Anchorage Betty's Record Den Memories

"What's behind the green door?" Do you remember that slogan for Betty's Record Den? A look back at a favorite Anchorage teen hang out in this edition.

The slogan “Whats behind the green door?” came from the 1956 hit song, “The Green Door” by Jim Lowe.

BONUS

You can listen to “The Green Door” on YouTube.

Just click on the following link:

After the 1964 Earthquake

Betty Poeschel opened Betty’s Record Den, located near Club Paris in downtown Anchorage, following the 1964 earthquake.

And Betty’s husband Ralph “Pretz” Poeschel painted the front door of the record shop, green.

The Summer of 1952

But our story begins in the summer of 1952, when Betty was still in high school and her family drove up the Alcan.

Later

One of Betty’s first jobs in Anchorage was working at the Den of Music on 4th Avenue, across from David Green Furs.

Betty’s position at the store evolved into being the manager and she took her job very seriously.

Beatlemania

When the Beatles first came out, Betty flew to Seattle to buy cases of Beatles records and then brought those records back to the Den of Music in Anchorage.

She was the first to stock the Beatles’ music in Alaska, and it paid off.

He was “Drop Dead Gorgeous”

In about 1960, a man came into the Den of Music. He was stationed in Anchorage in the military, and he came in to purchase records for himself. His name was Ralph “Pretz” Poeschel.

Later, Betty and Pretz were married.

Remember “Audio Cam”

Following her time at the Den of Music, Betty accepted a position at Audio Cam located near Army Navy Surplus in Anchorage.

Good Friday 1964

March 27, 1964, changed many things. And Betty was no exception.

That was when she decided it was time for her and Pretz to go out on their own.

Betty’s Record Den

Behind the green door (painted by Pretz) you’d find audio booths where you could listen to your record selections. Pretz also built the booths.

Shipping Records All Over Alaska

No matter where you lived in Alaska, you could order records from Betty’s Record Den… And Betty didn’t charge anything for shipping.

Fans of Betty’s Record Den even called her and asked if she would bring records to Nome and Bethel where she could meet everyone and sell her records. Betty agreed.

.

It was The Place to Visit

As a result of mailing records all over Alaska, Teens who came to Anchorage with their parents for a few days, always wanted to visit Betty’s Record Den.

“A lot of kids from Fairbanks would come to Anchorage and hang out at Betty’s Record Den and go to Pacesetter dances and concerts” says Betty.

When asked to name one of her favorite things about Betty’s Record Den, Betty is quick to say -

“the camaraderie with all the kids that came in from all over, just to see the store.”

But it was Much More than just That

In the privacy of Betty’s office, kids could come to Betty and Pretz with their problems.

The two would listen and follow up if necessary.

“Our mission was to take care of the kids - and our record shop was the base of operations” says Betty.

Betty’s Favorite Thing About Betty’s Record Den

“It was being an ear for the kids that needed somebody to talk to.”

A Message for Her Fans

“Thank you for the good times and the great memories. And all you did and all you are doing to make my life so special.” Betty Poeschel

They Called it “Pacesetters”

Betty also talked to Anchorage Memories about how and why they created Pacesetters to put together dances and concerts for Anchorage teens. And to nurture some of Anchorage’s teen bands.

BONUS

Take a look at Pacesetters Memories and remember when.

Did you enjoy remembering “What’s behind the green door?” at Betty’s Record Den?

Thank you, Betty, for so many great memories.

Do you have a memory you want to share about Betty’s Record Den, a comment or just want to say “I loved opening that green door and walking in to Betty’s Record Den…”

You can contact us by replying to this email, or you can Contact Us right now.

Until Next Time

Mike and Mary

Anchorage Memories.com