Anchorage Hotel Memories

Do you know the history of the Anchorage Hotel? It's been a landmark since 1916. And what do you know about Cook Inlet? You'll love this edition.

The original hotel, owned by Henry Emard, was located at 330 E Street

U.S. President Warren G. Harding, Wiley Post, Will Rogers, Walt Disney and Alaska photographer and artist, Sidney Laurence all stayed at the Anchorage Hotel.

In its day, the hotel was a remarkable site.

Remember that a crude tent city sprang up on the banks of Ship Creek Flats, where the creek empties into Cook Inlet (more about Cook Inlet in this edition). So, when Henry Emard began construction on this all wood structure in 1916., people took notice.

In addition, it was originally a two-story building, which by tent city standards, was a “skyscraper”.

The Sidney Laurence Connection

Sidney Laurence first came to Anchorage during its days as a tent city. And when the Anchorage Hotel opened, Laurence opened his studio in the lobby of the Hotel.

Sidney Laurence also lived in a room at the hotel off and on in the 1920s and 1930s.

At one time, Laurence traded one of his paintings of Mount McKinley for a year’s rent at the Anchorage Hotel.

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Anchorage Hotel History

At one time, the Anchorage Hotel was the city’s primary meeting place. It was also the only place in the new town where you could enjoy a meal served on fine china with silverware and a linen table cloth.

In 1936

A hotel annex was built in 1936 with a sky bridge connecting it to the original Anchorage Hotel. E. Elisworth Sedille designed the addition at the same time he was finishing Anchorage’s City Hall across the street from the hotel.

A Very Special Gift for You

What are your memories of the 4th Avenue Theatre?

4th Avenue Theatre Memories brings back wonderful memories of your favorite Anchorage movie house. On the pages of this e-book you’ll discover who built the theatre and how they created those beautiful murals.

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Just click on the following link: 4th Avenue Theatre Memories

Henry Emard Came to Town

In the photo above is Henry Emard and a King Crab circa 1940–1950

When Henry Emard first arrived in Anchorage in 1915, he brought a telephone exchange (not the crab) and all the necessary equipment. His goal was to sell the system and his abilities to the Alaska Engineering Commission (AEC).

As a result, the AEC made Emard the Manager of the Anchorage Telephone Company in 1915. It was the first telephone exchange in what would become Anchorage.

Emard went on to build the Anchorage Hotel.

In the photo above, the Emard Cannery began in 1928

Henry Emard became involved in the Alaska fishing industry by building a couple of canneries.

The Emard cannery pictured above at the Anchorage Docks, was connected to the Alaska Railroad for transporting product.

BONUS

You can read more about Henry Emard right now.

Alaska Facts and History

Cook Inlet by Paxon Woelber

Cook Inlet

Captain Bligh of the HMS Bounty, served as Captain James Cook’s Sailing Master on Cook’s third and final voyage to look for the Northwest Passage.

During the voyage, they visited what would become known as Cook Inlet. Once inside the inlet it was Captain Bligh who named “Turnagain Arm”.

In 1794, George Vancouver gave the inlet the name “Cook Inlet”. Vancouver had served under Captain Cook in 1778.

Can you imagine moving from a tent on Ship Creek Flats, to a swanky room at the Anchorage Hotel back in 1916?

And can you imagine how beautiful Cook Inlet was when its namesake visited for the first time?

Do you have a comment, suggestion for an upcoming edition, or do you just want to say, “I stayed at the Anchorage Hotel”.

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Until Next Time

Mike and Mary

Anchorage Memories.com