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  • Anchorage, Alaska's World Famous, Pioneering, Fur Rendezvous Winter Carnival

    Anchorage, Alaska's World Famous, Pioneering, Fur Rendezvous Winter Carnival
    2025/02/04
    Hello, Mike and Mary here. Thank you for letting us into your inbox. If you are a new subscriber, welcome!Every issue of the Anchorage Memories Club is a treasure chest of memories that will bring back your long forgotten memories.For access to the Alaska Library of stories, e-books and audio stories, you’ll need to become a Paid Subscriber.Anchorage Memories Club is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The town of Anchorage had a population of about 3,000 souls in the mid-1930s. The town was spread out between Ship Creek and the Park Strip.Then a man named, Vern Johnson had an idea. What if there was a 3-day winter festival? He reasoned that It might just be a great cure for the long winter and Cabin Fever.February 15–17, 1936The town of Anchorage came out to enjoy the “Winter Sports Carnival”.There was hockey, boxing, basketball, skiing, and a children’s sled dog race down 4th Avenue.The first Winter Sports Carnival also included a bonfire and a torchlight parade.1937Eileen Bagoy (the daughter of the owners of “Flowers by Bagoy”) was crowned the first-ever Fur Rendezvous Queen by the Anchorage Women’s Club.The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce added a costumed Mardi Gras type carnival night and a street parade celebrating Washington’s birthday.1938In 1938, the Winter Sports Carnival was renamed the Fur Rendezvous to also bring fur traders and trappers to town.1939 Rondy PinsRondy Pins (shown above on these Rondy “Keystone Cops”) were first created and used as a fundraiser for the Fur Rendezvous, beginning in 1939.BONUSRemember the Rondy “Keystone Cops”? Here’s a fun story about what happened if you were not wearing a Rondy Pin.Take a look at My Mom Got Put in the Rondy Jail and enjoy.Yes, You Can Share This EditionYour friends and family will get “Rondy Fever” when they see all the fun that Anchorage’s Fur Rendezvous brings every year. So share the fun.Thanks for reading the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.1946In 1946, 3 mushers competed in the first Alaska Championship Sled Dog Races at the Park Strip. The winner was Earl Norris (pictured above).1950The Blanket Toss was added in 1950. Are you in this crowd? The year of this photo isn’t known.Native Alaskans from Nome and Diomede Islands came to Anchorage to demonstrate the Blanket Toss. And judging by the crowd in the picture above, it was a hit.19536 women competed in the first Women’s Alaska Championship Sled Dog Race.1958Then in 1958, a curling tournament was played on 4th Avenue. Always fun to watch.1960The photo above is 1968Golden Wheel Amusements added Carnival rides to the Fur Rendezvous in 1960.Hardy Alaska souls don’t mind braving freezing temperatures for a ride on the Ferris Wheel, or to snack on a corn dog.What was your favorite Rondy Carnival ride? In 1968, the carnival was located overlooking the mouth of Ship Creek, where Anchorage got its start as a tent city back in 1915.Your Favorite Rondy Food TreatsHaving all that Rondy fun made you good and hungry for a treat.Mary, of Anchorage Memories, always looked forward to her special Fur Rendezvous snack.BONUSTake a look at Mary’s story about Fur Rondy Corn Dogs and enjoy.Fur Rendezvous Parade MemoriesThe photo above is 1965 (ish). From the Brad Smith CollectionYes, you were cold, but you didn’t care. The Fur Rondy parade was all for fun as it made its way down 4th Avenue to the delight of all.Did You March in the Rondy Parade?It was cold, but it was fun, and the bands from Anchorage schools also participated.Mary of Anchorage Memories marched in the parade as part of the Anchorage Clown Club.BONUSMike, of Anchorage memories, played trumpet in the East High band. Marching on slippery ice… or being behind horses, had its special challenges.Take a look at Marching in the Fur Rondy Parade and enjoy.If you’re new to the Anchorage Memories Club, you’ll also love Alaska Stories.Take a look at our Alaska Stories email delivered publication as well.Did You Know?Because of World War II, the Fur Rendezvous was cancelled from 1942 to 1945.So, a very community minded lady named Lorene Harrison (the owner of the Hat Box), put together a celebration called “Bonanza Days” which was presented at the log cabin USO building to a standing-room-only crowd. Do You Remember Some of These Folks?When You were home, (or peeking at a TV in a downtown store window) sipping a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and watching the World Championship Sled Dog Races, the folks at KENI-TV (now KTUU) and KENI radio were braving the cold to bring you all the Rondy fun.Left to right is:Al Bramstedt, news anchor Ty Clark, camera operator Jim Balog, Bill Stewart and your Master of Ceremonies Orville Lake.Do You Remember This Theme Song?It was played on KENI-TV channel 2 at the beginning and end of their Fur Rendezvous TV coverage.Click on the following link to ...
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    5 分
  • Remarkable Pioneering Alaska Aviator, Russel Merrill

    Remarkable Pioneering Alaska Aviator, Russel Merrill
    2025/01/14
    Anchorage Memories Club is a monthly, reader-supported email treasure chest of memories. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In the photo above is Russel Hyde MerrillClick on the following link to listen to Mike and Mary read this Alaska Story.Our story begins in Anchorage in 1923.Because of a thick forest on the south side of Anchorage, Alaska, there was a concern that if a fire started in the woods, the new town would be destroyed.With that in mind, Arthur W. Shonbeck organized the entire town of Anchorage to create a fire break by clearing a large strip of land between what is now 9th and 10th avenue. But as the new town grew, that cleared land became a home for other things.From Fire Break to Golf CourseThe photo above shows golfers on the firebreak in Anchorage, AlaskaOnce tree stumps and other obstacles could be removed, a golf course was created on the fire break.But wait -Except for dog sleds, it was very difficult to get in or out of most places in Alaska. So, adventurous, pioneer aviators began flying into remote areas of the Alaska “bush”. Those early aviators were soon known as “bush pilots”.They Needed a Place to LandAnchorage, and other parts of Alaska were beginning to use aircraft more and more. However, conditions for taking off and landing were primitive and dangerous. So it was decided that the new golf course in Anchorage would also make a great landing strip for bush pilots.By the way, once planes began landing and taking off on their new airfield, golfers were instructed to give planes the right of way. Ya think?Eventually, the presence of aircraft made it obvious that the golf course had to go.In the photo above is the Anchorage airstrip used by early pilots. This field later became Delaney Park, the largest community park in Anchorage.Then, in 1926, Arthur Shonbeck founded Anchorage Air Transport, Anchorage’s first airline.To start his service, Shonbeck hired a pilot from the lower 48 named Russel Hyde Merrill.Earlier, on August 20, 1925, Russel Merrill and his aviation partner Roy Davis had become the first to fly an airplane to Anchorage.Anchorage Air Transport started with two planes named Anchorage No. 1 and Anchorage No. 2.In 1927, Anchorage Air Transport built the first airplane hangar in Anchorage.Merrill’s Life Saving Flight: It’s What Bush Pilots DoIn 1927, Merrill received a Signal Corp radio message.An airlift was urgently needed to transport a critically wounded school teacher in Ninilchick who was near death.It was nighttime when his plane returned to Anchorage. And with his patient onboard, Merrill had to continue circling the new airfield as he tried to find where to land.The citizens of Anchorage realized what was happening and quickly came to the rescue.They set bonfires around the field and used automobile headlights to help guide Merrill’s landing. The results became the first night landing in Anchorage.The teacher recovered.He Transported Many FursThe photo above shows Russel Merrill with a load of furs.By 1929, Merrill was flying 10 to 12 hours a day.Russel Hyde MerrillA true aviation pioneer and Alaska bush pilot, Merrill made the first flight across the Gulf of Alaska in a Curtiss F Flying Boat.He was also the first pilot to cross the Alaska Range.And Merrill survived many forced landings and crashes.The Last FlightOn September 16, 1929, Russel Merrill set out for Bear Creek at Nyac, near Bethel.Merrill was not seen again.While the crash site was never found, a piece of airplane fabric washed up on a beach at Tyonek, on the west side of Cook Inlet. The fabric was identified by Alonzo Cope, the mechanic who had worked on Merrill’s plane.Yes, You Can Share This EditionDid you know that you can share this edition of Alaska Stories with your friends and family?And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you on a first class trip around the world. You’ll follow the famed route of Phileas Fogg and his companion Passpartout in Jules Verne’s 1872 novel, “Around the World in 80 Days”… 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.Anchorage was GrowingThe town was growing to the south, which meant that it was becoming too dangerous to continue having planes flying in and out of the fire break. So a new airport was needed.Aviation FieldIn the photo above is the first dedicated airport in AnchorageLocated just outside of Anchorage. The new airport, opened in August 1929, and was named Aviation Field.Merrill FieldIn 1930, the Anchorage Women’s Club petitioned to change the name of Aviation Field to Merrill Field.The TowerOn April 2, 1930, Merrill Field was established.A 52 foot tall steel framed tower topped by a rotating aerodrome beacon was erected next to the runway.Memorial PlaqueAlso in 1930, the Anchorage Women’s Club raised funds for a memorial plaque, ...
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    6 分
  • Alaska's Kennecott Copper Mines, One of the Greatest Ever.

    Alaska's Kennecott Copper Mines, One of the Greatest Ever.
    2025/01/07
    It all began in the summer of 1900.“Tarantula” Jack Smith and Clarence Warner were prospecting along the east edge of the Kennicott Glacier. They thought the large green patches on the mountain in front of them were grass. But it was too high up the mountain for grass.So the two decided to climb the mountain. Up close, they discovered the green cliffs were, actually exposed copper.They took samples of what would become known as the “Bonanza Mine Outcrop”. Those samples turned out to be 70 percent pure Chalcocite, one of the richest copper deposits ever found.Where?The Kennecott Mines are located in the Copper River area, northeast of Valdez in what is now the Wrangell, St. Elias National Park and Reserve.A Clerical TypoThe Kennecott Mines were named after Kennicott Glacier.However, as things sometimes happen, a clerical error resulted in the use of an “e” where the “i” was supposed to be. And that’s the reason for the difference in the spelling of the names.How to Bring Out the Ore?In the years that followed, a railroad was constructed to bring out the copper.Meanwhile, a man named Stephen Birch was in Kennecott to start developing the mine claims. But how was he going to get the ore to market before the railroad was a reality?Birch actually decided to bring an entire steamship over the mountains from the port of Valdez. How did he do that? One piece at a time, and he put them together on the Copper River.Dog Sleds and HorsesBirch also used dog sleds and horses to haul up the mining equipment he needed to get the mining operation up and running.You Can Share This EditionDo your friends and family know about Alaska’s Kennecott Mines?You can easily share this story… but be careful because they might want to become Alaska prospectors. But if they do, be sure you get a cut of whatever they find.Just click on the following link:Thanks for reading Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.11 Years LaterThe photo above shows two miners who were working in one of the mines.When Kennecott was up and running, there were about 600 men, often working 7 days a week in the mines and mill town.11 years after the two prospectors first discovered the rich copper cliffs, the first train left Kennecott. It was filled with 250,000 dollars worth of copper.In the photo above, to the left is the Hospital. It was the only whitewashed building in the entire complex.Five MinesThe Kennecott Mines included the Bonanza, Jumbo, Mother Lode, Erie, and Glacier.1916 was the peak year for production in the mines, when the mines yielded 32.4 million dollars worth of ore.Altogether, the mines took out around 200 million dollars in ore.Enjoy this video of the Kennecott Mines1938 – the Last TrainBy 1938, the mines had played out and the last trainload of ore chugged away.The Kennecott Mines became a ghost town.1939 to the Mid-1950sThe only people living in the Kennecott Mine buildings from 1939 to the mid-1950s was a family of 3, who served as watchmen.New LifeIn the 1980s, the Kennecott Mines became a popular destination for tourists.And in 1986, the area was designated a National Historic Landmark.BONUSDiscover the whole Kennecott Mines Story and enjoy.From Our North Stars (that’s you)From our look at the Hillside StarRozanne had this to say:“Thank you so much.I spent most of my years living at Sand Lake, moving to "homestead" in the 50's. One day, there was a star, from then on, I looked for her each season. Being born here before Statehood, I am privileged to experience a wonderful place to grow up, and return to.”Michael offered this comment:“Thank you for sharing the history of the Star... I didn't know that!”Connect with Mike and MaryIt’s time to put away your pick and shovel.We know… you were just one scoop away from finding the Mother lode.Did you enjoy learning about Alaska’s Kennecott Copper Mines?We love to hear from our North Stars (that’s you). Do you have a comment? Just reply to this email. Or you can Contact Us to say, “I’ve been to the Kennecott Mines”.Until Next TimeMike and MaryAlaska Stories Get full access to Anchorage Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
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    4 分
  • See the Beautiful Site Summit Star, a Surprise Gift to Anchorage, Alaska

    See the Beautiful Site Summit Star, a Surprise Gift to Anchorage, Alaska
    2024/12/15

    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 Anchorage Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
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    3 分
  • The Fascinating Story of the Matanuska Coal Fields

    The Fascinating Story of the Matanuska Coal Fields
    2024/12/01
    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 Anchorage Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
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    5 分
  • This is the Remarkable Z.J. Loussac

    This is the Remarkable Z.J. Loussac
    2024/11/17
    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 分
  • Did You Watch These Popular Anchorage, Alaska Kid's TV Shows?

    Did You Watch These Popular Anchorage, Alaska Kid's TV Shows?
    2024/11/10
    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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  • Popular Anchorage, Alaska Restaurant Memories that will Make You Hungry

    Popular Anchorage, Alaska Restaurant Memories that will Make You Hungry
    2024/11/03
    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 Anchorage Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
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