Episodes

  • See the Beautiful Site Summit Star, a Surprise Gift to Anchorage, Alaska

    See the Beautiful Site Summit Star, a Surprise Gift to Anchorage, Alaska
    Dec 15 2024

    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.

    Nike Site Summit

    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 Site Summit 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.

    Just click on the following link:

    Thanks for reading Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.

    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



    Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe
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    3 mins
  • Meet the Shrewd, Ruthless Man who Founded Fairbanks, Alaska

    Meet the Shrewd, Ruthless Man who Founded Fairbanks, Alaska
    Dec 8 2024
    Meet Elbridge Truman “E.T.” Barnette, (1863–1933)The man who founded Fairbanks.He was a riverboat captain, a banker, and a swindler.Gold FeverWhen the steamship Portland arrived at the West Coast with its one ton of gold from the Alaska gold strike, like many others, E.T. Barnett came down with a bad case of gold fever.He decided to take the “Rich Man’s Route” to avoid Skagway and the passes. He boarded the ocean steamer, Cleveland in Seattle to travel to St. Michael, where he had booked a river steamer to Dawson City.But the Cleveland ran into fog, bad weather, and had a fire in the hold compartment. A disease also broke out among the passengers. Eventually, the steamer made it to St. Michael, where Barnette discovered that his river steamer to Dawson had already left.So Barnette and 60 other passengers from the Cleveland purchased their own river steamer, the St. Michael, to take them to Dawson.More TroubleOn their way to Dawson, the St. Michael became frozen in the river at Circle City.But Barnette was determined to get to the Klondike. So, he bought a fast dog team to take him to Dawson.Once he was there, Barnette discovered that every creek on the Klondike river had already been claimed.E.T. Barnette was forced to take a job to earn enough money to go back home.Yes, You Can Share ThisDid you know that you can easily share this edition of the Alaska Stories podcast with your friends and family?And when you do, they will be so happy that they will send you on an all-expense trip to Grace Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands, rated #1 in 2022 according to TripAdvisor users… well, it could happen.To share this, click on the following link.Thanks for reading Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.Try, Try AgainBy the early 1900s, Barnette had enough money and decided to go back to Alaska, where this time he would set up a Trading Post along a new Railroad Route at Tannana Crossing.In St. Michael once again, along with 130 tons of freight to start his Trading Post, he bought the river steamer, Arctic Boy.Unfortunately, the Arctic Boy struck a rock and sank in St. Michael harbor.So Barnette convinced Captain Charles Adams of the steamer Lavelle Young, to take him, his wife Isabelle, his employees and freight to Tannana Crossing.The Captain agreed, with one important contractual agreement.Barnette, his wife, employees, and freight would be put ashore at the “farthest point” the boat was able to reach… regardless of where that was.Low WaterEventually, as they headed up the Tannana River, they ran into low water. But Barnett convinced Adams to head for the Chena River.But, as they headed up the Chena, they ran into low water once again.This time, Barnette and Captain Adams had an argument that ended with Barnette, his wife, several employees and 130 tons of freight being put off the steamer and on to the banks of the Chena River.As Captain Adams and his steam boat headed back down the Chena, Isabelle Barnette stood on the riverbank and cried.Photo above is the first Trading Post camp on the Chena River in 1903E.T. Barnette established his trading post.Some time later, in a conversation with Judge James Wickersham, the Judge convinced Barnette to name his trading post after U.S. Senator Charles W. Fairbanks of Indiana.Yes, Fairbanks was founded because of a series of mishaps and was named following a conversation with a Judge.BONUSTo learn more, and how a swindle nearly caused a hanging, take a look at:Fairbanks, Alaska and discover.From our North Stars (that’s you)From “This is the Remarkable Z.J. Loussac” editionBearpawz made this observation:“Sounds like ZJ Loissac was a really good guy.. I do like the design of the midtown library. The old city hall building downtown is supposed to turn into a new branch eventually, but I'm not sure what the timeline on that is.”Wandal remembers:“This “Loussac Edition” brought back many fond memories. My parents arrived in Anchorage with me and my sister in 1952 when I was 6 years old and not much of a reader. Then I discovered the Loussac Library and read Andre Norton’s “Starman’s Son”. From then on, there was no looking back and the library became my favorite hangout. By late grade school I was checking out 12 books per week (the limit) and in Jr High (O D Clark) made a book report on The World Book Encyclopedia. Must be inheritable as my kids are now ‘addicted to books’. Thanks you ZJ”And Irene said this:“I loved that library. In 1955 I was 11 years old and that library was fascinating. Thanks for the wonderful memories.”Larry added this:“I remember going downstairs to the Assembly meetings with Mayor George Sullivan around 1971-1972.”Contact Mike and MaryDid you enjoy learning about E.T. Barnette and the founding of Fairbanks?You can easily send us a comment by replying to this email. And you can even Contact Us us to say, “hey, I love the Alaska Stories podcast.”Until Next ...
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    4 mins
  • The Fascinating Story of the Matanuska Coal Fields

    The Fascinating Story of the Matanuska Coal Fields
    Dec 1 2024
    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 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 1900sThe U.S. Government, and as a result, some financiers, became interested in the Matanuska coal fields.High-Quality Coal to Fuel U.S. BattleshipsBecause 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.Yes, You Can Share this EditionYour friends and family will love this history-packed edition of Alaska Stories.To share, click on the following link. And you’ll be a hero.Thanks for reading Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.Enter Evan JonesPictured 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, AlaskaTo 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 FireBut 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 TonsThe 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.BONUSWould you like to know more about Evan Jones and the Alaska Coal Mines?Take a look at the Alaska Mining Hall of Fame and discover.DOUBLE BONUSDo you remember the 1966 musical hit by Lee Dorsey, “Workin in a Coal Mine”?Click on the following link and enjoy the memory.Alaska FactPalmer 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.comYou’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 MaryHave 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 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 TimeMike and MaryAlaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe
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    5 mins
  • This is the Remarkable Z.J. Loussac

    This is the Remarkable Z.J. Loussac
    Nov 17 2024
    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 FeverAt 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 AlaskaIn 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 CityIn 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 StoriesRobert 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 StoriesJust by clicking on the link below, you can share Alaska Stories with anyone in the world.All they need is an internet connection, a computer or mobile device and… they can enjoy these Alaska Stories.Thanks for reading and listening to this edition of Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.Community Service for AnchorageAfter 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.BONUSTake a look at this ZJ Loussac Biography and enjoy.Mayor of AnchorageDid you know that Loussac was elected Mayor of Anchorage for three one-year terms from 1948 to 1951?Ada Harper – LoussacIn 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 AppreciateThe 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 EndThe 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 MaryDid this edition of Alaska Stories make you want to go visit your local library?Mary and I are friends of our local ...
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    5 mins
  • Did You Watch These Popular Anchorage, Alaska Kid's TV Shows?

    Did You Watch These Popular Anchorage, Alaska Kid's TV Shows?
    Nov 10 2024
    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”?BONUSBut 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 EditionIt’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 FeemanThere 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 ShowYes, 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.BONUSAfter 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 BONUSThe 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 OliverAlaska 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 KlownIn the photo above is Bob Zoller and his sister Barbara with KoKo the KENI KlownWeekdays 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.BONUSDo You remember Kiddie Land, the...
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    7 mins
  • Popular Anchorage, Alaska Restaurant Memories that will Make You Hungry

    Popular Anchorage, Alaska Restaurant Memories that will Make You Hungry
    Nov 3 2024
    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* La Cabana* A wonderful steak at Club Paris* Anchorage's Tastee Freez* Peggy's Airport Café* Benny's Food TruckRemember 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.”BONUSEveryone 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 GameYes, You can Share this EditionDo 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 AppleCattle CompanyHow HowThe AbbyGwenniesDowntown Hof BrauWoolworth's lunch counterHewitt's lunch counter on 4th AvenueLa CabanaLa MexShakey's in SpenardBONUSThese 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 InnIn 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.BONUSDo you know how the Double Musky Inn got started?Take a look at The Double Musky Inn and discover.Now it’s Your TurnReply 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 NamesJoseph 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 MaryAre 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 TimeMike and MaryAlaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe
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    3 mins
  • A Fascinating Look at How they Named Anchorage, Alaska Streets

    A Fascinating Look at How they Named Anchorage, Alaska Streets
    Oct 20 2024
    Pictured above is the Muldoon homestead, built in the winter of 1940 - 1941To get to his Homestead, He needed a RoadMuldoon 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”.BONUSThe 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 RoadBud 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.BONUSYou 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 EditionYour 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 StreetThis 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 RoadSpenard Road, 1958, photo courtesy of Linda MillerThe 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.BONUSJoe Spenard was a colorful character.Take a look at Did Daring Joe Drive His Car into a Pool Hall? and enjoy.Lane StreetHotel owner Harry LaneOur 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.BONUSVisit Anchorage Memories.comA treasure chest of memories of Anchorage, AlaskaTake a look at Anchorage Memories.com and enjoy.Russian JackThe 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.BONUSHis 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 StreetHoyt Motor company, on 5th and E streetsHarry 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.BONUSTake 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 ...
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    6 mins
  • A Powerful Explosion Created Alaska's Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

    A Powerful Explosion Created Alaska's Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
    Oct 13 2024
    In the photo above is an explorer’s 1916 camp in the Valley of Ten Thousand SmokesFor 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 AccountThere 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 StoryAlaska 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 CausedThe 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 NameIn 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 SawJets 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 ThereMany 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.BONUSTake a look at these pictures of The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and discover.Alaska Volcano FactsThere 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 SpurrMike 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.”BONUSYou 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 UsThe 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 TimeMike and MaryAlaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaska-stories.com/subscribe
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