Learn About Mike and Mary

Find out all about Mike and Mary and why they love preserving your Anchorage Memories on this nostalgic website in stories, photos, and video.

“Interesting stories, love Anchorage Memories.” Christine

“I love looking at the photos you share.” Beth

Mary and our children

Nikki and Chris,

on a sled in Spenard

it's all about family

Sledding, skiing, and ice skating are just a few of the winter activities we enjoyed in Anchorage.

Mike behind the camera

at KTVA channel 11

in the McKinley building

in downtown Anchorage, 1965

Mike's career in television and motion picture production all began when he became an intern working on The Varsity Show on KTVA channel 11.

Mike and Mary

grew up in Anchorage

About Mike

First arriving in Anchorage from California in 1950 when he was just 3 years old, Mike grew up in and around Anchor town. His father helped clear land for construction all over Anchorage and their entire family fell in love with Alaska. 

About Mary

Mary was born and raised in Anchorage. Her Alaska roots go way back. Her mother first came to Anchorage from Point Possession, just across Cook Inlet from Anchorage. Mary's mom and dad both worked on the Alaska Railroad.

Mike and Mary both went to school in Anchorage, enjoyed movies at the 4th Avenue Theater, listened to “The Coke Show” (Mike worked on it with Ron Moore), and enjoyed burgers at the Arctic Roadrunner. And both Mike and Mary survived the 1964, Good Friday earthquake.

“We're passionate about preserving your Anchorage Memories and giving you easy access to the wonderful memories of other visitors to this website. Every day this website grows as it includes more stories, comments, pictures, and videos for you to enjoy.”

Nostalgic Anchorage Stories

When it comes to stories about growing up in and around Anchorage, Mary and Mike have created this growing treasure chest of amazing memories to share with you.

And when you visit the pages of this website, you'll quickly discover that Mary and Mike continue to collect stories and comments from countless happy visitors to Anchorage Memories.

About Mike and Mary

we lived it

Mary, Nikki, and Chris

enjoying Cook Inlet

Yes, Anchorage is surrounded by the incredible beauty of nature. And like most Alaskans, Mike and Mary were out there with their family making memories like the one pictured above.

Growing up and living in Anchorage is a special and unique experience that we've spent our entire lives explaining to people we meet in the “lower 48”.

Alaska fascinates them, and they love hearing our stories about growing up in a wonderful and unique place called Anchorage.

About Mike and Mary

From how and why Anchorage got started back in 1915, and up through the 1970s, Mike and Mary have created this incredible treasure chest of cherished memories.

The beautiful sight of the Northern Lights, dancing at night, in the sky over the city. The surrounding majestic snow capped mountains and memories to cherish for a lifetime. Mike and Mary have created this special website where you can visit anytime you need a gentle reminder of Anchorage days gone by.

You'll find it all here in stories, comments, pictures, and video.

And Mike and Mary love hearing from website visitors like you.

Do you have a comment, suggestion, or maybe you just want to say, “Hey, did you know I'm from Anchorage too?” It's so easy to Contact Us.

Mike and Mary are Author's

Did you know that Mike and Mary are also Alaska authors?

That's right.

You'll discover some of their e-books right here on Anchorage Memories.

Mary wrote about her adventure of joining Anchorage teens at the Westward Hotel to see if she could get a glimpse of the Beatles during the group's brief stay in Anchorage. And her e-book “Face-to-Face with John Lennon” has a surprise ending.

And Mary tells her incredible story about where she was and how she got through that day on March 27, 1964, in her fascinating e-book you'll also discover here on Anchorage Memories. “Great Alaskan Earthquake Survivor.”

Mike has numerous e-books you can read at as well.

You'll discover a fond look at Anchorage's favorite movie theatre titled

“4th Avenue Theatre Memories”. It's a free keepsake e-book.

Do you remember Anchorage's teen TV dance show? You'll enjoy all the great memories in this free e-book with a foreword by popular Anchorage radio personality Ron Moore. It's titled “The Varsity Show”.

These are just a few of the fun and nostalgic e-books you'll discover here on Anchorage Memories. And each one was written by Mike or Mary.

BONUS

Now, as you check out Anchorage Memories, you'll see the word “BONUS” from time-to-time. Take a moment to check those out. You'll be delighted.

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