See surprisingly wonderful, nostalgic Pictures of Anchorage Alaska.
How many Anchorage businesses do you recognize in the photo above?
Piggly Wiggly is one. The tallest building is the Federal building.
Photo courtesy of Linda Kaye Lynnie Miller
What are your memories of Spenard in 1955?
A lot has changed over the years.
Photo by Ralph Smith
Courtesy of Clayton Smith
The first Piggly Wiggly in Anchorage opened in 1947 at 4th Avenue and H streets in the Anchorage Commercial Company building.
“Anchorage Memories brings back a lot of memories of life in Anchorage”
Michael
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?
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.
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).
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.
This log cabin-style building housed a collection of Alaska wild life. 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.
Did you know that, the Book Cache, one of Anchorage's most popular book stores, got its humble start inside Jonas Brothers?
Discover how it all began and enjoy the story.
Take a look at
Book Cache Memories and enjoy
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.
Watercolor by Alaskan artist, Cindy Pendleton
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.”
Enjoy more watercolors by by Alaskan artist Cindy Pendleton.
photo by Gene Smith
courtesy Gary Smith
In the background of the photo above, notice the original location of Hewitt's lunch counter and drug store. 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.
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.
Photo 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 is the Union Club and Army Navy Surplus.
In the background, the tall structure is the McKinley Building. Can you spot any other businesses?
Photo 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.
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 lands in the water across the lake.
Have you ever spent time on the beach at Spenard Lake, our taken off in a small plane from the lake?
At one time, Anchorage pioneer, 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.
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.
Photo 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.
The Sears Mall
Circa 1968
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.
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
Pictures 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 steam ship to forge a community out of the wilderness?
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.
When 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.
In 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.
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Starks
In the Picture Above:
Drum Major: Alice Wanda Turner
Anchorage High School
Photo by Cindy Pendleton
Liquor was banned when Anchorage was a tent city.
So bootleggers would sneak moon shine 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”.
Photo courtesy of Doug Brundage
About the Picture Above:
Between 3rd and 4th Avenues
Owned and operated by Izzie Brundage
Photo courtesy of Clytie Alaimo (on the pony)
Bi-Lo was also a sponsor 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.
What are your Bi-Lo memories?
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.
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@anchorage memories.com
Chester Creek Flats
1967
Photo by Cindy Pendleton
About the Picture Above:
Overlooking Chester Creek Flats before it became Westchester Lagoon.
Photo 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.
About 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.
Photo courtesy of Roxann Regenstreif
Everyone in Anchorage who enjoys Mexican food, has a favorite restaurant.
Photo 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?
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)
Photo 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.
Photo by Cindy Pendleton
In the Picture Above:
This photo includes the Anchorage Westward Hotel, towering over Anchorage's main street, 4th Avenue.
Photo courtesy of the Michael Nore Collection
Photo courtesy of Lonnie Frazer
The look of our town has changed a bit since the picture above was taken.
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.
Photo courtesy of the Brown family
In the Picture Above:
Cliff, Cheri, Ron Brown and Denny Beeman enjoy the train.
Summer fun in Anchorage.
Photo courtesy of the Brown family
About the Picture Above:
At one time, the Brown family lived in an apartment above the dairy.
Photo courtesy of Linda Miller
Pictures of Anchorage Alaska include this winter-time 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
Did you enjoy looking at these Pictures of Anchorage, Alaska?
It's nice to see our town the way we remember it in these photos.
Here on Anchorage Memories you can celebrate your precious memories of days gone by.
Did 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 very special for you.
Take a look at the following:
“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.
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