Nostalgic Pictures of
Anchorage Alaska
See memory-filled Pictures of Anchorage Alaska.
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to hear the introduction
Photo courtesy of Gene Brown
4th Avenue, 1953 Fur Rendezvous
The musher is Ernie Brown
Notice Hewitt's Drug Store in the background.
“Thanks for what you do at Anchorage Memories.com to remind us of Anchorage history.”
Tom
Bun Drive-In 1969
Home of the Coke Show
with Radio DJ Ron Moore
Photo by Ty Pierce
Pictures of Anchorage Alaska, include this great look at the Bun Drive-In parking lot.
On the top of the roof is the small radio booth where Anchorage DJ Ron Moore brought the nightly Coke Show to Anchorage and vicinity.
Listeners could call in to the show, request a song, and make dedications.
BONUS
You can hear the Coke Show once again and remember those fun days.
4th Avenue 1950s
Looking East
Photo by Gene Smith, courtesy of Gary Smith
In the picture above, the Anchorage visitor's log cabin is out of the picture frame, but just to the right.
4th Avenue 1960s
Looking West
Photo courtesy of Ceresa Tolley
4th of July Shriners Parade
4th Avenue 1960s
Looking East
Photo courtesy of Ceresa Tolley
4th of July Shriners Parade
4th Avenue, Year Unknown
looking east
Photo courtesy of the Brad Smith Collection
4th Avenue Circa 1940s
looking west
Photo courtesy, Michael More
Anchorage, Alaska
1944
Photo courtesy of the Alaska Military History Association.
Looking toward the west on 4th Avenue.
To the right is the Federal building.
BONUS
The barn-like building on the left may have been the movie studio Cap Lathrop built to shoot interior scenes for the first Alaska-produced movie, “The Chechahcos.”
The building was later used as a community center.
Let's Build a Snowman
5th Avenue
between the Catholic Church
and Conrad Furniture
Photo by Duane Buchanan 1963
Pictures of Anchorage Alaska include this look at happy children building a snowman near downtown.
Spenard
taken from
the Fire Department Tower
Photo courtesy of Ron Brown, circa 1950s
Spenard Road
and
Fireweed
Photo courtesy of Linda Kaye Lynnie Miller
What are your memories of Spenard in 1955?
A lot has changed over the years.
BONUS
Meet Joe Spenard
Remember
Piggly Wiggly
in Spenard?
Year Unknown
Photo by Ralph Smith
Courtesy of Clayton Smith
The first Piggly Wiggly in Anchorage opened in 1947 at 4th Avenue and H Street in the Anchorage Commercial Company building.
“Anchorage Memories brings back plenty of memories of life in Anchorage” Michael
5th Avenue and E Street
1968
Photo courtesy of Cindy Pendleton
Looking east toward the mountains.
Notice the JC Penney building in the background and Kimball's on the far right.
Note:
Kimball's is one of the oldest buildings in Anchorage, going back to 1915.
What were (are) your favorite places in downtown Anchorage?
4th Avenue,
Downtown Anchorage
Circa Mid-1940s
Photo courtesy of Bob Rieth
In the background on the left side, you can see the 4th Avenue Theatre.
What other businesses do you see?
The downtown skyline has certainly changed since the mid-1940s.
Goose Lake
Circa 1955
Photo by Paul T. Dixon
In the picture above are Duan and Greg Dixon.
This was how Goose Lake looked just before Fort Richardson turned the lake over to the city of Anchorage.
Remember the
“Moose Gooser” Train?
Photo courtesy of Jeff's Family Collection
In 1967, the United States observed the 100th anniversary of the purchase of Alaska from Russia.
Anchorage celebrations included fun rides on the “Moose Gooser” train (pictured above).
He Owned
a Popular
Anchorage Store
Photo by Cindy Pendleton
Pictures of Anchorage Alaska include this summer parade.
Do you know who the rider is?
Besides owning one of the most popular stores in Anchorage (Brewster's), Charles Brewster was a horseman, and, as you can see, he had an incredible saddle.
It looks like the crowd appreciated his ride.
The people of Anchorage enjoy parades.
Jonas Brothers Museum
5th Avenue in Anchorage
This log cabin-style building housed a collection of Alaska wildlife. It was a favorite for tourists and locals alike.
When someone living in Anchorage had a visitor from outside Alaska, a visit to Jonas Brothers was always a hit.
BONUS
The Book Cache
Started
in Jonas Brothers
Fur Rondy
Sled Dog Races
1978
Photo courtesy Les Graff
The beautiful photo above shows you how crowds lined the trail in 1978 to catch a glimpse of dog mushers and their teams as they raced during Anchorage's annual winter carnival, the Fur Rendezvous.
Competition in this race made it a crowd-pleaser. And people from all over the world came to watch.
BONUS
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.
These people made Anchorage such a special place—a place to call home. This frontier hospitality was, and still is, the Alaska way of life.”
BONUS
Enjoy more watercolors by
Alaskan artist Cindy Pendleton.
4th Avenue
Circa 1958
President Dwight D. Eisenhower visitsPhoto by Gene Smith
courtesy Gary Smith
In the background of the photo above, notice the original location of Hewitt's lunch counter and drugstore. Following the 1964 earthquake, Hewitt's changed their location 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.
The designation was an honor given to the city by the National Municipal League and Look Magazine. Anchorage won the award a total of 4 times. In 1956, 1965, 1985, and again in 2002.
Spenard Road
and
Fireweed Lane
1955
A look at the way we were.Photo by Ken and Nancy Parker
Courtesy of John Parker
My, how times have changed.
The intersection seen above is now a very busy one in modern-day Spenard.
4th Avenue
1956
Dirty snow covers the streetPhoto by Jim Zoller
In the Picture Above:
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 are the Union Club and Army Navy Surplus.
In the background, the tall structure is the McKinley Building. Can you spot any other businesses?
Entering Spenard
1958
You know it's differentPhoto Courtesy of Linda Miller
In the Picture Above:
Going toward Spenard, where Minnesota is now.
The sign reads, “Entering Spenard The Land of the Free For All”
Most people who live in Anchorage have at least one Spenard story.
Spenard Lake
1954
Remember those summer days?Photo by Ken and Nancy Parker
Courtesy of John Parker
In the picture above:
Sunbathers enjoy a warm day as small planes take off and land in the water across the lake.
Have you ever spent time on the beach at Spenard Lake or taken off in a small plane from the lake?
Spenard Lake
the early days
Circa 1916 to 1920
Anchorage pioneers enjoying a summer dayAt one time, Anchorage pioneer Joe Spenard had built the lake up to be a resort. It featured a dance pavilion, bathhouses, a picnic area, and more.
A fire destroyed the resort.
Anchorage
Circa 1950
What do you see in this picture?Photo courtesy of Michael Nore
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
A long way from a tent cityPhoto courtesy of Michael Nore
Circa 1950, see how much building has taken place over the years. From a rugged tent city in 1915 to this 1950s photo.
How it All Started
The Sears Mall
Circa 1968
Remember going to Anchorage's first mall?In The Picture Above:
The Sears Mall at E. Northern Lights and the Seward Highway.
Anchorage, Alaska's first mall.
Stores included Carr's Food Center, Andy's Carmel Corn, Sheffield Cafeteria and Pub, Grandma's Closet, and Ben Franklin.
BONUS
Spenard Road
1957
Pictures of Anchorage Alaska – remember the winter of 1957?Photo by Ken and Nancy Parker
Courtesy of John Parker
In the Picture Above:
This winter scene is how most people think of Alaska. Cold and covered in snow and ice.
But this picture tells a story about how Alaskans deal with the many things that make Alaska a special place.
Alaska Railroad Building
and Anchorage Docks
Circa 1950s
Winter day in the 1950sPictures of Anchorage Alaska give you this look at the Railroad Depot, the mouth of Ship Creek, and part of the Port of Anchorage.
This location is where Anchorage began as a tent city in 1915.
While the tents are long gone, can you imagine what life was like for the first souls who came by steamship to forge a community out of the wilderness?
After the 1964 Earthquake
Photo by Orville Eggen
On 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?
Residents of Anchorage were happy about the rebuilding because it meant that their town was coming back.
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 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 changedIn the Picture Above:
Most people in Anchorage would say that 4th Avenue is the main street. In the mid-1940s picture above, you can see a city taking shape.
4th Avenue
1956
Time for a paradePhoto courtesy of Kimberly Starks
In the Picture Above:
Drum Major: Alice Wanda Turner
Anchorage High School
Bootlegger's Cove
1968
Remember those beautiful summers in our town?Photo by Cindy Pendleton
BONUS
Liquor was banned when Anchorage was a tent city.
So bootleggers would sneak moonshine to shore from Cook Inlet to a place that was away from the eyes of the authorities.
And with that, the area became known as “Bootlegger's Cove.”
Betty Faris Apparel
Circa 1950s
Betty Faris Apparel, downtown, circa 1950sPhoto courtesy of Doug Brundage
About the Picture Above:
Between 3rd and 4th Avenues
Owned and operated by Izzie Brundage
Bi Lo Grocery Store
Circa 1974 or 1975
Summer funPhoto courtesy of Clytie Alaimo (on the pony)
Bi-Lo was also a sponsor of the Mother Moose show, an Anchorage kids TV program that featured Larry Beck as the Old Prospector and Carol Beck as Miss Northern Lights.
What are your Bi-Lo memories?
1920s Parade
Anchorage, Alaska
Notice the grocery store bottom left?Photo courtesy of the Jack Klingbeil Collection
While the date is unknown, it may be a 4th of July parade. And the sidewalk and grocery store could mean that it's near downtown Anchorage.
You can Submit Your
Pictures of
Anchorage Alaska
Visitors will love seeing your pictures of Anchorage 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@anchoragememories.com
Chester Creek Flats
1967
A winter view before the lagoonPhoto by Cindy Pendleton
About the Picture Above:
Overlooking Chester Creek Flats before it became Westchester Lagoon.
Eklutna Chapel
Memory of Eklutna ChapelPhoto courtesy of Gene Gough
About the Sketch Above:
The village of Eklutna. Located about 28 miles north of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway.
Carola Gough drew the sketch above.
President Nixon's
Motorcade
1971
President Nixon visits our town in 1971About the Picture Above:
Part of the motorcade when President Nixon met with Japanese Emperor Hirohito in Anchorage.
It was the first time an emperor from Japan had set foot on American soil. The event was televised world-wide.
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 Bi-Lo grocery store.
La Casita
Mountain View
What are your memories of La Casita?Photo courtesy of Roxann Regenstreif
Everyone in Anchorage who enjoys Mexican food has a favorite restaurant.
Original Mountain View
Elementary School
First opened in 1956.
The school's baseball fields were used for Anchorage Little League baseball games in the summer.
Orah Dee Clark
Junior High School
Mountain View
Circa 1959
Orah Dee Clark first came to Anchorage in 1915 when she was hired to be the first teacher and principal for the first school in Anchorage.
Clark Junior High School was named after her. After the school was opened, Clark often visited and would speak with students.
Friel's
Mountain View Texaco
1966
Friel's Mountain View Texaco was located at 3635 Mountain View Drive.
Pictures of
Anchorage Alaska
Eldeberry Park
west end of 5th Avenue
1976
Summer Fun in 1976Photo by Cindy Pendleton
In the Picture Above:
Anchorage youth are blessed with an abundance of parks. This one is next to Cook Inlet.
What are your favorite parks in Anchorage?
4th Avenue
circa 1940s or 1950s
How many businesses do you recognize?Photo courtesy of Cordell Dow
In the picture Above:
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
After the tents came log homesPhoto courtesy of Gary R Smith
About the Picture Above:
Swan and Lisa Swanson's Home
Their daughter, Ingaborge, is the mother of Gary R. Smith.
Many Anchorage residents have roots that go back to these early days.
Downtown
4th Avenue 1968
Remember how Summer looks on Anchorage's main street?Photo by Cindy Pendleton
In the Picture Above:
This photo includes the Anchorage Westward Hotel, towering over Anchorage's main street, 4th Avenue.
Anchorage Main Street
1940s
Notice the 4th Avenue Theatre on the right in this 1957 memoryPhoto courtesy of the Michael Nore Collection
Northern Lights Blvd.
Looking east of Wisconsin
1978–1979
Photo courtesy of Lonnie Frazer
The look of our town has changed a bit since the picture above was taken.
The Bun Drive-In
and the Coke Show
radio booth
July 1963
Do you remember this teen favorite?Photo courtesy of Malcolm Burgess Jr.
In the Picture Above:
Anchorage teens could stop in for a burger and listen to The Coke Show with DJ Ron Moore, a radio favorite.
Teens could also call in to the program, request a song, and make a dedication.
Spenard Kid's Train
across from
Spenard Lake
1948
Having a good time in Spenard in 1948Photo courtesy of the Brown family
In the Picture Above:
Cliff, Cheri, Ron Brown, and Denny Beeman enjoy the train.
Summer fun in Anchorage.
Anchorage Dairy
4th and C Street
1948
The early days of Matanuska Maid DairyPhoto courtesy of the Brown family
About the Picture Above:
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
Remember your school days in Anchorage?Photo courtesy of Linda Miller
Pictures of Anchorage Alaska include this wintertime photo of school student Linda Miller, the girl in red who 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?It's nice to see our town the way we remember it in these photos.
Pictures of
Anchorage Alaska
Here on Anchorage Memories, you can celebrate your precious memories of days gone by.
Do these pictures bring back memories?
Remember taking pictures in and around Anchorage?
Then you promptly put them in a photo album or a box in a closet. But when was the last time you looked at them?
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, stories, and bringing a smile to your face… and your heart.
You can now be a part of that by simply sharing your Anchorage Alaska pictures.
After seeing the above pictures and enjoying the stories and memories, we have something special for you.
Take a look at the following:
Anchorage Memories Club
“I’ve learned a lot about my hometown of Anchorage, and you’ve jogged memories of things I haven’t thought about for years. I can only say, YAY!” Juanita.
BONUS
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*History of Anchorage, Alaska
*Meet the Pioneers who built Anchorage
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Mike and Mary of Anchorage MemoriesThe Mission
To preserve and share your precious memories of
living in Anchorage, Alaska, in stories, pictures, and videos.
From the beginning of Anchorage in 1915 up through the 1970s.
And to help you discover the history of
Anchorage and Alaska
This Anchorage, Alaska Memories website
created by
Mike and Mary Dougherty
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