"I thoroughly enjoy Anchorage Memories, it is absolutely magnificent" Robert
Pictures of Anchorage Alaska
These Pictures of Anchorage Alaska are a treasure chest that will happily take your heart back to a different time. Submitted by website visitors. Enjoy.
4th Avenue 1940s courtesy Michael NoreHow many businesses do you recognize in the photo above?
Piggly Wiggly is one.
The tallest building is the Federal building.
“Anchorage Memories brings back a lot of memories of life in Anchorage”
Michael
A wise person once said, “a picture is worth a thousand words”.
You'll really enjoy scrolling down this page and stopping to look at the many pictures you'll discover. If you used to live in Anchorage, or still do, a flood of memories will fill your heart. Enjoy.
Anchorage Visitor's Log Cabin
watercolor by Alaskan artist, Cindy Pendleton
A Frontier City Welcome
By Cindy Pendleton
“Alaska is a long way from anywhere.
When I first came to Anchorage forty some years ago, I didn't know a soul, except my best friend, who had come 4,800 miles from Michigan with me in my little jeep.
As I put her on a plane to her first job in Fairbanks, I realized that I was truly alone in a new land. A little forlorn, I returned to my newly rented trailer. As I pulled into my driveway, I was greeted by the lady next door. With a smile on her face, and a sack of fresh salmon in her hand, she said, “Come join us for dinner.” Before long, I had a whole set of “extended family”, who were there when I needed advice, a helping hand, or just a sounding board.
It was these people who made Anchorage such a special place – a place to call home. This frontier hospitality was, and still is the Alaska way of life.”
BONUS
To enjoy more watercolors by by Alaskan artist Cindy Pendleton,
click on the link that follows and enjoy
4th Avenue Circa 1958
photo by Gene Smith
courtesy Gary Smith
President Dwight D. Eisenhower visitsIn the background of the photo above, notice the original location of Hewitt's lunch counter and drug store. Following the 1964 earthquake, Hewitt's was relocated to Spenard.
By the way
Notice the sign over 4th Avenue that reads, “Anchorage All American City”.
Many people have no idea why such a sign hangs over the main street in Anchorage.
That designation was an honor given to the city by the National Municipal League and Look Magazine. And Anchorage won the award a total of 4 times. In 1956, 1965, 1985 and again in 2002.
Spenard Road
and
Fireweed Lane
1955
Photo by Ken and Nancy Parker
Courtesy of John Parker
A look backMy how times have changed.
The intersection seen above is a a very busy one in modern-day Spenard.
Downtown Anchorage
4th Avenue
1940s
Photo courtesy David Jensen
Looking west, notice the 4th Avenue Theatre to the left4th Avenue
1956
Photo by Jim Zoller
How many businesses do you recognize?In the Picture:
How many businesses do you remember in the photo above?
The D&D Bar and Café. Next door is Stewart's Photo. Across the street is the Union Club and Army Navy Surplus. Can you spot any other businesses?
Entering Spenard
1958
Photo Courtesy of Linda Miller
You know it's differentIn the Picture:
Going toward Spenard where Minnesota is now.
The sign reads: “Entering Spenard The Land of the Free For All”
Spenard Lake
1954
Photo by Ken and Nancy Parker
Courtesy of John Parker
Remember those summer days?Sun bathers enjoy a warm day as small planes take off and land in the water across the lake.
Spenard Lake
the early days
Circa 1916 to 1920
Anchorage pioneers enjoying a summer dayAt one time, Joe Spenard had built the lake up to be a resort. It featured a dance pavilion, bath houses, a picnic area and more.
A fire destroyed the resort.
Anchorage
Circa 1950
Photo courtesy of Michael Nore
What do you see in this picture?In the Picture:
Notice the old Alaska Native Services (ANS) Hospital to the left in the picture above.
The Chugach mountains can be seen in the background.
Alaska Railroad Yards
and Government Hill
Circa 1950
Photo courtesy of Michael Nore
A long way from a tent cityCirca 1950, see how much building has taken place over the years. From a rugged tent city in 1915, to this 1950s photo.
The Sears Mall
Circa 1968
Remember going to Anchorage's first mall?In The Picture:
The Sears Mall at E. Northern Lights and the Seward Highway.
Anchorage and Alaska's first mall.
Stores included Carr's Food Center, Andy's Carmel Corn, Sheffield Cafeteria and Pub, Grandma's Closet, Ben Franklin.
Spenard Road
1957
Photo by Ken and Nancy Parker
Courtesy of John Parker
Pictures of Anchorage Alaska – remember the winter in 1957?Alaska Railroad Building
and Anchorage Docks
Circa 1950s
Winter Day in the 1950sThe picture above looks at the Railroad Depot and part of the Port of Anchorage.
This location is where Anchor town began as a tent City in 1915.
After the 1964 Earthquake
Photo by Orville EggenOn the right side of the photo above, you can see the earth being cleared of debris from the 1964 quake and the ground prepared for new construction.
How many businesses do you recognize in the picture?
Carr's Super Market
Circa 1954–1955
Look at the automobiles on a busy shopping dayWhen you live in Anchorage, grocery stores get food by truck, air or by ship.
Larry Carr and his brother started the Carr's supermarket chain by opening their first store in an old Quonset hut.
Anchorage
4th Avenue
1944
How things have changed4th Avenue
1956
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Starks
Time for a paradeIn the Picture:
Drum Major, Alice Wanda Turner
Anchorage High School
Bootlegger's Cove
1968
Photo by Cindy Pendleton
Remember those beautiful Summers in our town?BONUS
Bootleggers Cove got its name when Anchorage was still a tent city and liquor was banned. So, bootleggers would sneak moon shine to shore at Bootleggers Cove where they couldn't be seen by the authorities.
Betty Faris Apparel
Circa 1950s
Photo courtesy of Doug Brundage
Betty Faris Apparel, downtown, circa 1950sAbout the Picture:
Between 3rd and 4th Avenues
Owned and operated by Izzie Brundage
Bi Lo Grocery Store
Circa 1974 or 1975
Photo courtesy of Clytie Alaimo (on the pony)
Summer fun in Anchor townBi-Lo was also known as one of the sponsors of the Mother Moose TV show, an Anchorage kid's program that featured Larry Beck as the Old Prospector and Carol Beck as Miss Northern Lights.
You can Submit Your
Pictures of Anchorage Alaska
Visitors will love seeing your pictures of Anchor Town from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
You can easily send us your pictures as an email attachment. And when you do, remember to tell us what the picture is and the year.
Send your pictures to mike@anchorage memories.com
Chester Creek Flats
1967
Photo by Cindy Pendleton
A winter view before the lagoonAbout the Picture:
Overlooking Chester Creek Flats before in became Westchester Lagoon.
Eklutna Chapel
Photo courtesy of Gene Gough
Memory of Eklutna ChapelAbout the Picture:
Created by Carola Gough
President Nixon's Motorcade
1971
President Nixon visits our town in 1971About the Picture:
Part of the motorcade when President Nixon met with Japanese Emperor Hirohito in Anchorage.
Taken on Northern Lights as the motorcade made its way to the home of Walter J. Hickel.
In the background you can see Rayfield's 76 gas station and a Bilo grocery store.
La Casita
Mountain View
Photo courtesy of Roxann Regenstreif
What are your memories of La Casita?Pictures of Anchorage Alaska
Eldeberry Park
west end of 5th Avenue
1976
Photo by Cindy Pendleton
Summer Fun in 19764th Avenue
circa 1940s or 1950s
Photo courtesy of Cordell Dow
How many businesses do you recognize?In the picture:
Cub Scout troop 817
Food Center, owned by Keith Lesh
J. Vic Brown Jewelry store
Siedenverg's (before it was Siedenverg and Kays)
Pictures of Anchorage Alaska
Early Log Home 1915
Photo courtesy of Gary R Smith
After the tents came log homesAbout the Picture:
Swan and Lisa Swanson's Home
Their daughter, Ingaborge is the mother of Gary R Smith
Anchorage Alaska Pictures from the early days.
Downtown
4th Avenue 1968
Photo by Cindy Pendleton
Remember how Summer looks on Anchorage's main street?Theda Comstock
"The Woman's Touch"
TV Kitchen Set
Photo courtesy of RB Laurie
Theda is on your right in dark clothingAbout the Picture:
Taken in the KENI-TV studio in the 4th Avenue Theater building this picture shows “The Woman's Touch” a popular local women's show hosted by Theda Comstock.
Anchorage Main Street
1940s
Photo courtesy of the Michael Nore Collection
Notice the 4th Avenue Theatre on the right in this 1957 memoryNorthern Lights Blvd.
Looking east of Wisconsin
1978 - 1979
Photo courtesy of Lonnie Frazer
Proud to serveThe Bun Drive-In
and the Coke Show
radio booth
July 1963
Photo courtesy of Malcolm Burgess Jr.
Do you remember this teen favorite?In the Picture Above:
Anchorage teens could stop in for a burger and listen to The Coke Show with DJ Ron Moore. Teens could also call in, request a song and make a dedication.
Spenard Kid's Train
across from Spenard Lake
1948
Photo courtesy of the Brown family
Having a good time in Spenard in 1948In the Picture:
Cliff, Cheri and Ron Brown and Denny Beeman enjoy the train.
Anchorage Dairy
4th and C Street
1948
Photo courtesy of the Brown family
The early days of Matanuska Maid DairyAbout the Picture:
At one time, the Brown family lived in an apartment above the dairy.
Coming Home from School
Northern Lights Blvd
Near Turnagain by the Sea
1956
Photo courtesy of Linda Miller
Remember your school days in Anchorage?Linda Miller, the girl in red, just got off the bus.
Did you ride the bus or walk to school?
5th Avenue looking east
Circa 1950s
Does this picture take you back?Did you enjoy looking at these Pictures of Anchorage Alaska?
It's nice to look at our town in these photos and be reminded of the way it looked.
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Pictures of Anchorage Alaska
Here on Anchorage Memories you can celebrate your precious memories of days gone by.
Did these pictures bring back memories?
And now you can take a few moments to go through your old boxes of pictures, pick out a few and send them to Anchorage Memories.
Our website visitors will love seeing them.
We all have pictures from our time in and around Anchor town that we took, and then promptly put away in a photo album, or in a box that was quickly stored and is now rarely seen.
But now, you can share at least a few of them with the world.
Your pictures of Anchorage Alaska will help our website visitors remember back in the day.
“I hadn't thought about that in years” is something people say to Anchorage Memories all the time.
“Thank you for the memories” is another thing that we hear regularly.
That's what it's all about. Preserving your precious memories and bringing a smile to your face… and your heart.
Now you can be a part of that by simply sharing your Anchorage Alaska pictures.
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Mary and MikeThis Anchorage Memories website
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Mike and Mary Dougherty
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