austin Eugene “Cap” Lathrop (October 1865–July 26, 1950) is considered to be “Alaska’s first home-grown millionaire”.
The Lathrop movie theater group began back in 1916 when Cap Lathrop built the Empress Theater (seen above) located on 4th Avenue near G Street. It was the very first movie theater in Anchorage.
Lathrop also built Empress theatres in other towns in Alaska, including Cordova.
At the time, movies were still silent.
In 1917, a 2/11 Kimball Organ was installed. Jim Orcutt was the organist.
Mike, of Anchorage Memories, recalls going to see movies at the Empress back in the early 1950s. The last movie Mike saw there, was in about 1953. It was the classic science fiction movie, Invaders from Mars.
The Empress closed in the 1950s.
BONUS
Some years later, KTVA, channel 11 Chief Engineer Franklin Butte used parts of the Empress theater’s Kimball organ in Uncle’s Pizza restaurant, managed by Chuck Martin. It’s our understanding that the restaurant closed in the 1970s.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
Let’s go out to the lobby to get ourselves a treat!
And while you’re at it, give your friends and family a treat by sharing this edition of the Anchorage Memories Club. And when you do, they will be so happy that they will give you a year-long pass to your favorite movie theatre… Well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
The 4th Avenue Theater
The crown jewel.
While the Empress was a grand theater, the dream of Anchorage’s first movie palace started with construction of the 4th Avenue Theater in 1941.
But the world had other ideas, and World War II caused completion of the theater to be delayed until 1947.
Cap Lathrop really went all out for the 4th Avenue theater.
It was an Art Deco, Streamline Moderne and Art Moderne style building. The theater had a combined seating capacity of 1,100 (including the balcony). And you might not know this, but Cap Lathrop was not convinced that a concession stand was appropriate. Years later, we are all happy that one was added.
The 4th Avenue Theater was a wonderful experience for Alaskans, and its memory means something special to each of us.
Mary of Anchorage Memories recalls heading right to the concession stand in the 4th Avenue Theatre after getting her ticket at the box office. Her favorite treats included a box of popcorn, a Pepsi, and Flicks candy. Then it was time to head into the auditorium for a fun afternoon of movies.
BONUS
About the 4th Avenue Theatre.
“It was the perfect place in Anchorage to see a movie.
Imagine the first time you went to see a movie at Anchorage's famed 4th Avenue Theater.
Just standing there on the sidewalk in front of the theatre, looking at the colorful posters showing you what was playing and what would be playing in the weeks and months to come, was fun.
And as you approached the box office to get your movie tickets, you knew you were about to enter a special place.”
Now we have a treat for you
You can download this FREE, 4th Avenue Memories e-book. It’s an instant download just for you. And it’s full of wonderful memories.
Just click on the following link:
Take a look at the 4th Avenue Memories e-book, and enjoy.
The Denali Theater
Photo by Starr Judkins Lane
For those who came to Anchorage sometime after the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, some folks don’t realize that the Denali Theater wasn’t always located in Spenard.
Its original location was next to a bar on 4th Avenue. But as you can see by the picture above, the Denali sank to its theater marquee during the 1964 earthquake. Following that event, it was relocated to Spenard.
The very first movie, Mike of Anchorage Memories recalls seeing at the Denali on 4th Avenue, ended up being a big mistake.
Mike was just a boy at the time. Here’s Mike’s story.
“Me, my sister Anna, and my brother Tom were walking downtown with our mom, Louise Dougherty. As we came closer to the Denali Theater, Mom said, “Hey, do you kids want to see a movie?” Of course, we all got very excited and shouted “yes.” Then Mom said, "OK Mike, you’re the oldest; you get to choose the movie.”
When we found ourselves in front of the Denali, they had a sandwich board on the sidewalk with a display about the current movie they were showing.
I looked it over and said, “This one, Let’s see this one.”
In her wisdom, Mom knew it was a mistake, and she said, “Are you sure?”
Well, we ended up in the Denali, where we saw the 1962 low-budget, black-and-white movie “The Brain That Wouldn’t Die”.
The movie was tame by today’s standards, but back then it scared me half to death. I think my brother Tom spent most of the time with his hands over his eyes.”
The Fireweed Movie Theater
When it first opened in 1965, the Fireweed Theater was the largest movie theater in Alaska.
Among the many movies we remember seeing at the fireweed were “2001 a Space Odyssey”, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Herbie the Love Bug”. For the Love Bug”, they displayed a Volkswagen in the lobby, looking like it was the star of the movie.
And it seems to us that KBYR radio hosted a screening of the movie “Woodstock” in the Fireweed.
Drive-In Theaters in Anchorage
In the photo above is the Sundowner Drive-In
As we recall, the first drive-in movie theater in Anchorage was the Billiken out in Muldoon. That was followed by the Sundowner Drive-In, located behind the Fireweed movie theatre.
Going to an evening movie at a drive-in theater in Anchorage had its challenges. In the summer, it was difficult to see the movie on the screen because of the amount of sunlight.
In the winter, you could see the screen, but you either had to use the little “heater” that was hanging from the speaker post, or you had to start your car and turn on your car heater for a while.
But Alaskans are a hearty breed.
BONUS
Read more about the Anchorage Drive-In Experience and enjoy.
DOUBLE BONUS
The Sundowner Drive-In also hosted rock acts in the 1970s, including Kiss, Rare Earth, and Savoy Brown.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our look at the Pioneering History of Anchorage.
Irene had this memory:
“We lived in Anchorage from 1946 to 1963. My dad took us to the "Garden of Eatin” for special occasions. We especially liked the roast beef served on a wooden plank, with mashed potatoes all around the whole thing. "Uptown"!”
Avril recalled:
“I love and really appreciate reading the history of Alaska. I worked in Prudhoe Bay in the 70s in security. Before that, I worked in reception for Mechanics Research (MRI) downtown. I remember having to take the blueprints to each camp by helicopter. I became a flight attendant for BP, British Petroleum, and the plane was leased from Alaska Airlines; it was a 727. And it was a wonderful experience.”
Rmm sent us this:
“Thanks for your site; I really enjoy your stories.”
Anchorage Memories.com
You can enjoy a treasure chest, filled with memories of the Anchorage you love.
Take a look at Anchorage Memories.com and enjoy.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Well, our movie is over, and all the popcorn is gone.
We love hearing from our readers.
Do you have a comment, or do you just want to say, “I loved the 4th Avenue Theatre”.
You can contact us by replying to this email or by Contacting Us right now.
Until next time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
On Christmas Eve, 1959, a small booth sitting on the roof of the Bun Drive-In, a burger place in Anchorage, Alaska, became home to a new program on KENI radio called The Coke Show. And it became a gigantic hit. Long before cell phones, Anchorage teens who were listening to the Coke Show, picked up their rotary dial phones and called in their dedications and song requests to DJ Ron Moore. And Ron would often speak with the teens live on Anchorage radio before playing the songs they requested.
In the photo above, Ron Moore signs autographs for happy Anchorage teens.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
Your friends and family will love you for sharing this fun edition of the Anchorage Memories Club with them. And when you do, they will call in a dedication on the radio just for you… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
A Word from Ron Moore
The following is from an interview with Ron Moore on Coke Show Memories that you’ll find on Anchorage Memories.com.
Ron said the following.
“I have often felt that the Coke Show was successful largely because of all the various ingredients it had going on at one time or another. Sometimes it felt like there were too many things happening at once. Being live from the roof of a drive-in restaurant, having dozens of cars in the parking lot honking their horns, and being identified by names like GTO Joe, T-Bird Tommy, and many more.”
BONUS
Ron just mentioned GTO Joe. Anchorage Memories caught up with GTO Joe and you’ll thoroughly enjoy our interview. Take a look at “Cruisin’ with GTO Joe” and remember when.
Now, here’s more from Ron:
”Having a live microphone way out over the intersection so I could pick up the sound of dual exhausts and tires peeling out. Having local bands as guests in the “Chicken Coop” answering phones. And putting popular bands on either side of the Bun Drive-In roof on weekends, and my spot ended up on the top of the chicken coop, playing all oldies on Sunday afternoon.
So I felt it would be fun to give the kids at home a chance to be heard on the air by making requests and dedications.
That resulted in many of them having on air nicknames. Later, when one of the few audience surveys was released, it gave yours truly the highest rating of my 37 year career. 72% of the people listening to the radio were tuning in to The Coke Show," and more than 40% were above 18, which really shocked some folks back at the radio station that thought the only listeners were teenyboppers.
But it turned out plenty of parents and others were tuning in to find out what their kids or siblings were doing by listening to them on the air and discovering there was a new boyfriend or girlfriend. So it really paid off, and advertisers like Coca-Cola, Sears, and Alaska Sales and Service were happy.” For Anchorage teens, the Coke Show was the place to be. Besides listening to the show from home and calling in song requests and dedications, some listened to the show while driving around town. Others would show up in the parking lot in front of the Bun, where they could enjoy a burger and a Coke while listening to the show on their car radio. And Ron had fun with the Bun Drive-In parking lot crowd. Naming them “Honker-Bonkers,” Ron would look out over the parking lot and ask, “How are you doing down there?” and everyone would honk their horns in response. And you may remember that after Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs' hit Wooly Bully, Ron would often call Northern Lights boulevard, “Wooly Bullyvard”. Ron Moore Remembers.“I had two turntables, a Bogen sound mixer, a reel-to-reel for playing the Coke jingles, two phone lines, with one for the broadcast signal. The first show from the Bun took place on a cold Christmas Eve, and everything was frozen, from the big window looking out over the parking lot to the turntables. I had to take the portable heater and warm the turntables, and they still sounded less than 45 rpm. But there were cars in the parking lot, and eventually, they built a new Bun across the street with parking for many more cars and a new broadcast booth, again on the roof. There was a microphone strung out all the way to the intersection, so I could bring up the sound of the hot rods as they peeled out. Even when the music was playing. On at least one occasion, the police were monitoring the show and pulled the car over down the road on Northern Lights Blvd. I also installed a loud air horn just outside the broadcast booth, and it could be heard for blocks. It also allowed me to open the mike when I cued the cars to honk their horns while the carhops were bringing an armful of orders out to the cars. More than one carhop lost her tray because it could be very loud. The Bun was the first location in Anchorage for speed bumps to slow down the Chevy 396s from picking off a carhop. We even hosted a wedding at the Coke Show. I can’t recall their names, but the bride arrived in a white Chevy convertible from the Northern Lights side, and the groom arrived in a matching convertible from the Fireweed Lane side. They were married on a flatbed trailer. I broadcast the ceremony, and when the groom was told he could kiss the bride, every horn in the parking lot, and the air horn, sounded off.”
She Said What?
“One night a band that played at all the shows at The Royal Pad, Shindig City, and Carpenters Hall joined me on the Coke Show to answer phones. Some of Anchorage’s most popular bands were included, including The Heartbeats, Arsons, Blue Chip Stock, Proof, Burgundy Rose and others. One night they handed me a phone call to put on the air, and this lady's voice said something like: “Ronnie, quit playing all that rock n’ roll and let’s hear some Englebert Humperdink. This is your mother calling . ”The horns in the parking lot loved it and went wild for 10 minutes.”
The Arsons in the Chicken Coop
The Coke Show was a very happening place, and local teen bands were frequently a part of the show. In a story by Mark Thompson of the local band, the Arsons, Mark talks about being in the Chicken Coop during the Coke Show. “When the Arsons were beginning to rock around Anchorage, we were invited to take requests at the Bun Drive-In in the Chicken Coop with Ron Moore on occasional Wednesdays.
It was always fun and a good way to get to know our fans and the kind of music they enjoyed. I really liked girls, and there were plenty of calls from giggly girls to the Chicken Coop.”
The Pulsating Heartbeats
Another very popular local teen band that was featured on The Coke Show was the Heartbeats. Right about the time the band came out with their hit record “Anne,” Ron Moore started introducing them as the “Pulsating” Heartbeats. The following is from an interview with John Apostol of the Heartbeats on Anchorage Memories.com“ The Pulsating Heartbeats came from Ron Moore. He started calling us "The Pulsating Heartbeats" every time he introduced our band on the radio or at dances. It was such a catchy name. We love it! “
Jerry Rose and the Coke Show
When Ron wasn’t able to host the Coke Show, he would have other KENI radio DJs step in for the night. One of those was a young DJ named Jerry Rose (Peter Bie in real life). The Coke Show had so many things going on that it made it a hard show to do. So when another DJ was sitting in for Ron… they had their hands full. Anchorage DJ Jerry Rose remembers taking a microphone into the Bun Drive-In parking lot to speak with teens in their cars. “We would often take a microphone down into the parking lot to talk with folks (especially those that wanted to make a dedication). Occasionally, we’d get them to honk their horns, but that was rare as it was quite noisy. Of course, while the DJ was in the parking lot, someone (like Michael Dougherty of Alaska Stories) would have to be up in the Chicken Coop to answer the phone and spin the records.”
The View from the Chicken Coop
During The Coke Show, Ron Moore would say, “From high atop the Bun Drive-In.” The small radio booth sat on the roof of the Bun, overlooking the parking lot below. The booth was sometimes called the Chicken Coop or the “Royal Roost.”
Why the Royal Roost? Well, on Anchorage radio, Ron was called the Royal Coachman. He even had a Royal Coachman theme song. You may also recall that Ron’s car was called the “Royal Coach.” So, of course, the studio on top of the roof was the “Royal Roost”.
Ron Moore Talks About the Radio Booth
“To my best recollection, "The Chicken Coop" was how Ruby Westin referred to the broadcast booth a couple of times, and it stuck.
Ruby and Roy Westin built the original Bun Drive-In on the SW corner of Northern Lights at Fairbanks Street, facing Northern Lights (where the Office Lounge was located later).
It was small with little parking. The broadcast booth was small too.
It didn't take long for it to outgrow the location. So a new and much larger Bun was constructed at the NE corner facing Gambell Street but open to Northern Lights, looking across to the Sears Mall, where parking spilled over from the Bun every so often.
The Westin’s sold to Ken and Bobby Haines and the broadcast booth was new and larger, with room for a couple of guests.
The Mighty Michael Connection
Yes, that’s me, Michael Dougherty, the author of Alaska Stories.I was about 19 when this picture was taken. During my senior year at East High in Anchorage, I began working on The Varsity Show, Anchorage’s teen TV dance show. Ron was also hosting The Varsity Show at that time. Here’s my connection with The Coke Show.“ Shortly after auditioning for a Varsity Show Crew position and being accepted to work on the show, Ron invited me and fellow Varsity Show Crew member Bob Martin to work with him during The Coke Show.
Our job was to set up things in the small booth on top of the Bun Drive-In just before showtime. We also had to send a sound signal to the main KENI radio studios to make sure The Coke Show program would be heard on the air. We were also responsible for having records ready to play when Ron introduced them, and starting the records on time.
In addition, we answered the phone when Ron was busy, and we took requests and dedications.
Ron gave both me and Bob our on-air names.
I was “Mighty Michael,” and Bob was "Rapid Robert." I worked the show every other night, and Bob worked the show when I wasn't there.
On my first night working The Coke Show, I was very nervous as I walked up the stairs and unlocked the "Chicken Coop," which was the name Ron gave to the little booth we worked in. Ron would arrive after I had set things up, then he would tell me a little about that night's show. “
You’re “Mighty Michael?”
I didn’t have a clue that my future wife, Mary Kallander, was out there listening to The Coke Show. After we had been married for some years, we were talking about The Coke Show one evening. I mentioned that I had worked up in the Chicken Coop assisting Ron Moore during The Coke Show, and he had given me the name “Mighty Michael”. Mary looked at me with big eyes and said in amazement, “You're Mighty Michael?” She was delighted.
What Was the Song?
At the end of every Coke Show, Ron ended the show with the same song. Do you remember what it was? To discover the answer, scroll down to the end of this edition.
A Big Thank You
Our thanks from the Anchorage Memories Club to both Ron Moore and Jerry Rose (Peter Bie) for providing a fun look behind the scenes at The Coke Show. Everyone appreciates hearing from you and for helping us to remember when, all these years later.
Anchorage Memories.com
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Take a look at Anchorage Memories.com and enjoy.
Incredible Memories
In the photo above are Mary, Jerry Rose (Peter Bie) and Mike.This edition of the Anchorage Memories Club has been packed with memories of a time in Anchorage when we (as area teens) were together around radios all over town. They were listening to Ron Moore, the dedications, music, and fun that was The Coke Show. And some of you were listening from other parts of Alaska too. Did you enjoy this edition of the Anchorage Memories Club? You can reply to this email with your comments, or to leave your dedication. You can also Contact Us right now.
Answer:
The song Ron Moore played at the end of every Coke Show was “Earth Angel” by the Penguins. Until Next Time Mike and Mary Anchorage Memories Club
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The town of Anchorage had a population of about 3,000 souls in the mid-1930s. The town was spread out between Ship Creek and the Park Strip.
Then a man named, Vern Johnson had an idea. What if there was a 3-day winter festival? He reasoned that It might just be a great cure for the long winter and Cabin Fever.
February 15–17, 1936
The town of Anchorage came out to enjoy the “Winter Sports Carnival”.
There was hockey, boxing, basketball, skiing, and a children’s sled dog race down 4th Avenue.
The first Winter Sports Carnival also included a bonfire and a torchlight parade.
1937
Eileen Bagoy (the daughter of the owners of “Flowers by Bagoy”) was crowned the first-ever Fur Rendezvous Queen by the Anchorage Women’s Club.
The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce added a costumed Mardi Gras type carnival night and a street parade celebrating Washington’s birthday.
1938
In 1938, the Winter Sports Carnival was renamed the Fur Rendezvous to also bring fur traders and trappers to town.
1939 Rondy Pins
Rondy Pins (shown above on these Rondy “Keystone Cops”) were first created and used as a fundraiser for the Fur Rendezvous festival, beginning in 1939.
BONUS
Remember the Rondy “Keystone Cops”? Here’s a fun story about what happened if you were not wearing a Rondy Pin.
Take a look at My Mom Got Put in the Rondy Jailand enjoy.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
Your friends and family will get “Rondy Fever” when they see all the fun that the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous brings every year. So share the fun.
Thanks for reading the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
1946
In 1946, 3 mushers competed in the first Alaska Championship Sled Dog Races at the Park Strip. The winner was Earl Norris (pictured above).
1950
The Blanket Toss was added in 1950. Are you in this crowd? The year of this photo isn’t known.
Native Alaskans from Nome and Diomede Islands came to Anchorage to demonstrate the Blanket Toss. And judging by the crowd in the picture above, it was a hit.
1953
6 women competed in the first Women’s Alaska Championship Sled Dog Race.
1958
Then in 1958, a curling tournament was played on 4th Avenue. Always fun to watch.
1960
The photo above is 1968
Golden Wheel Amusements added Carnival rides to the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous in 1960.
Hardy Alaska souls don’t mind braving freezing temperatures for a ride on the Ferris Wheel, or to snack on a corn dog.
What was your favorite Rondy Carnival ride? In 1968, the carnival was located overlooking the mouth of Ship Creek, where Anchorage got its start as a tent city back in 1915.
Your Favorite Rondy Food Treats
Having all that Rondy fun made you good and hungry for a treat.
Mary, of Anchorage Memories, always looked forward to her special Fur Rendezvous snack.
BONUS
Take a look at Mary’s story about Fur Rondy Corn Dogs and enjoy.
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Parade Memories
The photo above is 1965 (ish). From the Brad Smith Collection
Yes, you were cold, but you didn’t care. The Fur Rondy parade was all for fun as it made its way down 4th Avenue to the delight of all.
Did You March in the Parade?
It was cold, but it was fun, and the bands from Anchorage schools also participated.
Mary of Anchorage Memories marched in the parade as part of the Anchorage Clown Club.
BONUS
Mike, of Anchorage memories, played trumpet in the East High band. Marching on slippery ice… or being behind horses, had its special challenges.
Take a look at Marching in the Fur Rondy Parade and enjoy.
If you’re new to the Anchorage Memories Club, you’ll also love Alaska Stories.
Take a look at our Alaska Stories email delivered publication as well.
Did You Know?
Because of World War II, the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous was cancelled from 1942 to 1945.
So, a very community minded lady named Lorene Harrison (the owner of the Hat Box), put together a celebration called “Bonanza Days” which was presented at the log cabin USO building to a standing-room-only crowd.
Do You Remember Some of These Folks?
When You were home, (or peeking at a TV in a downtown store window) sipping a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and watching the World Championship Sled Dog Races, the folks at KENI-TV (now KTUU) and KENI radio were braving the cold to bring you all the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous fun.
Left to right is:
Al Bramstedt, news anchor Ty Clark, camera operator Jim Balog, Bill Stewart and your Master of Ceremonies Orville Lake.
Do You Remember This Theme Song?
It was played on KENI-TV channel 2 at the beginning and end of their Anchorage Fur Rendezvous TV coverage.
Click on the following link to here De Selvera’s “Sleigh-Ride in Alaska” from 1959.
Contact Mike and Mary
Great memories!
Do you have a comment, or just want to use the word “mush”? You can easily contact us by replying to this email, or you can Contact Us to say “mush”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
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In the photo above is Russel Hyde Merrill
Click on the following link to listen to Mike and Mary read this Alaska Story.
Our story begins in Anchorage in 1923.
Because of a thick forest on the south side of Anchorage, Alaska, there was a concern that if a fire started in the woods, the new town would be destroyed.
With that in mind, Arthur W. Shonbeck organized the entire town of Anchorage to create a fire break by clearing a large strip of land between what is now 9th and 10th avenue. But as the new town grew, that cleared land became a home for other things.
From Fire Break to Golf Course
The photo above shows golfers on the firebreak in Anchorage, Alaska
Once tree stumps and other obstacles could be removed, a golf course was created on the fire break.
But wait -
Except for dog sleds, it was very difficult to get in or out of most places in Alaska. So, adventurous, pioneer aviators began flying into remote areas of the Alaska “bush”. Those early aviators were soon known as “bush pilots”.
They Needed a Place to Land
Anchorage, and other parts of Alaska were beginning to use aircraft more and more. However, conditions for taking off and landing were primitive and dangerous. So it was decided that the new golf course in Anchorage would also make a great landing strip for bush pilots.
By the way, once planes began landing and taking off on their new airfield, golfers were instructed to give planes the right of way. Ya think?
Eventually, the presence of aircraft made it obvious that the golf course had to go.
In the photo above is the Anchorage airstrip used by early pilots. This field later became Delaney Park, the largest community park in Anchorage.
Then, in 1926, Arthur Shonbeck founded Anchorage Air Transport, Anchorage’s first airline.
To start his service, Shonbeck hired a pilot from the lower 48 named Russel Hyde Merrill.
Earlier, on August 20, 1925, Russel Merrill and his aviation partner Roy Davis had become the first to fly an airplane to Anchorage.
Anchorage Air Transport started with two planes named Anchorage No. 1 and Anchorage No. 2.
In 1927, Anchorage Air Transport built the first airplane hangar in Anchorage.
Merrill’s Life Saving Flight: It’s What Bush Pilots Do
In 1927, Merrill received a Signal Corp radio message.
An airlift was urgently needed to transport a critically wounded school teacher in Ninilchick who was near death.
It was nighttime when his plane returned to Anchorage. And with his patient onboard, Merrill had to continue circling the new airfield as he tried to find where to land.
The citizens of Anchorage realized what was happening and quickly came to the rescue.
They set bonfires around the field and used automobile headlights to help guide Merrill’s landing. The results became the first night landing in Anchorage.
The teacher recovered.
He Transported Many Furs
The photo above shows Russel Merrill with a load of furs.
By 1929, Merrill was flying 10 to 12 hours a day.
Russel Hyde Merrill
A true aviation pioneer and Alaska bush pilot, Merrill made the first flight across the Gulf of Alaska in a Curtiss F Flying Boat.
He was also the first pilot to cross the Alaska Range.
And Merrill survived many forced landings and crashes.
The Last Flight
On September 16, 1929, Russel Merrill set out for Bear Creek at Nyac, near Bethel.
Merrill was not seen again.
While the crash site was never found, a piece of airplane fabric washed up on a beach at Tyonek, on the west side of Cook Inlet. The fabric was identified by Alonzo Cope, the mechanic who had worked on Merrill’s plane.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
Did you know that you can share this edition of Alaska Stories with your friends and family?
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you on a first class trip around the world. You’ll follow the famed route of Phileas Fogg and his companion Passpartout in Jules Verne’s 1872 novel, “Around the World in 80 Days”… well, it could happen.
Just click on the following link:
Thanks for reading Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Anchorage was Growing
The town was growing to the south, which meant that it was becoming too dangerous to continue having planes flying in and out of the fire break. So a new airport was needed.
Aviation Field
In the photo above is the first dedicated airport in Anchorage
Located just outside of Anchorage. The new airport, opened in August 1929, and was named Aviation Field.
Merrill Field, Anchorage, Alaska
In 1930, the Anchorage Women’s Club petitioned to change the name of Aviation Field to Merrill Field.
The Tower
On April 2, 1930, Merrill Field Airport, Anchorage, Alaska was established.
A 52 foot tall steel framed tower topped by a rotating aerodrome beacon was erected next to the runway.
Memorial Plaque
Also in 1930, the Anchorage Women’s Club raised funds for a memorial plaque, honoring Russel Hyde Merrill.
The date at the bottom of the plaque refers to the day of his last flight.
The plaque is now located in the Merrill Field airport control tower.
Recognized Worldwide
Anchorage’s Merrill Field quickly became the aviation center for Alaska and one of the busiest aviation facilities in the entire world.
There is Much More to the Story
While Russel Merrill wasn’t in Anchorage for many years, he left an incredible legacy that lives today in Alaska aviation history and Merrill Field airport in Anchorage, Alaska.
BONUS
You can learn more about Russel Hyde Merrill and his love of aviation.
What Became of the Fire Break?
The photo above shows the park on a summer day
The firebreak, first created in 1923, is now called the Delaney Park Strip.
Delaney Park, was named after Anchorage, Alaska Mayor, James Delaney, who served from 1929 to 1932.
At either 11 or 14 blocks long, it’s the largest city park in Anchorage.
There is no longer a golf course in the park, and planes no longer land there.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Alaska State Fair edition.
Randall has this memory:
“I have many memories of the Knik Bridge waiting our turn to cross the Knik hoping the break-up of Lake George wouldn't trap us on the north side of the bridge. Great memories of the ditches filled to overflowing with bright red salmon during spawning season. The salmon used the ditch diversions to continue their run.”
The photo above is courtesy of George
“There was a Chugiak fair in 1957 that had a stuffed moose you could sit on and have your picture taken.”
Connect with Mike and Mary of Alaska Stories
Can you imagine the many adventures of those early Anchorage aviators?
Mike and Mary hope you enjoyed this look at the legendary Anchorage pilot, Russel Merrill.
Do you have a comment? Just reply to this email. Or you can Contact Us to tell us all about how you, “flew into (*or out of) Merrill Field”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories
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It all began in the summer of 1900.
“Tarantula” Jack Smith and Clarence Warner were prospecting along the east edge of the Kennicott Glacier. They thought the large green patches on the mountain in front of them were grass. But it was too high up the mountain for grass.
So the two decided to climb the mountain. Up close, they discovered the green cliffs were, actually exposed copper.
They took samples of what would become known as the “Bonanza Mine Outcrop”. Those samples turned out to be 70 percent pure Chalcocite, one of the richest copper deposits ever found.
Where?
The Kennecott Mines in Alaska are located in the Copper River area, northeast of Valdez in what is now the Wrangell, St. Elias National Park and Reserve.
A Clerical Typo?
The Kennecott Mines were named after Kennicott Glacier.
However, as things sometimes happen, a clerical error resulted in the use of an “e” where the “i” was supposed to be. And that’s the reason for the difference in the spelling of the names.
How to Bring Out the Ore?
In the years that followed, a railroad was constructed to bring out the copper.
Meanwhile, a man named Stephen Birch was in Kennecott to start developing the mine claims. But how was he going to get the ore to market before the railroad was a reality?
Birch actually decided to bring an entire steamship over the mountains from the port of Valdez. How did he do that? One piece at a time, and he put them together on the Copper River.
Dog Sleds and Horses
Birch also used dog sleds and horses to haul up the mining equipment he needed to get the mining operation up and running.
You Can Share This Edition
Do your friends and family know about the Kennecott Copper Mine in Alaska?
You can easily share this story… but be careful because they might want to become Alaska prospectors. But if they do, be sure you get a cut of whatever they find.
Just click on the following link:
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11 Years Later
The photo above shows two miners who were working in one of the mines.
When Kennecott was up and running, there were about 600 men, often working 7 days a week in the mines and mill town.
11 years after the two prospectors first discovered the rich copper cliffs, the first train left Kennecott. It was filled with 250,000 dollars worth of copper.
In the photo above, to the left is the Hospital. It was the only whitewashed building in the entire complex.
Five Mines
The Kennecott Mines included the Bonanza, Jumbo, Mother Lode, Erie, and Glacier.
1916 was the peak year for production in the mines, when the mines yielded 32.4 million dollars worth of ore.
Altogether, the mines took out around 200 million dollars in ore.
Enjoy this video of the Kennecott Mines
1938 – the Last Train
By 1938, the mines had played out and the last trainload of ore chugged away.
The Kennecott Mine in Alaska became a ghost town.
1939 to the Mid-1950s
The only people living in the mine buildings from 1939 to the mid-1950s was a family of 3, who served as watchmen.
New Life
In the 1980s, the Kennecott Mine in Alaska became a popular destination for tourists.
And in 1986, the area was designated a National Historic Landmark.
BONUS
Discover the whole Kennecott Mines Story and enjoy.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our look at the Hillside Star
Rozanne had this to say:
“Thank you so much.
I spent most of my years living at Sand Lake, moving to "homestead" in the 50's. One day, there was a star, from then on, I looked for her each season. Being born here before Statehood, I am privileged to experience a wonderful place to grow up, and return to.”
Michael offered this comment:
“Thank you for sharing the history of the Star... I didn't know that!”
Connect with Mike and Mary
It’s time to put away your pick and shovel.
We know… you were just one scoop away from finding the Mother lode.
Did you enjoy learning about the Kennecott Copper Mine in Alaska?
We love to hear from our North Stars (that’s you). Do you have a comment? Just reply to this email. Or you can Contact Us to say, “I’ve been to the Kennecott Mines”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories
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Alaska’s mountains are tall, commanding, and majestic.
But mount Gordon Lyon in the Chugach mountains, overlooking Alaska’s largest city, has become special to the citizens of Anchorage.
Illuminated during those long winter nights, the “Site Summit Star” was a gift to Anchorage from the soldiers at Site Summit.
The Site
The U.S. Army established a Nike Hercules missile installation on Mount Gordon Lyon in 1958 to help protect the U.S. during the Cold War.
Site Summit in Action
In the photo above, the Summit Nike launch site Army post, tests a Nike-Hercules missile
Mike of Alaska Stories was a student at Clark Junior High in Anchorage. One day, the students were escorted to the front of the school to watch the first test launch of a Nike-Hercules missile from Site Summit. Like the picture above, it was an impressive site.
How the Gift of the Star came About
In 1958, Battery Commander, Captain Douglas Evert, had an idea.
At nearly 4,000 feet up the mountain, Evert wanted to set up a 15 foot illuminated star on the Site Summit gate house as a holiday symbol that would be seen and enjoyed by all of Anchorage.
But the first star was too small.
So, a 117-foot star replaced the original in 1960.
Oops!
An avalanche destroyed the star in 1989.
Later, the damaged star was replaced by a 300-foot wide star.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
Your friends and family will be so happy when you share this edition of Alaska Stories with them. You might even get a special Christmas gift… well, it could happen.
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Now That’s a Lot of Bulbs
Photo by Crystal A. Jenkins, US Air Force
Can you guess?
How many bulbs do you think it used to take to light up a 300-foot star?
The Answer is:
There were around 350 bulbs that require year round maintenance. Yes, those light sockets froze and the movement of snow caused damage as well.
The Site Summit Star Today
Modern technology has caught up with the star.
Light bulbs have been replaced with LED lights.
The star is 300 feet wide. Compare that to the length of a football field, which is 360 feet.
When Can You See the Star?
According to a Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson publication, the star is lit every year on Thanksgiving and remains on until the last Iditarod dog sled musher crosses the finish line in Nome – sometime in March.
The Beauty of the Star
Water color courtesy of Alaskan artist Cindy Pendleton
Sit back and enjoy the beautiful vision of the Site Summit Star that is captured so well by Alaskan artist, Cindy Pendleton in the water color image above. Our thanks to Cindy for sharing her art with Alaska Stories.
BONUS
To learn more, visit Friends of Site Summit and discover.
Visit Anchorage Memories.com
You’ll discover a treasure chest of memories, including stories, pictures, and videos.
Take a look at Anchorage Memories and enjoy.
Connect with Mike and Mary
This is one of those great Alaska Stories that warm your heart.
If you live in Anchorage, or visited during the holidays, what was your reaction, the first time you saw the Site Summit Star?
Send us your comment by replying to this email, or you can Contact Us right now to say, “I love the Site Summit Star”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories
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In the photo above is the Evan Jones Coal Mine at the top of a 6 percent grade up from Sutton on the Matanuska River.
But the story of coal mining in Alaska doesn’t start with the Evan Jones mine.
The subject of the oil painting above is Captain Nathaniel Portlock.
In 1786, British trader, Nathaniel Portlock first discovered coal in Alaska at a location named Coal Cove. That area is now Port Graham on the Kenai Peninsula.
In 1855, the first commercial coal mine in Alaska was opened by the Russian - American Company near Port Graham.
Around the 1900s
The U.S. Government, and as a result, some financiers, became interested in the Matanuska coal fields.
High-Quality Coal to Fuel U.S. Battleships
Because of the rich, high-quality coal deposits in the Matanuska fields, the Alaska Rail system was developed.
In 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson and the U.S. Congress passed the Alaska Railroad Act, authorizing construction of the Alaska Railroad to pass through the Matanuska, Little Susitna, Broad Pass and Nenana coal fields.
Coal was also needed by the Alaska Railroad.
In 1916, the first load of coal arrived in Anchorage.
From its tent city days and up through the early days of Anchorage, coal was a major source for heating.
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Enter Evan Jones
Pictured above are Bronwen and Evan Jones at their 1932 Anchorage home.
In 1917, Evan Jones arrived in Anchorage. He then became the Superintendent of the Doherty coal mine on Moose Creek. Later, Jones was superintendent of the Eska and Chickaloon coal mines, owned by the Alaska Railroad.
In 1920, Jones teamed up with Anchorage pioneers Z.J. Loussac, Oscar Anderson, a hotel operator named Mr. Collins, a dentist named Mr. Blyth and Dr. Boyle.
The group leased 2,240 acres on the slope of Wishbone Hill off the banks of the Matanuska River, just north of Palmer, Alaska.
Jonesville, Alaska
To accommodate the workers and their families, the tiny community of Jonesville was established. The town included houses, a school, and a hospital.
At one time, the Evan Jones mine was the largest coal mine in Alaska. It was also a major supplier of coal for Anchorage and the Alaska Railroad.
The Evan Jones Coal Mine Fire
But in November 1922, then Fire chief J.W. Greene and Thomas Bevers were sent to fight a fire that had broken out in the Evan Jones Coal Mine.
Greene and Bevers took Anchorage’s brand new La France pumping truck to the fire.
On site, they began pumping water from a nearby lake. They sprayed as much as 1,200 gallons of water per minute into the coal mine.
The two ran the pumper for three hundred hours with only one break for maintenance. When it was over, Greene and Bevers had a world record for continuous pumping. The fire was extinguished, and the mine was reopened.
5.5 Million Metric Tons
The Evan Jones Coal Mine produced around 5.5 million metric tons of high-quality coal from 1920 into the 1960s.
The mine supplied coal to Anchorage, neighboring Fort Richardson Army base and Elmendorf Air Force Base.
BONUS
Would you like to know more about Evan Jones and Coal Mining in Alaska?
Take a look at the Alaska Mining Hall of Fame and discover.
DOUBLE BONUS
Do you remember the 1966 musical hit by Lee Dorsey, “Workin in a Coal Mine”?
Click on the following link and enjoy the memory.
Alaska Fact
Palmer was just 40 miles south of the Evan Jones coal mine.
But did you know that on July 6, 1917, when the Palmer Post Office was first opened, it wasn’t called Palmer, Alaska?
At that time, the small community was called “Warten”, Alaska.
Anchorage Memories.com
You’ll quickly discover a treasure chest filled with pictures, stories and wonderful memories.
Take a look at Anchorage Memories.com and enjoy.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Have you ever filled up a bucket from a coal bin? Mike’s family spent time on a farm near Wasilla, Alaska, and it was young Mike’s job to fetch coal for the stove.
Did you enjoy this Coal Mining in Alaska edition of Alaska Stories?
We’d love to read your comments. To connect with us, just reply to this email. Or you can reach us right here to say, “I’ve been workin in a coal mine, goin on down down”. Remember that song?
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories
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From 1954 to 1985, Anchorage kids and adults enjoyed spending time in the downtown Loussac Library at 5th and F streets. The picture above is from 1955.
So who was this Loussac fellow?
His full name was Zadrich Joshua Loussac, also known as Zachary or Zachariah or even “Zach”. He was born to Jewish parents in Pokrov, Russia (near Moscow) in 1882.
Gold Fever
At the age of 18, Loussac arrived in New York. He was unable to speak English and nearly broke. He ended up doing various jobs on the Lower East Side. But one of his jobs, introduced him to what would become his profession. That job was working in a drug store.
Then one day, he overheard a man talking about the discovery of gold in the Klondike. Loussac mistakenly thought the Klondike was in Alaska. And like many others, he quickly came down with Gold fever, and a burning desire to go to Alaska.
Finally Heading for Alaska
In 1901, Zachary Loussac was finally able to travel across the lower 48, toward his ultimate destination, to find some of that Alaska gold.
He got as far as Great Falls, Montana, where he ran out of money. And once again, he found himself working in a drug store.
But by 1903, he had returned to New York and had graduated from the New York College of Pharmacy.
Then, in 1907, his dream of Alaska gold finally took him to Nome.
But like many before him, gold fever never paid off.
Hello Tent City
In 1916, it wasn’t much.
Anchorage was just a rag-tag tent city on the muddy shores of Ship Creek flats.
When ZJ Loussac first arrived in Anchorage, he and a friend bought a lot at 4th Avenue and D Street. His friend, Mr. Batles, opened a men’s store and Zachariah opened a drug store. They each had a building that was about 25 feet by 50 feet.
Loussac’s drug store did well.
His slogan was, “We’ve got what you want when you want it.”
He opened a second drug store called ZJ Loussac Drug Store No 2 on the street level of the downtown Anchorage Hotel Annex in 1937. He operated two stores until he retired in 1943.
Sharing Alaska Stories
Robert shares his Anchorage memories
“As I look back on my years in Anchorage, they were absolutely magical. The happiest time of my life. What a wonderous city. A gem in the snow. Surrounded by purple mountains. I miss it so much.”
You can easily share these Alaska Stories
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All they need is an internet connection, a computer or mobile device and… they can enjoy these Alaska Stories.
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Community Service for Anchorage
After he retired, Loussac became very involved in community service.
In 1946, Zachariah set up the Loussac Foundation to be used for “social, scientific and cultural activities in the Anchorage area”.
From 1954 to 1985, the ZJ Loussac Library, created by his foundation, and located on the northeast corner of 5th and F Street, served the people of Anchorage.
BONUS
Take a look at this ZJ Loussac Biography and enjoy.
Mayor of Anchorage
Did you know that Loussac was elected Mayor of Anchorage for three one-year terms from 1948 to 1951?
Ada Harper – Loussac
In 1949, at the age of 66, Zachariah, a lifelong bachelor, married Ada Harper, who ran the Colonial Dress Shop in Anchorage.
Would You Like to Know More?
Our look at Zachariah Loussac is a brief one, but you can read lots more by clicking on the link below.
Read more about ZJ Loussac and enjoy.
Imagine, Remember and Appreciate
The story of Zachariah Loussac reminds us of just how dedicated those early Anchorage pioneers were. They forged what would become the city of Anchorage from the humble banks of Ship Creek.
Like you may have, Mary and I spent many an afternoon in the downtown Loussac Library.
And while I was in high school and I became interested in a career in motion pictures and television, I spent hours reading every book I could find on the subject in the downtown Loussac Library… So, I guess I got my start in that library.
Thank you, ZJ Loussac.
A Historic Anchorage Place Comes to an End
The Loussac Library on 5th and F Street was demolished in 1981 to make way for the William A Egan Civic and Convention Center.
In 1986, a new four-story ZJ Loussac Public Library was opened in midtown.
Times change, but thank you ZJ Loussac for the wonderful Anchorage memories.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From “Did You Watch These Popular Anchorage, Alaska Kid's TV Shows?”
Christine remembers:
“I was on HiJinks a couple of times as a child.”
Mary shared this Anchorage childhood memory:
“We were so fortunate in Anchorage to have such fun shows for us children. We would go ice skating and sledding during the winter and come in for our cocoa and warm up while watching all those fun shows.”
And Eric said:
“Great memories!”
Connect with Mike and Mary
Did this edition of Alaska Stories make you want to go visit your local library?
Mary and I are friends of our local library, and our children and grandchildren love libraries. And we have ZJ Loussac to thank.
Don’t Be Shy
Do you have a comment, suggestion for a future edition of Alaska Stories, or would you just like to say “Hello!”… Not too loud now… the librarian will “shush” us.
You can reach us by replying to this email, or you can Contact Us to say, “I loved the Loussac Library.”
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories
Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
Can you name the Anchorage kid’s TV shows in the picture above?
Remember how much fun it was to get a glass of milk, some cookies, and to take a seat in front of the family TV to watch your favorite Anchorage local kid’s TV show?
In this edition of the Alaska VIP Club, we’re remembering a few of your favorites.
By the way, the shows in the picture above are:
In the top row, starting left, is KoKo the KENI Klown, Romper Room, and the Buckaroos.
On the bottom row, starting left, is The Mother Moose Show, and HiJinks with Frank Feeman.
In the 1970s, “Mother Moose” premiered on KTVA channel eleven and Anchorage, Alaska TV screens were never the same.
Every weekday, Anchorage kids would gather around their TV and wait to hear this:
“It’s Mother Moose, It’s Mother Moose, there by the cabin in the spruce. Miss Northern Lights the eye delights and into the cabin the gang invites”
It was a fun and exciting time as kids listened to the Old Sourdough (Larry Beck) tell his tales of Alaska, while Miss Northern Lights showed fun crafts.
And of course, there she was, Mother Moose herself.
By the way, the little girl in the picture is Nikki. She’s the daughter of Mike and Mary of Alaska Stories. And of course, you know Mother Moose.
And besides everyone’s favorite Moose lady, there were other characters to enjoy.
Remember “Gorp”, “Glacier Gruff”, “Oil Finch” and “Wrangell Worm”?
BONUS
But Anchorage kids (and moms and dads) also loved those wonderful cartoon favorites, “Rocky and Bullwinkle”. Take a look at the link below to see a clip of “Rocky and Bullwinkle”. Great memories.
Click on the following link:
Read more about The Mother Moose Show and enjoy.
Yes, You Can Share this Edition
It’s so easy to share all these fun memories with friends and family. And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will buy you a brand-new car of your choice… well, it could happen.
Click on the following link:
Thank you for reading and listening to Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.
HiJinks with Frank Feeman
There isn’t much out there about this Anchorage kid’s TV show, but maybe you remember it… I do.
It was called “HiJinks” and the man in front of the camera in the picture above is the host, Frank Feeman.
Remember all the bow ties?
Frank Feeman would wear a little tiny bow tie one day, then the next day he would have a huge bow tie, then one with flashing lights… and on and on. Even the kids on the show sported bow ties.
HiJinks actually got started on KFIA-TV channel 2 which later became KENI-TV and is now KTUU channel 2.
The show was a lot of fun. Do you remember HiJinks? Were you on the show? Tell us about it.
The Buckaroos Show
Yes, the wild west came to Anchorage kid’s TV.
Sheriff John welcomed us every weekday in the 1960s, with the Buckaroos Show on KTVA channel 11, with games, puppets, and cartoons. In the later years of the show, there was also a character named Deputy Dick and a silly jailhouse.
BONUS
After the 1964 earthquake, KTVA continued The Buckaroo show, but they could no longer have children in the studio because of the earthquake damage to the building.
Sheriff John had left the show just before the earthquake, so Deputy Dick took over as the host for a short time.
DOUBLE BONUS
The Buckaroos set was later used as the cabin in the spruce on the Mother Moose Show,
Take a look at this fun story “KTVA’s Buckaroo Show and the 64’ Earthquake” and remember.
“Through the Magic Window”
with Ethel Oliver
Alaska Stories, researched and looked all over for a picture, but the only one we found was far too small.
Ethel Oliver started the first Kindergarten in Anchorage back in 1939.
And, she hosted “Through the Magic Window” from 1953 to 1965 on KTVA channel 11. It was a gentle show with no studio audience.
During the show, Ethel sat in a chair next to a table that displayed the book she would read during the show. She would also show pictures from the book to all the kids watching at home. And right next to the book, was a small stand topped by a monkey hand puppet.
Ethel would take the monkey from the stand, place her right hand in the puppet, and begin talking to the monkey. Her show was so much fun to watch.
Mike of Alaska Stories was fortunate enough to work on her show when I first went to work at KTVA in 1965. Ethel was a very nice lady who loved children.
Ethel Ross Oliver also authored several books, including “Favorite Eskimo Tales Retold”.
KoKo the KENI Klown
In the photo above is Bob Zoller and his sister Barbara with KoKo the KENI Klown
Weekdays on KENI-TV channel 2, KoKo, played by Dick Randlett, had fun with studio audiences and his Kartoon Karnival.
Anchorage Kids were glued to their television sets to watch Koko, Chu Chu and episodes of the Mickey Mouse show, and short Warner Brother Cartoons.
Mary of Alaska Stories remembers being on KoKo’s show with her Salvation Army “Sunbeams” group.
BONUS
Do You remember Kiddie Land, the fun place for rides and that wonderful mini train?
Kiddie Land was created by Dick Rand (KoKo) and Les Fetrow (Chu Chu the clown).
Click on the following link:
Read more about Kiddie Land and “KoKo’s Karnival of Klowns” and enjoy.
Romper Room
Carolyn Guess is the delightful lady in the picture above.
“Romper stomper, bomper, boo, tell me, tell me, tell me do. Magic Mirror, tell me today, did all my friends have fun at play?”
When you watched Romper Room on KTVA channel 11, you hoped the Romper Room teacher would see you through that “Magic Mirror”. Did she?
OK, I have to ask.
Were you a “Do Bee” or were you a “Don’t Bee”?
BONUS
Here is a fun Romper Room “behind the scenes” story.
When the Romper Room teacher did the Magic Mirror, she held up a small hand mirror decorated with sparkles.
After saying “Romper stomper, bomper, boo, tell me, tell me, tell me do. Magic Mirror, tell me today, did all my friends have fun at play?” the TV control room would go to a film that looked like a kaleidoscope.
While that film was being shown, the teacher would switch to a mirror she could “see through”.
One day, Miss Neilia was doing the Magic Mirror. We went to the film and she changed mirrors. And just when we came back to her, a little boy who was sitting next to Miss Neilia said, “I saw what you did, you switched mirrors”.
After the show, Miss Neilia and the crew had a good laugh.
DOUBLE BONUS
How would you like to see actual film of the local Anchorage Romper Room show?
Take a look at these fun “Anchorage Romper Room Memories” and enjoy.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our look at “Popular Anchorage, Alaska Restaurant Memories that will Make You Hungry.”
Patsy remembers:
“People don't seem to remember the Oyster Loaf Restaurant. Woolworths moved into the Oyster Loaf space when they closed. Wonderful food and tons of old photos of Alaska history all over the walls. Also, for fine dining there was Jolly VI's about mile 26 on the highway, I believe. Unfortunately, it burned. My favorite feel special dining place.”
Rosemary has this memory:
“I really miss the Marx Brothers Cafe. Van's Caesar salad was to die for, and I never had a bad meal at any of my visits”.
Tony’s favorites:
“We were stationed at Elmendorf AFB from '71-'78 and would always take family and friends who came to visit to Nikko Garden and reserve a pit. It was my first introduction to Japanese culture and a lot of fun.
My favorites were Shakeys pizza and Farrells. Birthday parties were a blast there.”
Dennis had an unexpected lunch companion:
“Circa 1966 I was working at Nerlands and ate lunch often at the White Spot where I once had a chat with Alaska’s Governor Egan”.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Time to put down your PJ sandwich and chocolate milk as our look at Anchorage’s Kid’s TV shows comes to an end…
This has been a wonderful trip down memory lane.
What were your favorite Anchorage Kid’s TV shows?
Do you have a comment? Just reply to this email. It’s so easy… Even Mother Moose could do it.
Or, you can Contact Us right now.
Until next time
Mike & Mary
Alaska Stories
Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
What places come to mind when you remember your favorite restaurants in Anchorage, Alaska?
Here are just a few to get you started.
-
The White Spot
-
The original A&W Drive-In
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La Cabana
-
A wonderful steak at Club Paris
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Anchorage's Tastee Freez
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Peggy's Airport Café
-
Benny's Food Truck
Remember Bob’s Big Boy?
Here’s a memory from Julie:
“My favorite restaurant in Anchorage was the Grizzly Burger and Bobs Big Boy - one was across the street from the other on Northern Lights Blvd.”
And how about, the Lucky Wishbone?
Take a look at The Lucky Wishbone Story by Patricia Brown - Heller and enjoy.
What’s Your Lucky Wishbone Story?
Here’s a great memory from George:
“My Wife and I enjoyed eating at the Lucky Wishbone quite often, and I remember an experience from about 1970. I was there alone and sitting at the counter. I had just ordered my fried chicken when someone sat down next to me. To my surprise, it was Alaska’s Governor Egan and I had a really enjoyable talk with him.”
BONUS
Everyone had their favorite Arctic Roadrunner burger. What was yours?
Take a look at This Arctic Roadrunner story by Mary of Anchorage Memories.
Are You Hungry Yet?
In the photo above is Benny’s Taco Wagon.
Some of our favorites were not “sit down” restaurants. Benny’s food truck looked a little worn on the outside, but the food was great.
The picture above shows Anchorage’s first drive-thru, A&W Root beer. Remember those great french fries?
Play the Game
Yes, You can Share this Edition
Do you want to make your friends and family really hungry for some great food from their favorite Anchorage restaurant?
Just click on the following link:
Thank you for listening and reading Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Remember These Yummy Places?
Don's Green Apple
Cattle Company
How How
The Abby
Gwennies
Downtown Hof Brau
Woolworth's lunch counter
Hewitt's lunch counter on 4th Avenue
La Cabana
La Mex
Shakey's in Spenard
BONUS
These Stories will get you Good and Hungry.
Take a look at these Favorite Anchorage Restaurants and remember.
In the photo above, Mary of Alaska Stories takes Nikki and Christopher to lunch at a favorite Anchorage food truck, “Taco Florez” in Spenard.
The Double Musky Inn
In the photo above is the Double Musky Inn.
Some of our favorites are a few miles out of Anchorage. The Double Musky Inn is a huge dining favorite, located in Girdwood.
BONUS
Do you know how the Double Musky Inn got started?
Take a look at The Double Musky Inn and discover.
Now it’s Your Turn
Reply to this email to tell us about your favorite Anchorage Restaurant, OR, you can Contact Us to say, “I need and Alaska Banquet right now.”
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our edition about Anchorage Street Names
Joseph has this story:
“My father-in-law, Don Galt, was a developer in Anchorage for both commercial and residential projects. He built Woodside East near Wendler. The main street in the development is Kelsan. It is named after his daughters, Kelly Galt and Sandy Galt.”
Contact Mike and Mary
Are you hungry? We sure are.
This edition is filled with great memories. Including stories, and the A&W game show video.
You can easily connect with us by replying to this email, OR you can Contact Us to say, “Here’s my favorite Anchorage, Alaska restaurant memory.”
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories
Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
Pictured above is the Muldoon homestead, built in the winter of 1940 - 1941
To get to his Homestead, He needed a Road
Muldoon Road in Anchorage, is named after Arnold L Muldoon who actually built the road from the Glenn Highway to his homestead.
His original road was a “corduroy road”, which was made by clearing a path and then tree trunks were laid across the ground.
Arnold’s path quickly became known as “Muldoon’s Road”.
BONUS
The story of Arnold L Muldoon is a fascinating look at Anchorage history, including two men who tried to run him off his homestead.
To learn more, take a look at this story from I Love Muldoon and enjoy.
Whitney Road
Bud and Daisy Whitney first came to the mouth of Ship Creek in 1911, years ahead of the railroad.
Then in 1914 they moved up the creek and built a new homestead approximately where the Boniface gate to Joint Base Elmendorf - Richardson is located today.
Whitney Road is named after them. It’s located near Ship Creek and Government Hill.
BONUS
You can learn more about Bud and Daisy Whitney.
Take a look at Anchorage Pioneers Bud and Daisy Whitney and discover early Anchorage.
Yes, You can Share This Edition
Your friends and family will be so happy when you share Alaska Stories with them, that they will give you a lifetime supply of your favorite ice cream… well, it could happen… Just click the link below to share.
Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Klevin Street
This Anchorage street, located in the Russian Jack Park neighborhood, was named after a homesteader named Nels Kleven.
Notice that the spelling of the street name, Klevin, varies slightly from the spelling of Nels Kleven’s last name.
Spenard Road
Spenard Road, 1958, photo courtesy of Linda Miller
The sign above reads, “Entering SPENARD “The Land of the Free for All”.
Now, Spenard, Spenard Road and Spenard Lake are all named after one of the most colorful characters from the very early days of Anchorage while it was still a tent city.
Joseph A. Spenard decided he could supply the town site with lumber. So he went into a forest preserve and decided to cut down those trees and transport them back to tent city where he could sell them.
Like Arnold Muldoon, Joe needed to build a corduroy road from Tent City to where he was cutting trees. Spenard convinced a couple of the early civic clubs to help him. When the road was complete, it became known as Spenard Road.
BONUS
Joe Spenard was a colorful character.
Take a look at Did Daring Joe Drive His Car into a Pool Hall? and enjoy.
Lane Street
Hotel owner Harry Lane
Our research didn’t discover much about the hotel owner, Harry Lane or the Crescent Hotel, except that the hotel was located on 4th Avenue.
However, Mr. Lane was later honored with an Anchorage street named after him.
And by the way, if you know anything about Anchorage pioneer Harry Lane, we would love to hear from you.
BONUS
Visit Anchorage Memories.com
A treasure chest of memories of Anchorage, Alaska
Take a look at Anchorage Memories.com and enjoy.
Russian Jack
The newspaper ad above was to promote Jacob Marunenko, “Russian Jack” for the Fur Rendezvous Mardi Gras King.
The ad ran in the February 14, 1948, Anchorage Daily Times. Russian Jack lost by a landslide, but was declared the “Prince” of the event.
Between Joe Spenard and Russian Jack, it would be difficult to tell which was more of a “colorful character”.
In the early days, the residents of tent city gave each other nicknames. And since Jacob Marunenko, who also went by “Jack”, was Russian, he became known as “Russian Jack”.
One of Russian Jack’s endeavors, involved selling moon shine, known locally as “squirrel juice”. But since the Alaska Railroad prohibited the sale or consumption of alcohol at tent city, folks like Russian Jack built stills and came up with interesting ways to sell their brew.
Russian Jack went way out of town, became a squatter and built a cabin in the woods where he also hid his still. The area had a natural spring and was later named Russian Jack Springs.
BONUS
His story is a fascinating, and his name lives on in Anchorage neighborhoods and parks.
Take a look at this story of Russian Jack and enjoy.
Hoyt Street
Hoyt Motor company, on 5th and E streets
Harry Hoyt owned one of the first car dealerships in Anchorage.
Harry and his wife were also devoted outdoors adventurers.
Hoyt Street is named after Harry Hoyt.
BONUS
Take a look at the following story from a member of the Alaska VIP Club.
Gene tell us this story:
“My first real job was at Hoyt Motors. It was in 1949, and I was 15-16 years old. I greased cars, fixed tires including large truck tires with split ring rims. One of my main jobs was washing new Dodge and Plymouth cars. I learned to drive in those new cars. I wasn't about to tell the boss that I didn't know how to drive. I Will never forget when, at a stop, the guy in front started to back up, and I couldn't get that fluid drive Dodge to go into reverse. He stopped just in time!”
Marijane Street
Mary Jane Dougherty of the Alaska VIP Club has an Anchorage subdivision street named after her.
Mary’s stepfather created the subdivision and named many of the streets after family members.
The subdivision opened in the late 1960s. Note that the street name varies from her real name.
Do You Or Your Family Have An Anchorage Street Named After You (or them)?
Or, do you know the origin of another Anchorage street name? We’d love to know.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
The following is a comment from our “Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes” edition
Edi commented:
“When Mt. Spurr erupted, I remember saying that at noon it was “darker than midnight,” because of all of the ash in air.”
Contact Mike and Mary
You guessed it…
The picture above isn’t of Mike and Mary of Alaska Stories.
It’s a picture of our daughter Nikki, son Christopher and our family dog “Snoopy”.
Did you enjoy this edition of Alaska Stories?
You can easily contact us with your comments and suggestions.
Either reply to this email or Contact Us to say, “I have an Anchorage street name for you.”
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories
Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
In the photo above is an explorer’s 1916 camp in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
For five days in 1912, the Alaska Peninsula experienced violent earthquakes.
Then the Mount Katmai volcano erupted in southern Alaska, 265 miles southwest of Anchorage.
The explosion of the eruption was so strong that it destroyed the top of Mount Katmai and a new crater was formed.
In addition, an entirely new volcano was formed that was later named Novarupta.
An Eyewitness Account
There were four villages in the Katmai area. Savonoski, Kaguyak, Katmai and Kukak.
The following is from an interview with one of the villagers:
“Sometime in afternoon - it was just like this, bright sunshine, hot, no wind, that’s when the volcano started. Started snowing like that fine pumice coming down. Make lot of noise.
Kaflia Bay started to get white. Flat calm, no wind. Pretty soon dark came. Pretty soon pitch black. The Katmai mountain blew up with lots of fire.
**No one in the villages lost their lives in either the eruption or the aftermath.
You can Share this Incredible Alaska Story
Alaska is a massive land, filled with interesting stories. Your family and friends will find this edition of Alaska Stories, fascinating.
And you can easily share this with them. Just click on the following link.
Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.
What the Blast Caused
The massive blast sent over 7 cubic miles of volcanic debris into both the atmosphere and the stratosphere in just 60 hours.
To give you a reference, the island of Kodiak, Alaska was covered by a foot of ash.
Fumes from the blast produced acid rain as far as 370 miles away.
How the Area Got Its Name
In 1916, Robert F. Griggs came to the area for the National Geographic Society.
Because of what he saw, Griggs stated the following:
“The whole valley as far as the eye could reach was full of hundreds, no thousands – literally, tens of thousands – of smokes curling up from the floor.”
What Griggs said, later became the name of “The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes”.
In the photo above, on your right, Robert F. Griggs is frying bacon over an open fissure.
What Griggs Saw
Jets of steam and gas spewed from vents in the earth. In places, the steam was as hot as 1,200 degrees F.
In the valley’s 56 square miles, 40 square miles were covered in up to 700 feet of volcanic ash.
All plant and animal life had been destroyed.
NASA Astronauts Trained There
Many years later, in 1965 and 1966, The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes was used as a training ground for NASA astronauts.
It was thought that the area resembled the Lunar landscape.
BONUS
Take a look at these pictures of The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and discover.
Alaska Volcano Facts
There are more than 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields in Alaska.
Around 90 of these might erupt again.
About 50 have been active since 1760. Those include Mount Spurr, Redoubt, Illiamna and Mount Saint Augustine. All are near Anchorage.
In the photo above is Mount Spurr
Mike of Alaska Stories was six years old when Spurr erupted.
“Our family was living in a log home on Fairbanks street near downtownAnchorage, Alaska in 1953. When I woke up one summer morning I noticed that something was wrong.”
BONUS
You can read Mike’s memories of the volcanic eruption.
Take a look at “Midnight at High Noon” and remember.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
We received these comments about our look back at The Coke Show, Anchorage’s favorite teen call-in radio show, hosted by Ron Moore.
The show was broadcast from a small radio booth on the roof of the Bun Drive-In.
Karen had this memory:
“The Coke Show was a great part of my high school years! I graduated in ‘68, and still smile when I drive past The Bun!”
And Jeanne had this to say:
“Such fun memories…I was too young but remember listening as my sister had it playing. Of course, I wanted to do everything my big sister would do, so I could feel cool.”
Michael added this:
“I was the drummer in A Burgundy Rose, and a few other bands including Tyme, Albatross, Heavenly Blue, Proof, The Entire Turkish Army, and Special Delivery,Susan Rhodes, as I remember this it was Great Times.”
Connect with Us
The story of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is a fascinating and incredible part of Alaska history.
Do you have a comment? You can reply to this email. Or you can Contact Us to say, “I’ve been to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.”
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories
Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
On Christmas Eve, 1959, a small booth sitting on the roof of the Bun Drive-In, a burger place in Anchorage, Alaska, became home to a new program on KENI radio, called The Coke Show.
And it became a huge hit.
Long before cell phones, Anchorage teens who were listening to the Coke Show, picked up their rotary dial phones and called in their dedications and song requests to DJ Ron Moore. And Ron would often speak with the teens live on Anchorage radio before playing the songs they requested.
In the photo above, Ron Moore signs autographs for happy Anchorage Teens.
Now listen toRon Moore and the Coke Show
**(Ron is asking callers to guess how much Paul of the Heartbeats band weighed when he was born)Click on the following link**:
The Chicken Coop or the Royal Roost
A group of Anchorage teens pose for the picture above in front of the small booth that was the home of the Coke Show. The booth was the radio studio where Ron Moore brought his young, dedicated radio audience together each night for music and fun.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
Your friends and family will love you for sharing this fun edition of Alaska Stories with them. And when you do, they will call in a dedication on the radio just for you… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.
A Word from Ron Moore
The following is from an interview with Ron Moore on Coke Show Memories that you’ll find on Anchorage Memories.com. Ron said the following.
“I have often felt that the Coke Show was successful largely because of all the various ingredients it had going on at one time or the other.Sometimes it felt like there were too many things happening at once. Being live from the roof of a Drive In restaurant, having dozens of cars in the parking lot honking their horns and being identified by names like GTO Joe, T-Bird Tommy, and many more.”
BONUS
Ron just mentioned GTO Joe.
Anchorage Memories caught up with GTO Joe and you’ll really enjoy our interview.
Take a look at “Cruisin’ with GTO Joe” and remember when.
Now here’s more from Ron.”Having a live mike way out over the intersection so I could pick up the sound of dual exhausts and tires peeling out. Having local bands as guests in the "Chicken Coop" answering phones. And putting popular bands on either side of the Bun Drive-In roof on weekends and my spot ended up on the top of the chicken coop, playing all oldies on Sunday afternoon. So I felt it would be fun to give the kids at home a chance to be heard on the air by making requests and dedications. That resulted in many of them having on air nicknames. Later when one of the few audience surveys was released, it gave yours truly the highest rating of my 37 year career. 72% of the people listening to radio were tuning in to The Coke Show" and more than 40% were above 18 which really shocked some folks back at the radio station that thought the only listeners were Teeny Boppers.But it turned out a lot of parents and others were tuning in to find out what their kids or siblings were doing by listening to them on the air and discovering there was a new boyfriend or girlfriend. So it really paid off and advertisers like Coca-Cola, Sears, and Alaska Sales and Service were happy.”
Anchorage Teens Loved it
For Anchorage teens, the Coke Show was the place to be.
Besides listening to the show from home and calling in song requests and dedications, some listened to the show while driving around town.
Others would show up in the parking lot in front of the Bun, where they could enjoy a burger and a coke while listening to the show on their car radio.
And Ron had fun with the Bun Drive-In parking lot crowd.
Naming them “Honker-Bonkers”, Ron would look out over the parking lot and ask “how are you doing down there?” and everyone would honk their horns in response.
The KENI radio engineers even put a microphone over Northern Lights Blvd, so they could hear cars as they gunned their engines and squealed their tires during the show.
And you may remember that after Sam the Sham and the Pharaoh’s hit Wooly Bully, Ron would often call Northern Lights boulevard, “Wooly Bullyvard”.
Ron Moore Remembers
“I had two turntables, a Bogen sound mixer, a reel to reel for playing the Coke jingles, two phone lines, with one for the broadcast signal.
The first show from the Bun took place on a cold Christmas Eve and everything was frozen from the big window looking out over the parking lot to the turntables. I had to take the portable heater and warm the turntables and they still sounded less than 45rpm.
But there were cars in the parking lot and eventually they built a new Bun across the street with parking for many more cars and a new broadcast booth, again on the roof.
There was a microphone strung out all the way to the intersection so I could bring up the sound of the hot rods as they peeled out. Even when the music was playing. On at least one occasion the police were monitoring the show and pulled the car over down the road on Northern Lights Blvd.
I also installed a loud air horn just outside the broadcast booth and it could be heard for blocks.
It also allowed me to open the mike when I cued the cars to honk their horns while the car hops were bringing an armful of orders out to the cars. More than one car hop lost her tray because it could be very loud.
The Bun was the first location in Anchorage for speed bumps to slow down the Chevy 396’s from picking off a car hop.
We even hosted a wedding at the Coke Show. I can’t recall their names but the bride arrived in a white Chevy convertible from Northern Lights side and the groom arrived in a matching convertible from the Fireweed Lane side. They were married on a flatbed trailer. I broadcast the ceremony and when the groom was told he could kiss the bride every horn in the parking lot, and the air horn, sounded off.”
She Said What?
“One night a band that play at all of the shows at The Royal pad, Shindig City, and Carpenters Hall, joined me on the Coke Show to answer phones.
Some of Anchorages most popular bands were included, including The Heartbeats, Arsons, Blue Chip Stock, Proof, Burgundy Rose and others. One night they handed me a phone call to put on the air and this ladies voice said something like:
“Ronnie, quit playing all that rock n roll and lets hear some Englebert Humperdink. This is your Mother calling .”
The horns in the parking lot loved it and went wild for 10 minutes.”
The Arsons in the Chicken Coop
The Coke Show was a very happening place, and local teen bands were frequently a part of the show.
In a story by Mark Thompson of the local band, the Arsons, Mark talks about being in the Chicken Coop during the Coke Show.
“When the Arsons were beginning to rock around Anchorage, we were invited to take requests at the Bun Drive-In in the Chicken Coop with Ron Moore on occasional Wednesdays.It was always fun and a good way to get to know our fans and the kind of music they enjoyed. I really liked girls and there were a lot of calls from giggly girls to the Chicken Coop.”
The Pulsating Heartbeats
Another very popular local teen band that was featured on The Coke Show, was the Heartbeats.
Right about the time the band came out with their hit record “Anne”, Ron Moore started introducing them as the “Pulsating” Heartbeats.
The following is from an interview with John Apostol of the Heartbeats on Anchorage Memories.com
“The Pulsating Heartbeats came from Ron Moore. He started calling us "The Pulsating Heartbeats" every time he introduced our band on the radio or at dances. It was such a catchy name. We love it! “
Jerry Rose and The Coke Show
When Ron wasn’t able to host the Coke Show, he would have other KENI radio DJs stepping for the night.
One of those was a young DJ named Jerry Rose (Peter Bie in real life).
The Coke Show had so many things going on that it made it a hard show to do. So when another DJ was sitting in for Ron… they had their hands full.
Anchorage DJ Jerry Rose remembers taking a microphone into the Bun Drive-In parking lot to speak with teens in their cars.
“We would often take a microphone down into the parking lot to talk with folks (especially those that wanted to make a dedication).
From time to time we’d get them to honk their horns, but that was rare as it was quite noisy.
Of course while the DJ was in the parking lot, someone (like Michael Dougherty of the Alaska VIP Club) would have to be up in the Chicken Coop to answer the phone and spin the records.”
The View from the Chicken Coop
Above photo courtesy of Malcolm Burgess
During The Coke Show, Ron Moore would say “from high atop the Bun Drive-In”.
The small radio booth sat on the roof of the Bun, overlooking the parking lot below. The booth was sometimes called the Chicken Coop or the “Royal Roost”. Why the Royal Roost? Well, on Anchorage radio, Ron was called the Royal Coachman. He even had a Royal Coachman theme song. You may also recall that Ron’s car was called the “Royal Coach”. So, of course, the studio on top of the roof was the “Royal Roost”.
Ron Moore talks about the radio booth.
“To my best recollection, "The Chicken Coop" was how Ruby Westin referred to the broadcast booth a couple of times and it stuck. Ruby and Roy Westin built the original Bun Drive in on the SW corner of Northern Lights at Fairbanks Street, facing Northern Lights (Where the Office Lounge was located later). It was quite small with little parking. The broadcast booth was quite small too. It didn't take long for it to outgrow the location so a new and much larger Bun was constructed at the NE corner facing Gambell Street but open to Northern Lights looking across to the Sears Mall where parking spilled over from the Bun every so often. The Westin’s sold to Ken and Bobby Haines and the broadcast booth was new and larger with room for a couple of guests.
The Mighty Michael Connection
Yes, that’s me, Michael Dougherty, the author of Alaska Stories.
I was about 19 when this picture was taken.
During my senior year at East High in Anchorage, I began working on The Varsity Show, Anchorage’s teen TV dance show. Ron was also hosting The Varsity Show at that time.
Here’s my connection with The Coke Show.
“Shortly after auditioning for a Varsity Show Crew position and being accepted to work on the show, Ron invited me and fellow Varsity Show Crew member Bob Martin to work with him during The Coke Show.Our job was to set up things in the small booth on top of the Bun Drive-in just before show time. We also had to send a sound signal to the main KENI radio studios to make sure The Coke Show program would be heard on the air.We were also responsible for having records ready to play when Ron introduced them, and starting the records on time. In addition, we answered the phone when Ron was busy and we took requests and dedications.Ron gave both me and Bob our on-air names. I was "Mighty Michael" and Bob was "Rapid Robert." I worked the show every other night and Bob worked the show when I wasn't there.On my first night working The Coke Show, I was very nervous as I walked up the stairs and unlocked the "Chicken Coop" which was the name Ron gave to the little booth we worked in. Ron would arrive after I had set things up, then he would tell me a little about that night's show. “
You’re “Mighty Michael?”
I didn’t have a clue that my future wife, Mary Kallander, was out there listening to The Coke Show.
After we had been married for some years, we were talking about The Coke Show one evening. I mentioned that I had worked up in the Chicken Coop assisting Ron Moore during The Coke Show, and he had given me the name “Mighty Michael”.
Mary looked at me with big eyes and said in amazement, “you’re Mighty Michael?”
She was delighted.
What Was the Song?
At the end of every Coke Show, Ron ended the show with the same song.
Do you remember what it was?
To discover the answer, scroll down to the end of this edition of the Alaska VIP Club.
A Big Thank You
Our thanks from the Alaska VIP Club and Anchorage Memories.com to both Ron Moore and Jerry Rose (Peter Bie) for providing a fun look behind the scenes at The Coke Show.
Everyone appreciates hearing from you, and for helping us to remember when, all these years later.
Incredible Memories
In the photo above is Mary, Jerry Rose (Peter Bie) and Mike
This edition of Alaska Stories has been packed with memories of a time in Anchorage when we (as area teens) were together around radios all over town. They were listening to Ron Moore, the dedications, music, and fun that was The Coke Show.
And some of you were listening from other parts of Alaska too.
Did you enjoy this edition of Alaska Stories?
You can reply to this email with your comments, or to leave your dedication. You can also Contact Us right now.
Answer
The song Ron Moore played at the end of every Coke Show was “Earth Angel” by the Penguins.
Until Next Time
Mike & Mary
Alaska Stories
Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
The tiny coastal town of Portage, was located about 47 miles southeast of Anchorage, Alaska, on the Seward Highway. It used to sit on the shore of Cook Inlet. More about that later in this edition.
The town was an early transportation hub connecting the coastal areas with the interior of Alaska.
The port at Portage was busy with both cargo and passengers. There were also railroad facilities.
Although it’s difficult to imagine now, as a transportation hub, the town of Portage was a busy, community.
The Town of Portage, Circa 1960s
The photo above was taken by Bob Pendleton and appears here, courtesy of Alaskan Artist, Cindy Pendleton.
Before the 1964 earthquake, anyone traveling from Anchorage on the Seward Highway, toward the Kenai Peninsula, or traveling from the peninsula, were happy to stop in the town of Portage. You could gas up your car, have lunch or visit the bar.
Mike of Anchorage Memories, recalls when he was about 11 years old, there was a sign in the restaurant that read something like this:
“You can ask to have 1,000 year old ice in your drink”
Apparently, once in a while, the owner of the restaurant and bar sent someone to nearby Portage glacier to chip off a block of glacier ice. The ice was then broken into smaller chunks and customers could enjoy having an actual miniature iceberg in their drink. Something to tell the folks about back home.
The Town of Portage had a sense of Humor
In the photo above is a hand-painted sign that welcomed all to Portage.
Do You Want to Amaze Your Friends and Family?
Just share this edition of the Alaska VIP Club. They’ll discover an Alaska “Ghost Forest”, a Ghost Town, and enjoy a good laugh about the sign above.
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What Happened to the Town of Portage, Alaska?
On Good Friday, March 27, 1964, a 9.2 earthquake struck Alaska. It was the biggest earthquake in U.S. history.
The powerful and horrifying quake shoved some sections of land up and caused others to suddenly sink. Incredible damage followed.
Portage, located on the shore of Cook Inlet, was hit hard.
Here’s a documented account of what happened when the earthquake struck:
“An eyewitness who was in a service station on the west side of the highway said he and a companion ran out the east door of the building as the concrete floor began to crack.
They got about three feet out of the building when a crack about three feet wide opened between them. He said that cracks formed about each of them, leaving each man on a small island about three feet wide that moved up and down. He said it was like riding an open elevator.
As he went down, the other man went up. And then they'd pass each other going in opposite directions. He said that the earth all around them broke into similar pieces and that as the blocks of frozen earth moved up and down, the cracks also opened and closed causing muddy water to spout as high as 50 feet.
He said after the shaking stopped, water filled the open cracks. He estimated the duration of the quake at about four to five minutes.”
Source: Chronology of Physical Events of the Alaskan Earthquake, 1966, Genie Chance papers, Archives and Special Collections, Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage.
In the photo above, water from Cook Inlet flooded the town
During the 1964 Alaska earthquake, the ground in the town of Portage sank about 6 feet. That put the town below the level of high tide in Cook Inlet.
The town became flooded with salt water and all the residents had to leave.
In the photo above are the remains of a Portage cabin.
The sign in the picture reads:
“This cabin is part of the original townsite of Portage that was destroyed by the 1964 earthquake.”
Salt water also killed all the trees around Portage, creating a “Ghost Forest”.
There is no word about what happened to the “11 friendly people and 1 old sorehead” that once lived in this truly Alaskan town.
But rest assured, that in the days, months, and years that followed, they had plenty of stories to tell about a unique place called Portage, Alaska.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Sydney Laurence, Alaska Artist edition
“A kind and wonderful lady lived by our family in Chugiak, and she had two Sydney Laurence paintings in her home. I would visit her and just marvel at those paintings and how majestic they were.”
Gregory and Linda Newton sent us this kind message:
“Thanks so much for this - I really enjoyed your feature on Sydney Laurence. Keep up the great work and stories!”
And Avril sent us this:
“Absolutely love this. I didn't know a lot about the artist at the time, but it's an incredible history and I learn something every time. Thank you so much.”
Diana made this comment:
“Excellent, as always!! Thank you for all you, two, do to commemorate the history of Alaska.”
And George sent along this info:
“I recently read a book about the history of mining on the Kenai Peninsula. The book mentioned Sydney Lawrence as being “knighted” by King Edward VII before Lawrence left Europe. It also mentioned that Lawrence tried his luck at mining on the peninsula.”
BONUS
Visit Anchorage Memories.com
A treasure chest of memories about growing up and living in Anchorage, Alaska.
Take a look at Anchorage Memories.com and enjoy.
Connect with Us
Remember when the Turtles came to Anchorage, Alaska?
They had hits like “Happy Together” and “She’s Rather be with Me”.
The young girl in the picture is Mary of Anchorage Memories. She was a Pacesetters Go Go Girl at the time.
Do you have a comment? You can reply to this email. Or you can Contact Us to say, “I had a drink in Portage, filled with 1,000 year old ice from Portage Glacier.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska VIP Club
Get full access to Alaska VIP Club at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
His love for the mountain, known as Denali, moved him to create wonderful paintings.
Mountains treat Anchorage, Alaska to the glories of summer with a splash of fireweed, a reddish flower that graces many mountains in the Great Land.
But as winter approaches, “Termination Dust”, otherwise known as snow, covers the mountain tops. In early fall, when residence see Termination Dust, they know that winter is on its way. And the mountains, and Anchorage, will soon be covered with a blanket of fluffy white.
The Mountain
On a clear day in Anchorage, if you look to the north, nature reveals an incredible gift.
A glimpse of Denali, “The Great One”. The tallest mountain in North America.
The Artist
One photographer and painter named, Sydney Laurence found the majestic beauty of Denali, captivating.
His love for the mountain moved his brush to create wonderful paintings of the Great One.
From Valdez, Alaska
Laurence was living in Valdez, Alaska when he decided to make a move that would change his life.
In 1915, the Alaska Railroad was hiring workers in a ragged tent city that would become the town of Anchorage, Alaska.
Laurence traveled to the tent city to work as a laborer on the railroad.
Gold Panning - a Side Hustle
Looking to make a little more money, and have some adventure, Sydney tried his hand at panning for gold along Cache Creek near Talkeetna, Alaska.
His Photographic Portrait Days
Later, Laurence began taking photographic portraits.
His studio was in the Carol Building at 4th and E Streets in Anchorage.
Where Sydney Laurence Lived in Anchorage
As his residence, Laurence lived in the Anchorage Hotel, which was operated at that time, by Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Reed.
Yes, You can Share this Edition
Your friends and family will be impressed when you share this edition about world-famous artist, Sydney Laurence. And when you do, they will send you one of Laurence’s painting of what was then called Mount McKinley, as a gift… well, it could happen.
Thanks for reading and listening to the Alaska VIP Club. This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Then in 1919
Laurence began selling some of his paintings in Juneau, Alaska at a well-known gift shop ran by Belle Simpson, called the Nugget Shop.
In 1920, Sydney Laurence opened a portrait studio in the Anchorage Hotel.
A Full-Time Painter
By 1922, Laurence saw that his paintings were becoming more popular, so he closed his photographic portrait studio to paint full-time… But just in case – he continued to look for gold and oil near Talkeetna.
By 1923, he was recognized as Alaska’s most prominent painter. President Warren G. Harding, the first U.S. President to visit Alaska, bought a Sydney Laurence painting.
He Painted for a Movie
When Cap Lathrop made the silent movie “The Chechahcos” in 1923, Laurence painted the decorative subtitle borders for the movie. He also painted 6 large landscapes that were seen in the movie.
When the movie was shown outside of Alaska, it introduced the artist, Sydney Laurence, to a wider audience.
BONUS
Mike and Mary, of the Alaska VIP Club, have created a new podcast.
And while it has nothing to do with Alaska, the Relaxing Music Moment is work visiting.
Take a look at the Relaxing Music Moment and relax.
Laurence Becomes a “Snow Bird”
In 1924, Sydney Laurence also opened a studio in Los Angeles, California. And with that, and for the rest of his life, he spent the winter in California and summers in Anchorage.
In Los Angeles, he married Jeanne K. Holerman in 1928.
Sydney Laurence passed away in Anchorage on September 11, 1940, and was laid to rest in the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery.
His wife Jeanne Laurence passed away in Anchorage in August 1980.
BONUS
Would you like to know more about Alaska’s most renowned painter?
Read more about Sydney Laurence and discover.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
From our podcast about the Matanuska Maid dairy
Jim had this comment:
“Dorothy Ann Shelly, the winner of the contest, was very clever in name changing "made" to "maid".
Joe noticed something:
“The 1935 farm picture has a 1970s Chevrolet pickup parked to one side.”
Tom shared this memory:
“My family camped with some friends at Moose River on the Kenai Peninsula, near where it joins the Kenai River. There was a little fast food and ice cream stand on the west side of the bridge over the Moose River that sold soft serve ice cream that used a mix made by Matanuska Maid. The best soft serve ice cream I ever had.”
Connect with us
A Fond Memory
Do you remember going to the bank on 4th Avenue, just up the street from the 4th Avenue Theater? They had that wonderful fish tank inset into the side of the building facing the sidewalk, and it was filled with rainbow trout.
But inside the bank, they had huge Sydney Laurence paintings displayed on the walls. They were a beautiful reminder of a man, his art and a majestic place called Denali.
Do you have a comment or just want to say “hey, the view is great up here on Denali!”
You can either reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right now.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska VIP Club
Get full access to Alaska VIP Club at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
Remember the name and the picture on the milk carton of the young lady on ice skates with the fur-trimmed parka?
That was as much a part of your life in Anchorage as Gilman’s bread or going to see a movie at the 4th Avenue Theatre.
Most of us had a carton of Matanuska Maid milk on the table at breakfast. And we all remember that the young lady on the carton was known as the Matanuska Maid.
The dairy got its start in around 1935 as a cooperative created by the colonists who put together the town of Palmer, Alaska.
In its first year, the co-op sold 5,458 pounds of butter and 26,000 eggs.
By the 1940s, they were producing more than $1 million dollars in annual sales.
A 1935 Colony Farm
The photo above shows the Raymond Rebarchek farm.
Hey, we need a Name!
Pictured above is Dorothy Ann Sheely Bush in 1993, she was the school girl who won the dairy naming contest. Also pictured is her mom Charlotte Sheely with Dorothy in 1935.
TheMatanuska colony decided, in 1935, that the dairy cooperative should have a name.
A contest was held, and an interesting thing happened.
Dorothy Ann Sheely, a local high school student, came up with the chosen name. Instead of Matanuska “Made”, she came up with Matanuska “Maid”. Her prize was $25. And that was a nice sum in 1935.
BONUS
In 1960, Matanuska Maid wanted a name for the young lady ice skater featured on their dairy products.
Mrs. John Secora of Anchorage came up with the name, “Anuska” which was the contest winner.
Notice that Anuska is Matanuska without the “Mat”.
Yes, You Can Share this Edition
It’s so easy to share this edition of the Alaska VIP Club with your friends or family or even co-workers… And when you do, they will be so happy that they will write a hit song about you that will make you famous… Well, it could happen.
Click on the following link:
Thanks for reading, the Alaska VIP Club. This post is public, so feel free to share it.
A TV Weather Girl and the Matanuska Maid
In the photo above is Phyllis Hayes.
Before Theda Comstock stood behind the KENI-TV channel 2 weather map, astonishing everyone with her ability to write backwards (it was really a camera trick), Phyllis Hayes was presenting the nightly TV weather.
But Phyllis had another fun personality.
Everyone in Anchorage, and throughout Alaska, wanted to see “Anuska”, the Matanuska Maid in person. So, the dairy chose Phyllis and some other delightful ladies, to dress up in the famous fur-trimmed outfit and meet all those eager Matanuska Maid fans at gatherings, events, and parades all over Alaska.
A Fun Memory
When Mary of the Alaska VIP Club was a young girl in Anchorage, she used to sit at the breakfast table with her seven brothers and sisters. As they enjoyed their hot or cold cereal, they would read what was on the Matanuska Maid milk carton and scrape off the wax with their thumbnail. Then they would rotate the carton, scrape wax from the other side, then the other, then… well, you get the picture.
Did you enjoy reading cereal boxes and milk cartons at breakfast? Do you still read them?
Matanuska Maid
Like so many things we remember in Anchorage, the 4th Avenue Theatre, Gilman’s Bakery and even KTVA channel 11, Anchorage’s first TV station, they are all gone now.
And Anuska, our favorite Matanuska Maid, has hung up her ice skates for good. Our favorite dairy that began in 1935, has delivered its last quart of milk.
For our purposes here at the Alaska VIP Club, it doesn’t matter why it’s gone, only that we still have the memories.
For so many years, like Gilman’s bread, the 4th Avenue Theatre or KTVA channel 11, Matanuska Maid was ours… and we loved it.
BONUS
Mike and Mary have a new podcast that we think you’ll really appreciate.
It doesn’t have anything to do with Anchorage, or Alaska.
It’s called, Relaxing Music Moment and you are invited to take a moment for yourself. All it takes is a moment. You deserve a break. And it’s FREE.
The music will take you away, the inviting scenes will transport you.
And you’ll enjoy reading the short, beautifully composed description of each moment you choose.
Take a look at Relaxing Music Moment and… relax.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
From our podcast about the Alaska Gold Rush
Avril wrote:
“I always find out something new even though I lived there for 12 years. It's truly amazing how these gold rush people lived in tents and survived.”
Jeanne shared this:
“My maternal grandfather was one of those who left Skagway for Whitehorse to look for gold and his sister, my great aunt, was a “dancehall girl” during the gold rush.
My grandfather didn't strike it rich, but moved to Juneau, where he married, and my mother was born. My aunt “retired” to the Bay Area for the rest of her life.
Reading your story reminded me of what my mother told me. I never had the opportunity to know either my grandfather or aunt. Just heard the stories.”
Tom had this memory:
“In the late 1970s while living in Juneau, my brother and brother-in-law from Anchorage decided we would hike the Chilkoot Trail. After meeting in Skagway, we decided to walk the 9 miles to the trailhead (Dyea) rather than wait for a ride.
Climbing the steps with a full pack with only minimal provisions was tough, making us realize what the prospectors endured. There was a Mountie stationed at the top as we crossed into Canada. After spending a night at a cabin, we made it to Lake Bennett and enjoyed lunch and a train ride on the White Pass & Yukon RR back to Skagway.”
Connect with Us
Great memories of Matanuska Maid.
Now are you hungry for some breakfast cereal in a bowl full of Matanuska Maid milk? We are.
Do you have a comment? You can reach us by replying to this email.
Or, you can Contact Us to say, “I loved the Matanuska Maid Dairy.”
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska VIP Club.com
Get full access to Alaska VIP Club at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
While the Klondike gold fields were in Canada, along the Yukon River, the cheapest entrance was through Skagway, Alaska, or Dyea which was located across the Lynn Canal.
It’s estimated that 100,000 prospectors, known as “stampeders” packed the docks headed for Skagway and Dyea on their way to the Klondike in 1897.
Most left for Alaska by steam ship from Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. Ships traveled up Alaska’s inside passage and into the Lynn Canal, the deepest Fjord in North America and one of the longest in the world. Skagway and the town of Dyea were located off the Lynn Canal.
Skagway, Alaska
Muddy streets and hastily thrown together boardwalks greeted weary gold seekers as they left the steam ships and made their way into Skagway.
Dyea, Alaska
Before the gold rush, Dyea was a seasonal fishing camp and a port for trading ships with goods headed for the interior of Alaska. The name Dyea means “to pack”.
Gold seekers came to Dyea to use the Chilkoot Pass to get to the Klondike gold fields. When the stampeders arrived, Dyea consisted of the Healy & Wilson Trading Post, a few saloons and a rugged tent city. There was also a U.S. military contingent, but they were instructed not to interfere in civilian matters.
Dyea is now, mostly, a ghost town.
BONUS
Take a look at this video about the history of Dyea and discover
The Chilkoot Steps
The Chilkoot Pass led stampeders into Canada on their way to the Klondike River. The Canadian Mounties required every prospector to bring a full years worth of supplies with them. So, every person had to make many trips up and down this very long pass to get all their goods to the top. As you might imagine, while stampeders were busy making multiple trips up and down the Chilkoot, theft of supplies was rampant.
The Chilkoot had steps cut into the pass that the stampeders used to get up the steep grade. It was called the “Chilkoot Steps” and it was a hard climb. Imagine doing that over and over until you had all your supplies on the top. Only to have them stolen.
Yes, You can Share this Edition
Would your friends or family enjoy this story about the Alaska Gold Rush?
You can easily share this edition of the Alaska VIP Club with them.
Just click on the following link:
Thanks for reading, the Alaska VIP Club. This post is public, so feel free to share it.
Enter Jeff, “Soapy” Smith
A brilliant con man, Jeff Smith, brought his gang from Colorado to Skagway to take advantage of the men arriving in Skagway with money to buy goods to get them to the gold fields. And to rob miners returning to Skagway of any gold they found in the Klondike.
Smith even had men working the steam ships headed to Skagway and Dyea. His men found out who had money, so that when the ship arrived and the passengers got ashore, they could be mugged or conned out of their money.
Soapy Smith got the name “Soapy” after a con game. He would sell bars of soap for a dollar with the chance to find 10 dollars, 20 dollars or more, tucked inside the wrapper.
However, Soapy had men planted in the crowd who would “find” the soap bars with money, causing the gathered crowd to get so excited that they would buy up all the soap, hoping to find money in the wrappers.
Of course, Soapy’s men were the only ones to “find” the money (which they later had to give back to Soapy). The take was always enough for Soapy to play a few games of faro.
The Skagway Telegraph Office
There was no telegraph service in Skagway. But Soapy came up with a brilliant con.
The Skagway Telegraph office had a telegraph cable that went as far as the inlet. Inside the office, Soapy’s men would take your message and “send” it. In the backroom, Soapy’s men wrote the “replies”.
People were sending telegrams about how much money they had or how much gold they found. Then Soapy’s men, who were working the Skagway Telegraph Office con, would report to the gang, who would then find various ways to steal the person’s money or gold.
One Man Law
Thieves, thugs, and con men could operate pretty easily because Marshall Rowan was the only lawman in Skagway.
Soapy had tried and failed to get Rowan in his pocket. Later, Rowan was shot and killed by a shotgun blast in a Skagway saloon. It is believed that the shooting was set up by Soapy.
The End of the Klondike Gold Rush
It was over in a short amount of time.
Because of the hardships involved, few make it to the gold.
As for Soapy Smith, some of his men robbed a lucky prospector. The prospector complained, and a mob formed to run Soapy Smith out of town.
But Soapy faced down the mob and in a brief gun fight, Soapy was shot and killed.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
Did you know that you can comment on each edition of the Alaska VIP Club?
You can either reply to this email, or you can Contact Us to say, “I’ve been to Skagway, Alaska.”
A Final Word from Mike and Mary
Did you strike gold?
Just reading about the Alaska Gold Rush was like striking gold… But now you have to make sure that Soapy Smith and his men don’t take it away from you.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska VIP Club
Get full access to Alaska VIP Club at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
In the spring of 1915, over 2,000 prospective workers and merchants assembled at the mouth of Ship Creek.
And more were arriving every day.
Shore Access was Difficult
Pictured above, unloading a barge
Steam Ships anchored in Cook Inlet sent out small launches that brought passengers to shore on Ship Creek Flats.
It was a muddy mess. Horse and foot traffic slogged their way through mud over corduroy log paths and the few hastily laid out boardwalks.
A “tent City” quickly sprang up. It was filled with a rag-tag collection of tents and temporary wood buildings. The conditions were rugged and unsanitary.
Overcrowded and Unsanitary
By June 1915, tent city was dangerously overcrowded and unsanitary.
Harry and Katsuyo Kimura arrived in tent city from Seattle and took over a hand laundry. There was no running water, and the clothes that were brought to them to be cleaned were full of lice.
Years later, the Kimura family went on to build Snow-White Laundry and Cleaners and the very popular restaurant, Nikko Garden. Just to name a couple.
But back in 1915, the AEC, Alaska Engineering Commission ordered that by mid-August, all tents had to be moved off Ship Creek Flats and relocated up onto what is now known Government Hill and the new town site.
What Caused This Rush? It Wasn’t Gold
From May through June 1914, 11 survey parties were sent from Seattle to Alaska.
The purpose of these 11 survey crews, was to determine possible routes for a proposed Alaska Railroad.
BONUS
Take a look at this information about the Alaska Railroad Survey Crews and enjoy.
Yes, You can Share this Issue
Your friends and family will say, “Wow” when you share this Tent City edition with them.
And when you do, they will be so happy that they will name a bright star in the night sky after you… Well, it could happen.
Click on the following link:
Thanks for reading Anchorage Memories VIP Club Podcast! This post is public, so feel free to share it.
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson Decided
In April 1915, needing coal for the Pacific Fleet, the Federal Government decided to access the coal fields of the Matanuska Valley in Alaska.
President Woodrow Wilson made the decision that the Alaska Railroad would run from Seward to Fairbanks. The route would take the railroad past the coal deposits of the Matanuska Valley and would end in Fairbanks.
Then, in 1915, the United States Congress authorized construction of the only Federally owned railroad in the history of the U.S.
Construction headquarters would be established at the mouth of Ship Creek at Cook Inlet.
And because Cook Inlet could be dredged to accommodate larger ships and was a protected boat anchorage, the area was chosen as the Alaska Railroad mid-point.
The goal was to lay 470 miles of railroad track.
The Stampede
It was like a gold rush without the gold
When it was announced that the AEC, Alaska Engineering Commission, was going to hire workers, thousands of people began arriving at Ship Creek Flats. Some were looking for jobs, some for lucrative business opportunities.
Almost overnight, a rugged tent city sprang up among the tree stumps. And the work began.
Who Drove the First Spike?
Martha White, who was born in a cabin just off Cook Inlet, was selected to drive the first railroad spike.
BONUS
Click on the following link:
See how the railroad gave birth to Anchorage and discover.
The Plateau Above Ship Creek
A town was beginning, so lots were then laid out for a 240 acre town site under the supervision of Andrew Christensen of the General Land Office.
First House Built in Anchorage
Located in Elderberry Park at 420 M Street in Anchorage, a home was built in 1915 by Oscar Anderson. Aside from a few log cabins, It was the first wood home built in Anchorage. His home still stands today as an Anchorage tourist site.
Oscar Anderson claimed to be the 18th person to set foot on what is now Anchorage. He lived in his house until his passing in 1974.
BONUS
Take a virtual tour of the Oscar Anderson House and enjoy.
How did they arrive at a Name for this New “Town”?
An election was held on August 9, 1915, to decide on an official name for the town that was springing up before their eyes.
Names to consider included:
Alaska City
Gateway
Homestead
Anchorage
Lane (named after Secretary of the Interior, Franklin D. Lane)
Matanuska
Ship Creek
Terminal
Winalaska
There were 538 votes cast.
The winner was Alaska City with 146 votes.
Lane came in second with 129 votes. Third choice was Anchorage with 101 votes.
Then Governor J.F.A. Strong wanted “Matanuska”.
The Alaska Engineering Commission (AEC) wanted the name “Ship Creek”.
Enter the United States Post Office
Yes, the U.S. Post Office gave the town the name Anchorage.
They appointed Roydon Chase as the first postmaster, and all mail was then sent to “Anchorage, Alaska.”
The new name was quickly added to maps and news stories covering the building of the railroad and the town.
Cook Inlet Pioneer and Knik Newspaper
So much was happening that a newspaper set up shop in town.
From it’s ragged tent office, the first issue of the Cook Inlet Pioneer & Knik News was issued as volume 1, number 1 as a weekly newspaper on June 5, 1915.
BONUS
Knik was once the largest settlement on Cook Inlet.
Goods were shipped from Knik to interior Alaska. But when the Alaska Railroad by-passed Knik in favor of Ship Creek, and when the railroad reached Wasilla, Knik lost its place as a shipping point.
As a result, most of Knik was abandoned and many of the buildings were moved to other communities.
Published Daily with a New Name
In October 1915, the name of the first newspaper in tent city (Anchorage) was changed to the Cook Inlet Pioneer, and it became Anchorage’s first daily newspaper.
*It would later become the Anchorage Daily Times.
From a Rugged Tent City to Modern Anchorage, Alaska
Happily, the town of Anchorage still has a few reminders of its early days.
The Wendler building, in downtown Anchorage, was one of the first grocery stores in Anchorage, and later it was the home of Club 25.
The Oscar Anderson house and the home of the first mayor of Anchorage, Leopold David.
Now, Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska. But not that long ago, it was a ragged, tent city, carved out of the Alaska wilderness on the shores of Cook Inlet.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
From our look at “The Lake Illiamna Monster”.
Ben sent us this comment:
“I used to sit in the right seat of my dad’s plane looking down over the float, hoping I’d catch a glimpse of Illie!”
Jim is interested in the $100 thousand dollar reward:
“Now, that is a very interesting story about the Iliamna Lake monster. Thank you for the story. I'm surprised that no one has claimed the $100,000 reward.”
Connect with Mike and Mary
Can you imagine what it was like during those first months in the tent city that started what would become Anchorage, Alaska?
We owe a lot to those early pioneers.
Do you have a comment? You can reach us by replying to this email. Or you can comment below. And you can even Contact Us just to say, “Hello”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage Memories VIP Club Podcast at anchoragememories.substack.com/subscribe
Scotland has the Loch Ness monster, also known as “Nessie”.
But did you know that Alaska has the Illiamna Lake Monster, also known as “Illie”?
Alaska Has How Many Lakes?
Alaska has over 3 million unnamed natural lakes, and about 3,197 officially named lakes.
Iliamna Lake
The largest lake in Alaska is Iliamna Lake, located in Southwest Alaska at the north end of the Alaska Peninsula, about 100 miles from Seldovia, Alaska.
That’s a Lot of Water
Iliamna Lake is 77 miles long, up to 22 miles wide and has a depth of 988 feet.
Where Did the Lake Get Its Name?
The name Iliamna comes from the inland Dena’ina Athabascan name “Nila Vena” which means “island’s lake”.
How Does it Compare?
While Iliamna Lake is the largest in Alaska, it’s the 3rd largest lake in the entire United States and the 24th in all of North America.
The Illiamna Lake Monster
Alaska’s Tlinget people tell stories of a creature in the lake, and the Aleut people tell stories of a fish-like monster in the lake.
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Monster Sightings
In 1942, a bush pilot named Babe Alsworth and a man named Bill Hammersley were flying over the lake.
Somewhere in the middle, Alsworth spotted something unusual.
Flying lower, he noticed what appeared to be giant fish. Then flying even closer, both the men saw huge fish the color of dull aluminum, The heads of the fish were broad and blunt. The tails of the fish were moving side-to-side.
Note: Whales move their tails up and down.
The two flew even closer and spotted several dozen fish that the two described as looking like mini-submarines. The monster fish were about 20 feet long.
An Encounter with the Illiamna Lake Monster?
As the story goes, an unnamed man was trolling for the Illiamna Lake Monster.
He used 5/16th stainless-steel cables for fishing line with number two tuna hooks, baited with caribou meat.
The cables were tied off to the struts of his float plane. Then the man sat on one of his floats as his plane drifted over the lake.
Suddenly, there was a massive jerk that knocked the man into the lake. The plane was then towed away by something in the water. The man was somehow able to make it back to shore.
Later, the man recovered his float plane. He discovered that three of the steel cables were gone. The 9-inch tuna hooks on the cables that remained had been straightened out.
Monster Stories
There have been many stories of sightings and encounters over the years.
In 1979, the Anchorage Daily News offered a $100 thousand dollar reward to anyone who could provide conclusive evidence that proved the existence of the Illiamna Lake monster.
To date, the $100 thousand dollar reward has not been claimed.
A White Sturgeon?
Here is one possible explanation for the Illiamna Lake monster.
White Sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in North America. At up to 20 feet in length, they can weigh over 1,500 pounds. And a White Sturgeon can live for over 100 years.
And by the way, White Sturgeon are bottom dwellers. Because of that, sightings are rare. And remember, Illiamna Lake is around 988 feet deep.
So, while the stories are fun to hear around the campfire, the monster may just be a species of White Sturgeon, a Pacific Sleeper shark. Or? You decide.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Anchorage Spa Swimming Pool edition.
Karen sent us this comment:
“Dad became a member. I remember the smell of chlorine and the “fog” when you entered the room with the pool. I also remember wading in the “kiddies” pool.”
Diana told us her story:
“Great job, as always! I did start my lessons there but couldn't complete them because I was too afraid of the water. My dad had thrown me in Spenard Lake, and I sank to the bottom and didn't come back up. When they finally found me, they had to give me mouth-to-mouth. I've been afraid of the water ever since.”
Anne has this memory:
“When the spa opened, I started to save the $200. It took 3 years. When I had enough saved in 1956, I decided that it was too late because it was time for college.
I did get to swim at the Spa when I tried to train without a coach to be on the swim team at Anchorage High.”
Douglas sent this comment:
“I learned how to swim there when I was about 6-7. I remember the chlorine taste of the water.”
Gene set along this memory:
“Comically, I nearly drowned during my high school class swimming lesson at the Spa in 1957, and never did learn to swim even though I joined the Navy in '61. But many great memories of splashing around in the warm water of the pool.”
Connect with US
Wow, do you love a good monster story? (look who’s eating all the popcorn.)
Illiamna Lake is a fascinating place in Alaska, with many great stories.
Do you have a comment? You can easily connect with us by replying to this email. Or, you can Contact Us to say, “I saw the Illiamna Lake Monster”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage Memories VIP Club Podcast at anchoragememories.substack.com/subscribe
What Are Your Memories of the Spa?
Here are just a few from a post about the Spa on Anchorage Memories.com
Eric remembers:
“Learned to swim there. Bussed over from Clark Junior High. How did we have the time to swim before we had to get back to class?”
Barbara had this to say:
“For two weeks, first thing in the morning a busload of us were taken to the Spa. It was great to have swimming lessons. I still really appreciate the building design with the wall of windows. But afterward, we had to get back on the bus in our damp clothes, coats and wet hair.”
Joe shares this memory:
“I swam there. It was only a block from my house.”
Paige remembers the swim club:
“I was on a Swim Club there in 1970”
Marcia has this vivid memory:
“It was Heaven on earth! Our Youth Group used to go there, and I’ve never forgotten the wonder of it all.”
Kathi said this:
“Loved swimming there.”
The Spa’s Beginnings
Until March 1953, when the Spa first opened, if you wanted to swim in or around Anchorage, you had one choice… It had to be summer, and you had to swim in a lake. Or with your rubber ducky in the bathtub.
Then on March 31, 1952, a man named Edwin Suddock, a wholesale grocer, and his wife Mary, made a welcome announcement. They were going to build a private, indoor swimming pool in Anchorage.
The location for the pool was at 1720 F Street between West 16th and 17th Avenues. The location was just above what would later become the Valley of the Moon Park.
The initial cost estimate was $40,000 dollars. Today, that would be well over $400,000 dollars.
Charter Memberships
As a private pool, Spa memberships that allowed access for your immediate family were initially offered for 200 dollars, or around 2,000 dollars in today’s money.
In less than 2 hours, they sold 35 memberships. 2 months later, they had sold 200.
The Original Plan
A smaller initial pool concept of a 30 by 40 foot pool was updated to 30 by 60 feet. The addition of a children’s splash pool also increased the cost of memberships.
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The March 1953 Grand Opening
Over 300 members enjoyed the new facility. The final cost came in at $95,000 dollars, or roughly $935,000 dollars in today’s money.
Everyone loved the south-facing wall of glass.
An aquatic ballet performer named Joyce Dillman was the Spa’s first lifeguard and swimming instructor.
Mary of Anchorage Memories
As a student at Central Junior High, I remember being bussed to the Spa in late fall.
“I didn’t know how to swim, so I started with a group as a beginner. Other students were in the intermediate group.
When our swimming lessons were over, everyone else had advanced to the next level. Everyone but me and one other student. We started and left as beginners who never learned to swim.
At the end of each session I remember walking out into the crisp, cold air and getting back on the bus with my long, wet, steaming hair. Ugh!”
The Fort Richardson Field House
Interestingly, a swimming pool was also built on Fort Richardson for military personnel and their dependents about the same time as the Spa.
The West High School Pool
On June 19, 1972, a public indoor pool opened at West High School. At 42 by 75 feet it was larger than the Spa’s pool and no membership was required.
The Spa’s Last Days
There are no references to “the Spa” after 1977, so it’s not clear when the Spa closed its doors.
The structure around the pool was torn down in 1983.
Hal Manning, the new owner, built around the pool and called the new facility the “Country Club” or the “Club House”.
Mike’s Memories
I remember driving by the Spa with my family when I was a boy. The big glass wall of windows looked very intriguing to me. And the shape of the building was very different from other Anchorage buildings.
While I was at Clark Junior High, I remember when we were told that we would be taken to the Spa by bus. There we would receive swimming lessons and that those of us who didn’t know how to swim would learn how.
Following our lessons, we had an open house where each of us made a solo dive into the pool and swam to the far side… When it was my turn, I didn’t dive very well and ended up doing a major “belly flop” in front of a room full of parents. Ouch!
Visit our website
A treasure chest of stories, pictures, and videos of the Anchorage we all love.
Take a look at Anchorage Memories.com and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Like most of you, I have fond memories of my family driving by the Spa, then I eventually got to swim there, if only for a short time during school.
So, Mary and I of Anchorage Memories hope you have enjoyed this stroll (or swim) down another great memory of days gone by in Anchorage.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our edition about Anchorage pioneer, Nellie Brown. She and her husband, Jack, lived near Green Lake for a time.
Jackie remembers Green Lake:
“Ah, Green Lake. I spent a lovely, sunny day there back in the 50s with my dear friend Cherie, whose dad was military. Beautiful setting and a really carefree afternoon. Thanks for the background info.”
Rozanne had a close connection with Nellie Brown:
“I love stories about her. I worked for her a couple of times while she was still living in her government hill home.”
Helen had this observation:
“I never realized that the earliest pioneers in Anchorage would have gotten their mail in Eagle River, on the Iditarod Trail, but of course, that makes perfect sense.”
Get in Touch
After our look at the Spa Swimming Pool, is your hair dry yet?
The Spa Swimming Pool is a great memory for so many people who live, or used to live, in Anchorage.
What are your Spa Swimming Pool memories? You can connect with us by replying to this email, or you can Contact Us to say, “I still remember my steaming hair on a cold winter day as I boarded my school bus after a swim at the Spa.”
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage Memories VIP Club Podcast at anchoragememories.substack.com/subscribe
As the story goes, when the Anchorage Times Newspaper reporters got off work in the 1960s, they would head over to Club 25.
Once there, they would buy Nellie Brown a beer (her favorite was Olympia) and she would tell stories about the very early days of Anchorage.
They Met in Cordova, Alaska
John “Jack” Brown met Nellie Edith Shepard in Cordova, Alaska in 1911.
The two were married on May 1, 1912, in Cordova and soon after traveled by boat to upper Cook Inlet and Ship Creek, where Jack began working as a Forest Ranger.
Ship Creek Flats in 1912
A tent on Ship Creek, that served as the Forest Service office, was also the Brown’s home when they first arrived in what would become Anchorage.
Early homesteaders, J.D. “Bud” Whitney and his wife Daisy, had built a 10-foot by 14-foot cabin that later become the Brown’s home. The Browns made their furniture out of grocery store crates.
When Nellie Brown spoke of the area back then, she said:
“It was very peaceful and quiet. Nothing unusual happened.”
Things were very spread out in those days. The Browns got their mail in Eagle River at a road house along the Iditarod Trail. And for supplies they had to go all the way across Cook Inlet to Knik.
In 1913, Jack and Nellie built their own three-room cabin on Ship Creek flats.
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Alaska Railroad Days
In 1914, things changed when the railroad set up camp and a “tent City” full of railroad workers sprang up on the muddy banks of Ship Creek.
The Brown Chicken Ranch
Have You Heard of “Green Lake”?
In 1920, the Brown’s moved to a homestead about five miles out of Anchorage on Green Lake, where they built a log cabin and a chicken house. They named the area “Alderbrook”.
In 1940, the land was selected by the U.S. Army Air Force to become Elmendorf Field, now Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The Browns sold the Alderbrook homestead for $2,500 dollars.
He Met the Browns in Cordova
Alaskan artist Sydney Laurence had met Nellie’s family in Cordova and remained a close friend of the Browns, who had a collection of Sydney Laurence paintings.
BONUS
Take a look at the fascinating life of Alaska artist Sydney Laurence and discover.
348 Harvard Avenue
Nellie and Jack returned to Anchorage in 1925 and in 1927 they moved into a cottage on Government Hill at 349 Harvard Avenue, where they stayed for most of their lives.
Nellie’s Diner
Nellie Brown holds a cake shaped like her diner seen in the background
In the 1940s, a surplus railroad passenger car became “Nellie’s Diner” in Anchorage. It was a success. Nationally known comedian Joe E. Brown even ate there when visiting Anchorage.
BONUS
Visit Anchorage Memories.com
A treasure chest of memories of Anchorage, Alaska
Take a look at Anchorage Memories and enjoy.
There is More to the Story
There is so much more to this story. But we’ll have to leave the Browns this way.
Jack Brown passed away in 1972
Nellie Brown continued to live on Government Hill until she moved to the Alaska Pioneer Home in Palmer. She passed away in 1978 at the age of 86 after living over 60 years in Anchorage.
BONUS
Would you like to know more?
Take a look at Jack and Nellie Brown and enjoy.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Anchorage Memories VIP Club edition about Joe Spenard.
Gene sent in this comment:
“My memories of Spenard are wonderful.
Our band was the house band for The Lake Shore Club, later the Fancy Moose, the Flying Machine, etc.
The Youngbloods (“Get Together) with Jesse Collin Young played there and named a song on their album for beautiful lake Spenard.”
A Note from Mike and Mary
Did you enjoy this edition of the Anchorage Memories VIP Club and Podcast?
The pioneers, who first came to the mouth of ship creek and helped begin the town of Anchorage, were a hearty bread.
Do you have a comment? or did you know Nellie Brown? We’d love to hear from you. To connect with us, just reply to this email, or Contact Us to say, “I love the Anchorage Memories VIP Club”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage Memories VIP Club Podcast at anchoragememories.substack.com/subscribe
Passengers on Cruise Ships enjoy part of the Tongass National Forest’s 11,000 miles of Southeastern Alaska coastline. 80 percent of Alaska’s southeast panhandle.
The national forest designation was made in 1907 by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.
The Tongass National Forest is home to 32 communities and 70,000 people.
Called the “Crown Jewel” by the U.S. Forest Service, the Tongass, a vast forest, is the largest U.S. National forest at nearly 17 million acres. Or, twice the size of the state of Maryland.
For comparison, the second-largest U.S. National forest is the Chugach National Forest, in Southcentral Alaska, with nearly 7 million acres.
Origin of the Name
The name “Tongass” comes from the Tongass clan of the Tlingit peoples in Southeastern Alaska.
It’s Big
The Tongass National Forest is the largest, intact temperate Rainforest in the world.
What Grows There?
The canopy of the forest consists of yellow cedar, spruce, and hemlock trees. While the ground is covered by ferns and moss.
The Tongass National Forest is populated by the biggest trees in Alaska.
It Rains a Lot on the Tongass
Rainfall varies from 26 inches in Skagway, to 225 inches in Little Port Walter on Baranof Island.
In the Good Ol’ Summertime
Temperatures in the Tongass range in the 50s and 60s. So, it’s mild.
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They Live There
Did you know that more bald eagles live in the Tongass National Forest than any other place on earth?
19 areas of the Tongass are designated as wilderness.
You’ll See a Lot of Fish
Waterways in the Tongass National Forest produce a massive number of Pacific salmon, earning the nickname, “America’s Salmon Forest”.
A View from the Deck
Nearly one million people visit the Tongass National Forest each year. Most are passengers on cruise ships.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
We received this comment about our Club 25 edition that mentioned tent city.
Avril wrote:
“Thank you so much for the recent history, I had no idea about tent city, I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Do You Have a Comment?
You can easily send us your comments. Just reply to this email.
Or, you can Contact Us now to say, “I' visited the Tongass National Forest”.
Mike and Mary
Can you say, “Wow, the Tongass National Forest is large!”
Have you ever seen the Tongass from the deck of a cruise ship?
Mike and Mary trust that you enjoyed this edition of the Anchorage Memories VIP Club and Podcast. Alaska is a gigantic place with many stories to tell.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage Memories VIP Club Podcast at anchoragememories.substack.com/subscribe
For residents and visitors alike, the building in the picture above is a familiar site in Anchorage’s downtown area of 4th Avenue.
But our story doesn’t begin here.
This edition of the Anchorage Memories VIP Club Podcast is really three stories in one.
It’s the story of the Wendler family, what would become Anchorage’s Club 25 and how Wendler Junior High School got its name.
On July 5, 1915, as the Steam Ship Mariposa made its way into Cook Inlet. Passengers were greeted by the sight of unspoiled wilderness… and the feeling of excitement for what they would find just ahead of them at the mouth of Ship Creek.
On board the Mariposawas Anton J. “A.J” or “Tony” Wendler, his wife Florence and their daughters, Myrtle and Clarice.
Wendler first came to Alaska in 1909 and settled in Valdez.
But here they were on a steam ship in Cook Inlet, about to join the early settlers of a “tent city” that had sprung up along the banks of Ship Creek. Most were there to build and work on the Alaska Railroad.
Everyone else was there to make a living serving the growing community that would become Anchorage, Alaska. And to build a home in this new and untamed land.
Welcome to what would become Anchorage
As soon as the Wendlers came ashore at Ship Creek, they had to put together a tent they could call home.
They put together two tents. One to sleep in and one they used as a kitchen and place to take their meals.
The surroundings were crude at best.
Tree stumps were everywhere. It was muddy, dirty and everyone had to haul water from Ship Creek. The Kimura family, who ran “H&M Hand Laundry”, said that clothing they were given to wash by the early residents was full of lice.
BONUS
Would you like to know more about Tent City?
Take a look at this City of Anchorage, Tent City story and discover.
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A Grocery and General Store
Tony Wendler, and a man named Ray T. Larson, quickly put together a wooden frame and tent structure where they operated a grocery and general store.
Ray Larson may have previously partnered with Wendler and the two had come up on the Mariposa together, bringing the necessary supplies to open their grocery and general store. We don’t know. But it sounds likely.
July 10, 1915
Just 5 days after they first landed in tent city, the Wendlers purchased a lot on the Southwest corner of 4th Avenue and I Street for $555 dollars.
Late that same summer, they built the first grocery store in Anchorage.
It was called “Larson & Wendler Grocery”.
The store included living quarters for the Wendler family.
5 Years Later in 1920
Tony Wendler went to work for the Alaskan Engineering Commission as the supervisor of the Cold Storage Department. The Alaska Engineering Commission later became the Alaska Railroad.
That same year, in 1920, “Larson & Wendler Grocery” was closed.
Following the close of the store, Florence Wendler turned the building into a boarding house.
Club 25
In 1948, Florence and her daughters decided that what the town needed, was a club for women only. An upscale, elegant and private get away for the women of Anchorage.
Not to worry guys… men were later welcomed.
Club 25 was considered one of Anchorage’s finest restaurants for nearly 30 years.
Myrtle Wendler Stalnaker owned and operated Club 25 until 1982.
Relocation
Originally located at 4th and I Streets, where the Captain Cook Hotel is now located, the Wendler Building (Club 25) was relocated in 1985 to its current location at 400 D. Street.
The Oldest
The Wendler Building is the oldest commercial building in Anchorage.
The Alaska Centennial Commission dedicated this plaque to the Wendler Building in 1976.
The Wendler Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
A.J. Wendler Junior High
(now Middle School)
A.J. “Tony” Wendler had a heart for the education of our Anchorage youth.
Shortly after arriving in what was then just a tent city, Wendler became active in the development of the first school in Anchorage by convincing the government to come up with $36,000 thousand dollars for the project.
He later became a member of the first School Board in Anchorage.
From 1915 to 1916, Wendler was also the first president of the Chamber of Commerce.
In 1959, The A.J. Wendler Junior High School was named in his honor.
Curious about Club 25
As a boy and a young man, passing by the building, I was always fascinated by the way it looked, and I was curious about its origins… Now we know.
Did you ever go into Club 25 or have dinner there?
BONUS
Read more about A.J. “Tony” Wendler right now.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
After our look at the Kimura family.
Don sent us this comment:
“We knew the Kimura family well. I was more acquainted with the children of George and Kaz; Kathy, Roger, and Wayne. We all bowled together.
I graduated from West with Kathy. Jim got me started in soil work in Anchorage. Jim and I both got our bachelor's degrees in geology at Alaska Methodist University. Jim and his wife Kathy both taught in the Anchorage School System.
Nikko Garden was one of our favorite dining spots. It was where we saw the most of George and Kaz. We also knew of Sam and his photo studio off Jewel Lake Road.”
And Dennis offered this:
“I had a friend named Chris, who, I believe, was a nephew of George. Chris was the first bar tender at Nikko Garden, and they hired me as a bus boy!I got to eat after closing with the whole staff!
When I got married, my wife and I were gifted with dinner at Nikko! Still married 58 years later! Great people! Thanks for the memories!”
Avril shared this memory:
“I remember Nikko Gardens when I lived in Anchorage in the 70s, and yes, it was the place to go. The food was fabulous. Thank you for the wonderful story, and I look forward to going down memory lane again”.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Club 25 and the Wendler Building have been an important part of Anchorage for many years.
Are you enjoying the Anchorage Memories VIP Club Podcast? You can send us your comments by replying to this email. Or, you can Contact Us to say., “I went to Club 25 in Anchorage.”
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage Memories VIP Club Podcast at anchoragememories.substack.com/subscribe
Our story begins, one afternoon, long ago.
Somewhere between the newsreel and the main movie, I sat there, a young boy in the 4th Avenue Theater, when an ad filled the screen.
The first thing I noticed was that it was for a local Anchorage business. I had heard the name, “Snow White Laundry and Cleaners” many times before, but knew nothing about them. I became fascinated as I watched their movie theater ad.
Snow White Laundry and Cleaners got its humble start back in the days when Anchorage was just a “tent City”.
It was muddy, crude, and only there because of the Alaska Railroad.
Welcome to Anchorage, Alaska around 1914, 1915 and 1916. It was simply a “tent city” that sprang up around the mouth of Ship Creek.
“Harry” Kimura and his wife Katsuki moved from Seattle to what was then Anchorage and took over a small hand laundry from a relative, and gave it the name, H&K Hand Laundry. It was located near 5th Avenue and C Street.
By the way, there was no running water.
Chop Suey House
Then, as if he didn’t have enough to do, Harry opened the Chop Suey House in a small building next door to the laundry.
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The Kimura family grew to include:
Sam, who went on to become a professional photographer and taught at the University of Anchorage, Alaska for 23 years. His wife, Joan, an Anchorage artist, designed the seal for the city of Anchorage. William “Bill” Kimura, who became a painter, sculptor, and teacher. And George, who ran Kimura restaurants like the Golden Pheasant Café’ and Nikko Garden.
World War II
In 1941, Harry Kimura was locked in a barracks at Anchorage’s Fort Richardson as part of America’s wartime “internment” program.
During that time, his son George was in basic training and was given MP duty outside that same detention center.
At some point, the Kimuras left Anchorage.
Snow White Laundry and Cleaners
Following World War II, the Kimuras returned to Anchorage and expanded their H&K Hand Laundry into Snow White Laundry and Cleaners.
Along the way, they also opened a restaurant called “The Golden Pheasant Café on D Street between 4th and 5th Avenues.
Nikko Garden
Opened in 1966 and located on Spenard Road near Spenard Lake, Nikko Garden was Anchorage’s finest Oriental restaurant.
It quickly became, “the” place to go in Anchorage.
A Very Special Note:
For many years, Mary and I celebrated our wedding anniversary with dinner in one of those memorable private rooms in Nikko Garden.
Today, that restaurant location is but a fond memory for so many Alaskans.
In 1979, Nikko Garden burned down.
I was a news videographer for KTVA at the time and following the fire, I was assigned to go inside and shoot video of the charred remains. I can still remember the strange, tragic sight of the pond that ran the length of the restaurant.
It was covered with black soot and burnt debris was floating in the once beautiful water.
Now, even though it’s gone, we will always have the wonderful memories of that fine Kimura restaurant.
Nikko Garden – Gwennie’s Connection
Anchorage Memories did a story about Gwennie’s Old Alaskan Restaurant in Spenard.
Gwennie told us that when her and her mother first came to Anchorage, they rented an apartment from the Kimura family and got to know them.
Then one evening, many years later, Gwennie decided to drive down Spenard road from her restaurant and visit Nikko Garden.
When she walked into the restaurant and George Kimura saw her, he nearly fainted because he hadn’t seen her in so many years.
BONUS
To learn more about this remarkable Anchorage pioneer family.
Take a kook at the Anchorage’s Kimura Family and discover.
What our North Stars (that’s you) Have to Say
Juanita sent us this comment:
I’ve learned a lot about my hometown and you’ve jogged memories of things I haven’t thought about for years. I can only say YAY!
Diana had this to say:
Well done and thank you for the trip down memory lane.
Patti shared this memory:
I remember going to the movies as a kid at the old 4th Avenue Theater. You could watch a movie for a cereal box top and 10-25 cents on Saturday.
Connect with Us
Do you remember Nikko Garden? Do you know anyone in the Kimura family?
You can send us your comments by replying to this email, or you can Contact Us to say, I remember Nikko Garden.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage Memories VIP Club Podcast at anchoragememories.substack.com/subscribe
They look peaceful enough, but a moose is still a wild animal and they can be dangerous.
Here are some fun stories of moose encounters in and around Anchorage, Alaska.
Cindy sent us this one
“Adam and the Moose”
“It’s hard to believe that anyone who has lived in Anchorage does not have a moose story.
Adam had a “Close Encounter of the Moose Kind”. We were going out for a bike ride. I set the bike on the sidewalk and my toddler grandson, Adam, climbed on. As I was pushing him towards the driveway (my head was down, watching him) I noticed two unfamiliar brown tree trunks directly ahead.
Confused for a second, I thought, “I don’t have trees in the driveway“.
But they were not tree trunks. Instead, they were the front legs of a yearling moose - close enough for an immediate head-on collision!
I swooped up Adam, and bolted back into the house. We watched the young moosie from the safety of the living room’s bay window. Needless to say, Adam was very put out that we came back inside before he got his bike ride. As for me, I’m pretty sure that’s the day my hair started turning gray.”
And Rose told us her moose story
“There was a Moose in my Way”
“In the dead of winter in 1973, I took a shower at a friend's house who lived in the foothills of Anchorage (sorry, don't recall the name of the road). He was a young man, living at his parents' house, and he had basically snuck me in when no one was home, so I could take a shower, since where I was living did not have one.
While I was showering, his mother called him to tell him she was coming home in a few minutes to have lunch, and she asked that he be there. He panicked and told me I had to clear out before she got home.
My long hair was dripping wet, and I was very angry about having to leave the house in temperatures below zero in such a hurry. I set out on foot down their dirt road to get to the main road where I could hitch a ride.
All of a sudden, this very tall and large moose ran out in front of me from my left side, snorting with steam coming out of his nose. He just stood there glaring at me and blocking my way to the main road. I was so cold and angry that I yelled at him, "What do you want? Get out of my way, I'm not having a very good day!"
He stood there snorting at me for a moment and then turned his backside to me and ran on down the road. He had evidently decided that I was some kind of critter he did not want to tangle with. I was able to walk on and make it to the main road where a very nice woman in a warm car pulled over and gave me a ride home.
I will never forget the look on that moose's face when I told him to get out of my way. I did not know what he was going to do, but I am so grateful he didn't come after me.”
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Connect with Us
Did you enjoy these “Close Encounters of the Moose Kind”?
When you live in Alaska, you can experience all kinds of adventures, like finding yourself a little too close to wildlife… like a moose, a bear or?
Do you have a comment? Or do you have a close encounter with an Alaska moose story you would like to share? You can contact us at Anchorage Memories.com
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage Memories VIP Club Podcast at anchoragememories.substack.com/subscribe
In 1908, Seldovia’s “main street” was built along the beach and was only accessible at low tide.
You’ll find this Alaska town of about 255 people, located on the shores of Katchamak Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, about 246 miles from Anchorage.
However, you can only get there by boat or airplane. There are no roads connecting Seldovia with the rest of Alaska.
Athabascans, Aleuts, and Eskimos were the first to discover the area. They set up camps, fished and hunted in and around Katchamak Bay.
How Seldovia Got its Name
In the late 1700s, Russian explorers arrived and noticed a heavy population of herring in the waters of the bay. They named it “Zaliv Seldevoy”, which means, “Herring Bay”.
The Russians built a trading post and church in the area.
The Gold Rush
While Seldovia had a trading post, the Alaska Gold Rush made them a transportation hub.
Cook Inlet around Katchamak Bay was open during the winter.
Because of that, prospectors from all over the world journeyed to Seldovia to board steamers headed to the gold fields in the upper Cook Inlet.
The Seldovia Salmon Company
Beginning in 1910, the Seldovia Salmon Company began operation. Its success brought canneries who packed herring, shrimp, halibut crab and more.
Sadly, following the 1964 Alaska earthquake, the canneries closed.
Fox Farms
In the 1920s, raising foxes in the area around Seldovia was a big business. At one time, those farms were all over the south shore of Katchamak Bay.
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The Boardwalk
Seldovia was originally built along the waterfront. Settlers had to use the beach at low tide to get to homes and businesses.
Then, in the late 1920s, the community came together to create a wooden boardwalk. The boardwalk was constructed so it could be used regardless of what stage, high or low, the tide was in.
The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake
It was Good Friday, 1964, when suddenly, a peaceful afternoon was shattered by a 9.2 earthquake that savagely shook for 5 long minutes.
The land in Seldovia dropped many feet and the waterfront community was threatened by high tides, reaching as high as 32 feet. The boardwalk, businesses, and homes were flooded by water from Katchamak Bay.
The Seldovia waterfront has since been rebuilt and there is still a section of wooden planks that locals call, “the new boardwalk”.
BONUS
Do you want to know more about Seldovia?
Take a look at Seldovia, Alaska and discover.
Yes, Seldovia has bounced back several times.
So, if you’ve never visited this unique Alaska community on the shores of Katchamak Bay, you need to put it on your list of places to go.
BONUS
To enjoy more stories, photos, and videos, visit Anchorage Memories.com and enjoy.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
From our look at Anchorage Movie Theatre Memories.
Helen sent us this:
“Lots of wonderful memories of these great old theaters, it was always a treat to go to a good movie and get hot buttered popcorn and a cold Coke! And I remember the Billiken Drive-in in Muldoon - my mom was the short-order cook there for a couple of seasons!”
And Patti remembers this:
“We used to be able to go to a movie for a cereal box top and a dime. I don't remember if it was Post box top or another one. That was our favorite treat, after we got our chores done.”
Jackie commented too:
“I don't remember which theater it was, probably the Denali, but in the later 1950s Grandma and I went to see (for reasons unknown) one of those black-and-white scary films. All I remember about it is that during one pivotal scene, Grandma shouted out “LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU!” and I was mortally embarrassed! But I caused my own embarrassment at the 4th Avenue Theater during “Lady and the Tramp” when I thought Trusty the bloodhound had been killed. My sobs were so loud, I'm sure they were heard all over the theater.
I loved that you mentioned Frank Butte in the Anchorage movie theatre memories edition, as well as your own scary KTVA story. He was our beloved church organist/choir director in the 60s. Terrific musician, fun to sing under, and he played at our wedding. Wonderful man.”
And Michael remembers this:
“Thanks for sharing the history of Anchorage movie theaters. Great story about The Brain That Wouldn't Die. The movie still scares the heck out of me to this day… lol”
Eric made this observation:
“I was in the 4th Avenue Theater with a friend in the early 70s. He was an intelligent quirky guy, and he said look up, that's what the Big Dipper looks like from the opposite side of the Universe. And he was right, the Big Dipper was reversed on the ceiling.”
Connect with Us
Did you enjoy this look at the town of Seldovia, Alaska?
If you have a comment, or a suggestion, you can reach us by replying to this email. Or you can Contact Us to say, “I’ve been on the boardwalk in Seldovia”.
By the way, are you enjoying the addition of our podcast feature? Please let us know.
Until next time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
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In 1916, during his first year in Anchorage, the Anchorage Daily Times wrote the following:
“Joe Spenard caused considerable excitement Saturday afternoon when he attempted to drive his yellow car through the doors of Robarts Pool Hall. He made the attempt for a box of cigars promised him by Jack Robarts if he accomplished the feat: otherwise, he was to pay the damages. Joe is still smoking his pipe.”
Joseph “Joe” Arthur Spenard was born in 1879 in Ottawa, Canada. Around 1906, he married Edith Lewellyn.
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Alaska, Here We Come
In 1909, Spenard and his wife arrived in Valdez, where he opened a second hand business. When things were slow, he pushed a handcart filled with merchandise through the streets.
The pushcart developed into a transfer business in 1913 which he advertised as City Express, a delivery, and taxi service.
The Tent City Days
Joe and his wife moved to Anchorage in 1916 when it was still a tent city, where Joe continued his City Express service.
He used an REO truck and attached a sign to his radiator with yellow letters.
“Time and Tide will Not Wait,
But City Express is Never Late”
Always a showman, Spenard would run ads like the following that appeared in the Anchorage Daily Times on June 26, 1916.
“Of all the cars both big and small
The Yellow car just beats them all
Complete satisfaction, nothing less
Is given by the City Express”
Joe Spenard bought a yellow suit with a matching plug hat and wore the rather gaudy outfit on special occasions and as often as he could.
On May 1916, the Cook Inlet Pioneer (later, the Anchorage Daily News) reported the following.
“The genial, fun-loving Joe Spenard played the part of Santa Clause to about a hundred school children yesterday. Joe dressed in his famous suit of yellow with top hat to match, took the youngsters in relays for an auto ride through the streets of Anchorage, and judging from the smile Joe wore and the singing and laughter of the children, the pleasure was mutual.”
The Tale of Lake Spenard
About 5 miles out of town was a lake. Known as Jeter Lake (an unofficial title) named after a homesteader named Thomas Jeter.
But the lake was in the Chugach National Forest and closed to homesteading. Thomas Jeter had to move.
Not long after, the land was opened to homesteading and Joe Spenard took up a 160 acre homestead that included the lake.
Spenard set out to develop the lake and surrounding land into a full-scale resort, complete with a roadhouse, bathhouses, and a bathing beach.
The Creation of Spenard Road
Needing access to his resort, Joe Spenard persuaded members of the local Anchorage Elks Club to help him cut trees and build a trail, (a corduroy road) from 9th Avenue and L Street across Chester and Fish Creek valleys to the lake.
That trail is now Spenard road.
Spenard Lake Resort
Joe’s Spenard Lake and dance pavilion became very popular with Anchorage residents.
But on the night of May 24, 1917, a fire, thought to be set by careless hunters, destroyed Joe Spenard’s houses, dance pavilion, picnic area and other improvements.
The End of Their Time in Anchorage
Health problems caused Joe to sell his yellow car and business ventures.
The Spenards left for the lower 48 in 1917 for the winter, with plans to return in the spring. But they never did.
Spenard Lake Came Back from the Ashes
The lake continued to be a popular summer and winter place for recreation for Anchorage residents.
In the winter, Spenard Beach Park was a popular place to ice skate. And in the summer, as many as 8 hundred residents and visitors would swim there on weekends.
The First U.S. President Visits
In 1923, President Warren G. Harding became the first U.S. President to visit Alaska.
President Harding came to dedicate the Alaska Railroad.
While he was in Anchorage, he spent part of an afternoon at Spenard Lake.
Anchorage’s Largest Neighborhood
In 1975, Spenard was a separate city and Anchorage’s largest Neighborhood.
Between 1935 and 1950, Spenard’s population went from 3,000 to 47,000 residents.
In 1949, the first Post Office was established in Spenard.
Here is that story.
The Spenard Post Office
Photos and memories courtesy of John Parker
1949, the sign on the Quonset building reads “Post Office Spenard, Alaska”.
It was the first building on the corner of Spenard Road and Fireweed. A second building was added later on and a building that is now home to Chilkoot Charlie’s.
The Story
The Quonset buildings were purchased from Army Surplus in Seward.
John Parker’s father, Ken Parker, went to Seward by train in 1947 to purchase the Quonset building which was then erected on the site above in Spenard in 1948. The building served as the Post Office and Parker’s Store, the first department store in Spenard.
1950, John Parker, his brothers Dave and Don and Grandmother Carrie in front of the Post Office and Parker’s Store.
The second Quonset building was purchased in 1949 to accommodate rapid growth. At that time, one building was the Post Office and the other was the store.
The buildings had to be brought from Seward to Spenard by the Alaska Railroad because the Seward Highway had not yet been built.
The Quonset buildings were replaced by a new brick building in 1952.
It is still there today.
The Only Postmaster Spenard Ever Had
John Parker’s mother, Nancy Parker, was appointed Postmaster in 1948. She was the only Postmaster Spenard ever had,
In 47, a new Post Office was built on Fireweed Lane by Bid Irwin.
In an article dated August 9, 1949, in the Spenard Advertiser, a newsletter distributed to residents and businesses, Nancy Parker wrote:
“Spenard Business Boom Continues
A recent survey listed 21 home owned businesses and 4 Anchorage owned businesses in Spenard… Spenard is rapidly becoming self sufficient”
What Would Joe Spenard Think?
Today, Spenard is considered one of Anchorage’s more “colorful” communities, with more than its share of characters.
It occurs to me that Joe Spenard had a lot in common with modern-day Doug Haggar, also known as “Mr. Whitekeys”. And I suspect that Joe Spenard would have enjoyed Mr. Whitkeys Spenard show, “The Whale Fat Follies”. You know, “the show the Spenard Chamber of Commerce doesn’t want you to see.”
Contact Us
Did You Ever Live in Spenard?
Mary and I lived there for many years. Three of the great things about living in Spenard were being close to Mike’s work at KTVA channel 11 when it was located in Spenard, and being close to Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant… and Nikko Garden.
Do you havea comment? You can reach us by replying to this email. Or, if you want to say, “I lived in Spenard”, you can Contact Us right now.
Until next time
Mike & Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
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Alaska has long been a magnet for colorful characters. In its early days, Anchorage had Joe Spenard and Russian Jack. During the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway had “Soapy” Smith. And you have probably heard of others.
Many years ago, the Inuit Eskimo and Tanaina Indians settled about 125 miles southwest of what would become Anchorage, on the Kenai Peninsula.
Gold
Then, in the late 1800s, a mining company promoter and con man came to an area where a spit of land goes out into Kachemak Bay. He passed himself off as a gold prospector, even though gold mining had never been profitable in the area.
The con man built living quarters for a crew that would mine for gold. Men, who were working in near-by fish canneries, were lured to the scam because of the living quarters the man offered.
Miners crowded into the area, but the gold mining venture failed.
By 1902, the area was all but abandoned.
About a year after the con man arrived in the area… he was gone.
Coal
In the 1890s, coal was discovered in the area.
The Cook Inlet Coal Fields Company built a town, dock, railroad, and a coal mine.
Coal mining continued in the area until World War II. There are still about 400 million tons of coal in the area.
The Beginning of a Town
From around 1910 to 1920, homesteaders settled in the area, where the coal mine town had begun.
But this new town needed a name.
For some unknown reason, it was decided that the new town would bear the name of the con man who had claimed to be a gold prospector. His name was Homer Pennock and that’s his picture at the top of this edition.
And so, Homer, Alaska was born.
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You can easily share this with them, and when you do, they will be so happy that they will give you a lifetime supply of your favorite cookies… well, it could happen.
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Did you know?
Homer, Alaska, is the Halibut fishing capital of the world.
And
Homer has a population of about 5,500 people.
BONUS
Do you want to know more about Homer, Alaska?
Take a look at Homer, Alaska and discover.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
Our look at favorite restaurants in Anchorage brought these comments:
Molly wrote in to say:
“some of my favorite restaurants are, the Garden of Eatin, the Rice Bowl, Legal Pizza, Flippers (or Flippy’s) and Harry’s”.
Larry said:
“I really liked Elevation 92, Clinkerdaggers and The Corsair”.
And Sam wrote this:
“The Lucky Wishbone story was a great one and brought back many a great memory. Dad owned the property on 5th Ave between Pop Hodleys grocery store and a little ways down towards Merrill Field. I don't know the exact street, but that is where my dad started Alaska Towing and Wrecking. So The Lucky Wishbone was one of our hang-outs as kids”.
Michael Remembers this:
“My earliest memory of eating at a restaurant in Anchorage was at the White Spot when it was located at 412 C street. This was probably in 1969 or 1970. We had just moved to Alaska (Bethel) in 1968, so it was a treat to have a hamburger there back in the day. Will always remember that!”
Don wrote this:
“My memory recalls Klinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Petts, the original Rice Bowl along E. 5th; then to E. 6th and now The Rice Garden off Sitka St. and E 5th. The Nikko Gardens, and The Garden of Eatin''; both in Spenard.
Connect with Us
Did you learn something new about Homer, Alaska? We certainly did.
And thank you to all our North Stars for the great comments about your favorite Anchorage restaurants.
Do you have a comment? Just reply to this email, or you can Contact Us to say, “I caught a Halibut in Homer”.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage Memories VIP Club at anchoragememories.substack.com/subscribe
He had no money, and no job prospects on the horizon.
So, in 1929, during the Great Depression, he was able to sneak on board the SS Aleutian steamship, headed for Seward, Alaska.
Once in Seward, he made his way to Anchorage, where he found work, driving a delivery truck for Standard Oil.
Later, he began a fur trading business using dog teams and chartered planes to reach remote Alaska villages.
His fur trading company led him into the aviation business.
Meet Linious “Mac” McGee.
He never learned to fly because he was more interested in business and organization, than aviation.
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How it Began
In 1931, McGee partnered with an Alaska Bush pilot named Harvey W. Barnhill.
The two purchased a three-seat Stinson aircraft and began Barnhill and McGee Airways in Anchorage.
About a year later, in 1932, McGee bought out Barnhill’s share of the company. Then, after purchasing another Stinson aircraft, McGee started McGee Airways. It was one of the first air services in Anchorage.
Over the next two years, McGee Airways grew into a fleet of seven Stinson aircraft.
With all the same planes, McGee reasoned that they could interchange parts, which would make it easier to maintain flight schedules.
1934
McGee sold his airline to Anchorage based, Star Air Service, but stayed on as the manager for several years.
1937
He later decided to get out of aviation all together.
By this time, McGee was involved in the mining industry and later retired at the age of 73.
Star Air Service became Star Airlines
Then, in 1942, Star Airlines was sold, and the name was changed to Alaska Star Airlines.
The Beginning of Alaska Airlines
Photo by Harley D. Nygren
In the picture above is a 1949, Alaska Airlines DC-3
In 1944, the company, that began as McGee Airways, was renamed for the last time. The new name is Alaska Airlines.
Yes, Alaska Airlines came about because of a 1929 stowaway named Linious “Mac” McGee who came to Anchorage, Alaska seeking a new life and opportunity in the Last Frontier.
BONUS
You can learn more about Linious “Mac” McGee and Alaska aviation history.
Take a look at McGee Airways: The Story Of Alaska Airlines' Predecessor and discover.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our look at Homer, Alaska
Jim sent us this comment:
“I listened to your podcast on how Homer, Alaska got its name. Very interesting and informative.”
And Sam shared this memory:
“What I remember most about homer is the homer spit. As a small boy, Dad and mom took out onto the spit, to dig for those huge muscle clams.
We filled a small gunny sack. Then, when we got home, mom made clam chowder with those huge chunks of clams in it. That was some good clam chowder. Another great memory.”
Jon had this question:
“I wonder if Homer Pennock had something to do with Pennock Island in Ketchikan?”
A Note from Anchorage Memories:
Yes, Jon, we looked it up and Pennock Island in Ketchikan is also named after Homer Pennock. He definitely got around Alaska.
And Arlise had this suggestion:
“I know of a little town not far from Homer you could mention, and maybe write a little somethin' about. Seldovia! What do you think? I grew up there and still have family and many friends there, so I may be a little partial.”
A Note from Anchorage Memories:
Arlis - great suggestion. Seldovia has a very interesting history. So yes, we will be creating an entire edition of the Anchorage Memories VIP Club podcast about Seldovia very shortly.
Connect with Us
Did you enjoy the story of Anchorage Pioneer, Linious “Mac” McGee and his contribution to Alaska aviation? We certainly did.
Do you have a comment? Just reply to this email. Or, you can Contact Us to say, “I flew with Alaska Airlines 243 times”.
And be looking for our Seldovia podcast edition of the Anchorage Memories VIP Club.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
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Author Mike Dougherty tells you this story.
The Anchorage Film Caper takes you on a spooky but humor-filled adventure through the basement of the deserted and badly damaged McKinley building following the 1964 Alaska earthquake.
When you were a teenager, did you ever do anything that you thought about later in life, laughed and said to yourself, “that was dumb.” Well, this story would be one of those moments.
In “The Anchorage Film Caper”, author, Michael R. Dougherty was a teen when he was sent into the abandoned basement of the McKinley Building after that building was badly damaged after the 1964 earthquake.
Mike was given a holstered 357 Magnum pistol to take with him. Do you see any potential trouble?
Read the Story
by Michael R Dougherty
There was someone lurking in the dark, empty corridor of the spooky abandoned building in downtown Anchorage, Alaska… or was there?
With a can filled with 16mm film clutched tightly under my left arm and a 357 magnum in my shaky right hand, I was ready for action as I nervously made my way to the KTVA channel 11 TV station film processor.
My destination was located in the all but empty basement of what was left of the downtown McKinley building following the 1964 Great Alaskan Earthquake.
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The Story Continues
At 18 years of age, I went to work at KTVA channel 11. It was after the earthquake and the downtown McKinley building, where KTVA and KNIK-FM were located, had been badly damaged. Following the quake, the building was unoccupied except for the studios and offices of channel 11 and KNIK-FM radio, where both were located on the building's first floor.
Not long after the earthquake, homeless people, drunks, and others would sometimes make their way into the building.
One night during KTVA's 10:00pm live news, an intoxicated man actually managed to make his way into the TV studio where he parted the curtains and stumbled onto the live TV news set. The man saw the lights and the cameras pointing at him, and said “huh?”, then turned and left the same way he stumbled in. And all on live TV.
My Anchorage Film Caper began one late afternoon.
Franklin Butte, the Chief Engineer, handed me a metal film can filled with unprocessed 16mm news film and told me to take it to the film processor which was located in the depths of the building.
I wasn't thrilled with the idea. But I took the film can and started for the basement when Frank stopped me with “hold it Mike… you may need this” and with that, he handed me a leather holstered 357 Magnum pistol.
Wide-eyed, I asked “what do I need this for?”
Frank shrugged his shoulders and said, “there may be drunks, burglars or who knows what down there”.
I managed a hard gulp, turned and started for the door to the basement, trying to act like what Frank had just said didn't bother me. But it did. A lot.
A few minutes later, as I reached the door to the basement, my imagination had kicked into high gear. What if I opened the door and someone was hiding in the stairwell? I nervously reached out and grabbed hold of the door nob.
Slowly I gave it a turn.
Gradually I opened the door and peered slowly into the beginning of the stairwell. The few shafts of dim light played games with my already nervous teenage mind. It looked like I was about to descend into the bowls of a dark, terrifying world.
Quickly I stepped into the stairwell, put the film can down on the floor, then stood back up and strapped on the gun holster. I bent back down and snatched up the cold, metal film can, took a deep breath and started my slow descent. One reluctant step at a time.
Later I found myself in an all too dark, dusty and very vacant hallway. I was breathing hard as I pulled the trusty 357 Magnum out of its holster and pointed the barrel toward my imaginary terror.
Then just like all the detectives in movies and TV shows, I started making my way down the hall, darting from side-to-side, pasted myself up against the wall at each corner of every hallway. Then I would jump out from the wall with my trusty gun in hand and still raised.
Like an idiot, I did that all the way down one hallway and then the other. I don't know how, but eventually, I found my way to the film processing room.
A strange sort of relief came over me as I ripped open the door and ran into the room where I quickly and nervously threw the 16mm film can on the counter, turned and ran back out into the hall.
Then I ran as fast as I could, like the scared chicken I was. I ran down the halls and then up the stairwell as fast as my wobbly legs would carry me.
At the top of the stairwell once again, I grabbed the door nob, pulled the door open as fast as I could and leaped into the lobby like a gun-totting ballet dancer.
Much to my relief, I was safely out of the basement. I composed myself as best I could and even unbuckled the gun belt in case someone saw me.
Moments later, I was still breathing hard, but I was safely back in the KTVA studios.
What a combination for disaster. A dark, earthquake ravaged, vacant building, a nervous, gun-toting 18-year-old idiot and whoever the poor soul was that my teenage imagination might encounter.
Thankfully, I was never asked to return to that spooky basement again. But I still have nightmares. Only now I'm the Anchorage, Alaska version of detective Sam Spade… no one would dare bother me.
The End
BONUS
At Anchorage Memories.com you can read more stories from 1964 earthquake survivors.
Take a look at the 1964 Earthquake in Anchorage, Alaska and discover.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From “My Alaska Commercial Fishing Adventure”
Rick sent us this comment:
“The toughest job for me (on the purse seiner fishing boat) was the long cork plunger and Caspar would keep yelling at me, “keep plunging, kid”.
I felt like my arms would fall off my body. The easiest job was jumping in the power skiff with a tow-line and keeping the boat from getting into the net. Those were the days. I loved it”.
And Jerry sent in this story request:
“There has to be a story on the Seldovia air strip.”
Connect with Us
This is Mike and Mary of Anchorage Memories,
The Anchorage Film Caper is a fun story, and listening to Mike tell his story made it even more fun.
Do you have a comment? You can get in touch with us by replying to this email.
Or, You can Contact Us right now to say, “I’m a 1964 earthquake survivor too.”
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
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During the long, cold dark of winter(not shown above), Anchorage movie theaters offered us a relief from the grip of Cabin Fever.
For two hours or more, you could enjoy a movie or two, if it was a double feature.
In the 1940s, 1950s, and into the early 1960s, you might also see a cartoon, a serial and, or a newsreel just before your movie.
Movies (and television) were our window on the world outside of Alaska.
The Empress Theater
Austin Eugene “Cap” Lathrop (October 1865–July 26, 1950) is considered to be “Alaska’s first home-grown millionaire”.
The Lathrop movie theater group began back in 1916 when Cap Lathrop built the Empress Theater (seen above) located on 4th Avenue near G Street. It was the very first movie theater in Anchorage.
At the time, movies were still silent.
In 1917, a 2/11 Kimball Organ was installed. Jim Orcutt was the organist.
Happily, I recall going to see movies at the Empress back in the early 1950s. The last movie I remember seeing (I think) at the Empress, was the 1953, “Invaders from Mars”.
The Empress closed in the 1950s.
BONUS
Some years later, KTVA channel 11, Chief Engineer Franklin Butte, used parts of the Empress theater’s Kimball organ in Uncle’s Pizza restaurant, managed by Chuck Martin. It is my understanding that the restaurant closed in the 1970s.
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The 4th Avenue Theatre
While the Empress was a grand theater in its time, the dream of Anchorage’s first movie palace started with construction of the 4th Avenue Theater in 1941.
But the world had other ideas, and World War II caused completion of the theater to be delayed until 1947.
Cap Lathrop really went all out for the 4th Avenue theater.
It was an Art Deco, Streamline Moderne and Art Moderne style building. The theater had a combined seating capacity of 1,100 (including the balcony). And you might not know this, but Cap Lathrop was not convinced that a concession stand was appropriate. Years later, we are all happy that one was added.
The 4th Avenue theater was a wonderful experience for Alaskans, and each of us have special memories of this movie theatre.
BONUS
What are your memories of the 4th Avenue movie theatre in downtown Anchorage, Alaska?
This 4th Avenue Theatre Memories e-book will bring back fond memories of Anchorage's movie theatre palace.
From the e-book:
“It was the perfect place in Anchorage to see a movie.
Imagine the first time you went to see a movie at Anchorage's famed 4th Avenue Theater.
Just standing there on the sidewalk in front of the theatre, looking at the colorful posters showing you what was playing and what would be playing in the weeks and months to come, was fun.
And as you approached the box office to get your movie tickets, you knew you were about to enter a special place.”
A Few Chapters from the Table of Contents
-
It was our Movie Palace
-
How the 4th Avenue Theatre was Created
-
4th Avenue Theatre, Hold the Butter
4th Avenue Theatre Memories will remind you of a time when going to see a movie was special.
Take a look at the 4th Avenue Theatre Memories e-book and enjoy.
The Denali Theater
Photo above by Orville Eggen
For those who came to Anchorage sometime after the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, some folks don’t realize that the Denali Theater wasn’t always located in Spenard.
Its original location was next to a bar on 4th Avenue. But as you can see by the picture above, the Denali sank to its theater marque during the 1964 earthquake. After that, it was relocated to Spenard.
The very first movie, I remember seeing at the Denali on 4th Avenue, ended up being a big mistake.
I was 15 years old at the time.
Me, my sister Anna and my brother Tom were walking downtown with our mom, Louise Dougherty. As we came closer to the Denali Theater, mom said, “hey, do you kids want to see a movie?” of course, we all got very excited and shouted “yes”. Then mom said, OK Mike, you’re the oldest, you get to choose the movie.”
When we found ourselves in front of the Denali, they had a sandwich board on the sidewalk with a display about the current movie they were showing.
I looked it over and said, “this one, Let’s see this one.”
In her wisdom, mom knew it was a mistake, and she said, “are you sure?”
Well, we ended up in the Denali where we saw the 1962 low – budget, black and white movie “The Brain that Wouldn’t Die”.
The movie was tame by today’s standards, but back then it scared me half to death. I think my brother Tom spent most of the time with his hands over his eyes.
The Fireweed Movie Theater
When it first opened in 1965, the Fireweed Theater was the largest movie theater in Alaska.
Among the many movies we remember seeing at the fireweed were “2001 a Space Odyssey”, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Herbie the Love Bug”. for the Love Bug”, they displayed a Volkswagen in the lobby, looking like it was the star of the movie.
Seems to me that KBYR radio hosted a screening of the movie “Woodstock” in the Fireweed.
Sundowner Drive-In Movie Theatre
As I recall, the first drive-in movie theater in Anchorage was the Billiken out in Muldoon.
But pictured above is the Sundowner, which was located behind the Fireweed Theater.
Going to an evening movie at a drive-in theater in Anchorage had its challenges. In the summer, it was difficult to see the movie on the screen because of the amount of sunlight.
In the winter, you could see the screen, but you either had to use the little “heater” that was hanging from the speaker post, or you had to start your car and turn on your car heater for a while.
But Alaskan’s are a hearty breed.
BONUS
Read more about the Anchorage Drive-In Experience and enjoy.
From our North Stars (that’s you)
From “The Anchorage Film Caper” episode about the basement of the badly damaged McKinley building, following the 1964 earthquake.
“I remember my dance group going into that building (and it was creepy) to perform on KTVA channel 11 after the earthquake. We girls were all nervous since it was after the earthquake, and we were all worried about the building staying upright”.
Jeanne
“A very frightening story. You were very brave to have delivered the film.”
Jim
“There are strange things done in the midnight sun…” I remember my teenagers being very spooked by the long, narrow hallway that went from the music rooms to the auditorium at West High. Great storytelling Mike!”
Cindy
Connect with Us
Time to put away the popcorn, flicks, and jujubes. Oh, those were great movie snacks.
We certainly enjoyed bringing these Anchorage Movie Theatre Memories to you.
What was your favorite Anchorage movie Theatre? You can send us your comments by replying to this email. Or, you can Contact Us to Say, “My favorite movie snack was…”
Are you enjoying the audio commentary in the podcast? Please let us know.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage Memories VIP Club at anchoragememories.substack.com/subscribe
When Alaska finally made the transition from territory of the United States to becoming the 49th state – it was cause indeed for happy celebrations in Anchorage.
“I remember being in the first grade at Denali Elementary. One day, we had to fill out a form. One of the questions asked, “what state do you live in?”. Our teacher told all of us to write “Territory of Alaska”.
Mary
The Statehood Act
The man at the desk is President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Standing and on the left of the screen is Richard Nixon.
The Alaska Statehood Act was enacted on July 7, 1958. However, for various legal reasons, Alaska had to wait until January 3, 1959, to officially be welcomed as the 49th state.
BONUS
Read more about the Alaska Statehood Act and discover.
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The Federal Building Flag
A huge U.S. flag with a large 49th star was hoisted on the outside wall of the Federal building on 4th Avenue to celebrate statehood.
If you look closely at the flag, you will notice the large star.
Everyone either walking or driving down the street enjoyed looking at the flag.
The Bonfire
There were plenty of celebrations in Anchorage when Alaska became a state.
Everyone lined the street for a parade, and there were other events all over town.
But the celebration everyone seems to remember was the bonfire pictured above.
“My family and I attended the statehood bonfire celebration. I was only in the first grade at Denali Elementary and didn’t really understand what was going on.
Our family lived in downtown Anchorage, so my parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters all walked to the bonfire. I remember how excited and happy everyone was. When they set the wood pile on fire, I remember the bonfire became big and hot.
Later, when we got back home, we talked about it and I started to understand more about why everyone was celebrating and that we had become the 49th state in the U.S. It was a proud and happy day I’ll always remember.”
Mary
Did You Remember Your Brownie Camera?
Take a look at Anchorage resident Dick Hoffman’s memories of the Statehood celebrations.
Did You Know This?
At first, the United States Congress feared that Alaska would be unable to raise enough taxes because of its small population, and that Alaska would become a welfare state.
Then, 6 members of the Senate Interior and Insular Affairs Committee in the U.S. Congress went to Alaska to conduct public hearings to see for themselves how Alaskans felt about the idea of becoming a state.
Alaskans decided not to let them forget that they wanted to become a state.
Alaskans sent Christmas cards with the following wording:
“Make Alaskan’s future bright. Ask your Senator for statehood and start the New Year right.”
And Alaska’s women got into the act in an impressive way.
They made bouquets out of the Alaska flower, the “Forget-Me-Not” and sent them to members of Congress.
Following all this, a lack of interest could no longer be used to prevent Alaska’s statehood.
What Are Your Memories?
It’s been many years since Alaska first became a state and the 49th star was added to the U.S. flag.
When I was in the 3rd grade, our family had returned to the “lower 48” for a time and I was attending school in Texas. Our class had a project where we were studying the 48 United States.
At one point, my teacher asked which state I was from, and I proudly said “Alaska.”
My teacher then informed me that Alaska wasn’t a state. I became upset and said, “but we lived there.” The teacher informed me that Alaska was a Territory of the U.S.
I became even more upset and thought to myself – “how could mom and dad take me out of the country like that?” Later that evening, mom and dad told me all about how Alaska was a part of the U.S. and what being a territory meant. After that, I was OK with it.
Some years later, when Alaska became the 49th state, I was very proud.
Contact Us
We were having so much fun enjoying this edition of Anchorage Memories VIP Club podcast, that it’s difficult to believe it’s time to say goodbye until next time.
Did you learn something new about Alaska Statehood? We did.
Do you have a comment, or just want to say, “I was at the bonfire.”
You can reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right now.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
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Do you like (or would you like) to go camping in Alaska?
When Mike of the Anchorage Memories VIP Club was 16 and his brother Tom was 14, the two headed across a lake to a small, wooded island near Cordova, Alaska to camp for the night.
But things don’t always go as planned
Mike and Tom’s overactive imaginations, ended up turning what should have been the perfect Alaska camping trip, into a night of misadventure.
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In the photo above, Mike is recording a podcast episode.
Every time I hear the “Camping Adventure on Wendigo Island” story, I laugh.
Yes, I can still see my brother and me, acting like a couple of Cheechakos, when we should have been more like the Alaska version of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
Were you ever on a camping trip in Alaska that didn’t go well?
You can send us your comment by replying to this email.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
Get full access to Anchorage Memories VIP Club at anchoragememories.substack.com/subscribe
In 1916, during his first year in Anchorage, the Anchorage Daily Times wrote the following.
“Joe Spenard caused considerable excitement Saturday afternoon when he attempted to drive his yellow car through the doors of Robarts Pool Hall. He made the attempt for a box of cigars promised him by Jack Robarts if he accomplished the feat: otherwise he was to pay the damages. Joe is still smoking his pipe.”
Joseph “Joe” Arthur Spenard was born in 1879 in Ottawa, Canada. Around 1906, he married Edith Lewellyn.
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Alaska Here We Come
In 1909, Spenard and his wife arrived in Valdez where he opened a second hand business. When things were slow, he pushed a hand cart filled with merchandise through the streets.
The pushcart developed into a transfer business in 1913 which he advertised as City Express, a delivery and taxi service.
The Tent City Days
Joe and his wife moved to Anchorage in 1916 when it was still a tent city where Joe continued his City Express service.
He used an REO truck and attached a sign to his radiator with yellow letters.
“Time and Tide will Not Wait,
But City Express is Never Late”
Always a showman, Spenard would run ads like the following that appeared in the Anchorage Daily Times on June 26, 1916.
“Of all the cars both big and small
The Yellow car just beats them all
Complete satisfaction, nothing less
Is given by the City Express”
Joe Spenard bought a yellow suit with a matching plug hat and wore the rather gaudy outfit on special occasions and as often as he could.
On May, 1916, the Cook Inlet Pioneer (later, the Anchorage Daily News) reported the following.
“The genial, fun-loving Joe Spenard played the part of Santa Clause to about a hundred school children yesterday. Joe dressed in his famous suit of yellow with top hat to match, took the youngsters in relays for an auto ride through the streets of Anchorage, and judging from the smile Joe wore and the singing and laughter of the children, the pleasure was mutual.”
The Tale of Lake Spenard
About 5 miles out of town was a lake. Known as Jeter Lake (an unofficial title) named after a homesteader named Thomas Jeter.
But the lake was in the Chugach National Forest and closed to homesteading. Thomas Jeter had to move.
Not long after, the land was opened to homesteading and Joe Spenard took up a 160 acre homestead that included the lake.
Spenard set out to develop the lake and surrounding land into a full-scale resort, complete with a roadhouse, bathhouses and a bathing beach.
The Creation of Spenard Road
Needing access to his resort, Joe Spenard persuaded members of the local Anchorage Elks Club to help him cut trees and build a trail from 9th Avenue and L Street across Chester and Fish Creek valleys to the lake. That trail is now Spenard road.
Spenard Lake Resort
Joe’s Spenard Lake and dance pavilion became very popular with Anchorage residents.
But on the night of May 24, 1917, a fire thought to be set by careless hunters, completely destroyed Joe Spenard’s houses, dance pavilion, picnic area and other improvements.
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The End of Their Time in Anchorage
Health problems caused Joe to sell his yellow car and business ventures.
The Spenards left for the lower 48 in 1917 for the winter, with plans to return in the spring. But they never did.
To Learn more, check out the story of Joe Spenard right now.
Spenard Lake Came Back from the Ashes
The lake continued to be a popular summer and winter place for recreation for Anchorage residents.
In the winter, Spenard Beach Park was a popular place to ice skate. And in the summer, as many as 8 hundred residents and visitors would swim there on weekends.
The First U.S. President Visits
In 1923, President Warren G. Harding became the first U.S. President to visit Alaska.
President Harding came to dedicate the Alaska Railroad.
While he was in Anchorage, he spent part of an afternoon at Spenard Lake.
Anchorage’s Largest Suburb
In 1975, Spenard was a separate city and Anchorage’s largest suburb.
Between 1935 and 1950, Spenard’s population went from 3,000 to 47,000 residents.
In 1949, the first Post Office was established in Spenard.
That story follows.
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The Spenard Post Office
Photos and memories courtesy of John Parker
1949, the sign on the Quonset building reads “Post Office Spenard, Alaska”.
This was the first building on the corner of Spenard Road and Fireweed. A second building was added later on and a building that is now home to Chilkoot Charlie’s.
The Story
The Quonset buildings were purchased from Army Surplus in Seward.
John Parker’s father, Ken Parker, went to Seward by train in 1947 to purchase the Quonset building which was then erected on the site above in Spenard in 1948. The building served as the Post Office and Parker’s Store, the first department store in Spenard.
1950, John Parker, his brothers Dave and Don and Grandmother Carrie in front of the Post Office and Parker’s Store.
The second Quonset building was purchased in 1949 to accommodate rapid growth. At that time, one building was the Post Office and the other was the store.
The buildings had to be brought from Seward to Spenard by the Alaska Railroad because the Seward Highway had not yet been built.
The Quonset buildings were replaced by a new brick building in 1952.
It is still there today.
The Only Postmaster Spenard Ever Had
John Parker’s mother, Nancy Parker was appointed Postmaster in 1948. She was the only Postmaster Spenard ever had,
In 47, a new Post Office was built on Fireweed Lane by Bid Irwin.
In an article dated August 9, 1949 in the Spenard Advertiser, a newsletter distributed to local residents and businesses, Nancy Parker wrote:
“Spenard Business Boom Continues
A recent survey listed 21 home owned businesses and 4 Anchorage owned businesses in Spenard… Spenard is rapidly becoming self sufficient”
What Would Joe Spenard Think?
Today, Spenard is considered one of Anchorage’s more “colorful” communities with more than it’s share of characters.
It occurs to me that Joe Spenard had a lot in common with modern day Doug Haggar, also known as “Mr. Whitekeys”. And I suspect that Joe Spenard would have enjoyed Mr. Whitkey’s Spenard show “The Whale Fat Follies”. You know, “the show the Spenard Chamber of Commerce doesn’t want you to see.”
Did You Ever Live in Spenard?
Mary and I lived there for many years. Three of the great things about living in Spenard was being close to Mike’s work at KTVA channel 11 when it was in Spenard, and being close to Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant… and Nikko Garden.
Do you want to send us a comment, share a story or just say “hey”?
It’s easy to contact us.
Check out the Contact Us page on Anchorage Memories right now.
Until next time
Mike & Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
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When Alaska finally made the transition from territory of the United States to becoming the 49th state - it was cause indeed for happy celebrations in Anchorage.
“I remember being in the first grade at Denali Elementary. One day we had to fill out a form. One of the questions asked, “what state do you live in?”. Our teacher told all of us to write “Territory of Alaska”.
Mary
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Just click on the audio button at the top of the page and you can listen as you scroll down this newsletter edition.
The Statehood Act
The man at the desk is President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Standing and on the left of the screen is Richard Nixon.
The Alaska Statehood Act was enacted on July 7, 1958. However, for a variety of legal reasons, Alaska had to wait until January 3, 1959 to officially be welcomed as the 49th state.
Read more about the Alaska Statehood Act right now.
You Can Share This Newsletter
It’s so easy to share the fun and information about life in Anchorage, Alaska with your friends and family.
And when you share Anchorage Memories VIP Newsletter with them, they will be so happy that they will buy you the car of your dreams… well, it could happen.
The Federal Building Flag
A huge U.S. flag with a large 49th star was hoisted up on the outside wall of the Federal building on 4th Avenue to celebrate statehood.
If you look closely at the flag, you will notice the large star.
Everyone either walking or driving down the street enjoyed looking at the flag.
The Bonfire
There were lots of celebrations in Anchorage when Alaska became a state.
Everyone lined the street for a parade, and there were other events all over town.
But the celebration everyone seems to remember was the bonfire pictured above.
“My family and I attended the statehood bonfire celebration. I was only in the first grade at Denali Elementary and didn’t really understand what was going on.
Our family lived in downtown Anchorage, so my parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters all walked to the bonfire. I remember how excited and happy everyone was. When they set the wood pile on fire, I remember the bonfire became big and hot.
Later, when we got back home, we talked about it and I started to understand more about why everyone was celebrating and that we had become the 49th state in the U.S. It was a proud and happy day I’ll always remember.”
Mary
Did You Remember Your Brownie Camera?
Check out Anchorage resident Dick Hoffman’s memories of the Statehood celebrations.
Alaska Wins Statehood
Check out this story about the Alaska Battle for Statehood right now.
Did You Know This?
At first, the United States Congress feared that Alaska would be unable to raise enough taxes because of it’s small population, and that Alaska would become a welfare state.
Then, 6 members of the Senate Interior and Insular Affairs Committee in the U.S. Congress went to Alaska to conduct public hearings to see for themselves how Alaskans felt about the idea of becoming a state.
Alaskans decided not to let them forget that they wanted to become a state.
Alaskans sent Christmas cards with the following wording:
“Make Alaskan’s future bright. Ask your Senator for statehood and start the New Year right.”
And Alaska’s women got into the act in an impressive way.
They made bouquets out of the Alaska flower, the “Forget-Me-Not” and sent them to members of Congress.
Following all this, a lack of interest could no longer be used to prevent Alaska’s statehood.
What Are Your Memories?
It’s been a lot of years since Alaska first became a state and the 49th star was added to the U.S. flag.
When I was in the 3rd grade, our family had returned to the “lower 48” for a time and I was attending school in Texas. Our class had a project where we were studying the 48 United States.
At one point my teacher asked which state I was from and I proudly said “Alaska.”
My teacher then informed me that Alaska wasn’t a state. I became upset and said “but we lived there.” The teacher informed me that Alaska was a Territory of the U.S.
I became even more upset and thought to myself - “how could mom and dad take me out of the country like that?” Later that evening, mom and dad told me all about how Alaska was a part of the U.S. and what being a territory meant. After that, I was OK with it.
Some years later, when Alaska became the 49th state, I was very proud.
A Fun New Facebook Group
Do you enjoy reminiscing about those good old days when you were growing up?
We’ve put together a peachy keen, super-fun Facebook group that you’ll love.
It’s called Baby Boomers Remember When and it’s all about your fondest memories. And, this group isn’t just for Alaska baby boomers… it’s for baby boomers everywhere.
So, your baby boomer friends from all over can join in the fun.
Check out Baby Boomers Remember When right now.
Are you kidding me?
We were having so much fun enjoying this edition of Anchorage Memories VIP, that it’s hard to believe it’s time to say good bye until next time.
Did you learn something new about Alaska Statehood? We did.
And how is your summer going? We know how fast those beautiful warm and sunny days in Anchorage come and go during the all-to-short summer. So we hope you’re able to enjoy it while you can.
Remember to share this Anchorage Memories VIP newsletter with friends and family.
Until Next Time
Mike & Mary
Anchorage Memories VIP Newsletter
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The 4th Avenue theater in Anchorage, Alaska.
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Nostalgic stories and pictures of Anchorage Memories from the beginnings of Anchorage, the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
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