Anchorage Memories

Did you enjoy discovering interesting facts about Anchorage? You'll love this edition of Anchorage Memories VIP.

First, Hans and Gerry Kirschner tried farming their Spenard property on McRae road… but they were not successful.

Then, in 1951, they opened the Garden of Eatin’ and the rest is Anchorage history.

Remember Snow White Laundry and Cleaners?

In 1916, Yusuke “Harry” Kimura and his wife, Katsuyo, arrived at the tent city on Ship Creek that would become Anchorage.

They took over a hand laundry business and changed the business name to “H and K Hand Laundry”. There was no running water. Later, the Kimura’s opened their Snow White Laundry and Cleaners business.

BONUS

You can learn more about the Kimura family right here

First Church in Anchorage

The first church in Anchorage was established in 1915.

It would become Holy Family Cathedral at 800 5th Avenue.

Share the Fun

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Meet, Moosemeat John

In 1940, John Hedberg, known as “Moosemeat” John, won the contest for the longest beard during the Fur Rendezvous. The picture above is not of John’s winning beard.

Anchorage Police Department

In 1935, the Anchorage Police Department was still on foot. Occasionally, they borrowed citizen’s cars and even took taxis to fight crime.

In the 1940s, the department purchased their first patrol car, a used Ford for $63.75.

Brewster’s

Did you know that one of the most popular stores in Anchorage was owned by a homesteader who first came to town in 1952?

Charles H. Brewster first opened a store called Brewster’s in a log cabin located in Muldoon. In 1959, he relocated to Mountain View at North Bragaw street and Mountain View Drive.

First Telephone Exchange

Henry Emard brought the first telephone exchange to what would become Anchorage, in 1914.

First Public Library

In 1922, Bolte’s Hardware store offered free space for the Anchorage Public Library.

While Anchorage Memories does not know where Bolte’s was located, it is likely that it was on 4th Avenue.

First Outside Performing Artist

In October 1938, Lorene Harrison, (the Hat Box), and the Presbyterian Church Choir, brought the first artist from outside of Alaska, to the town of Anchorage to perform.

The artist was Soprano singer Margaret Bowen.

BONUS

You can learn more about Lorene Harrison right here

From Our North Stars

(that’s you)

Friday at the Airport Café

by Joe Fourrnelle

“One Friday evening in the Fifties we went to Airport Café for dinner.

Those who grew up Catholic in those days remember meatless Fridays. I ordered a grilled cheese. My brother ordered a cheeseburger, thinking it to be some sort of cheesy concoction. Our parents said nothing to the contrary. The food arrives and “Hey! There's a hamburger on my cheeseburger”. The waitress must have thought we were from another planet.”

From our Ghost Town of Ukivoke story

“Wonderful photos of a hostile environment, but one that the proves the resilience of the Inupiat people who lived there.” Lilia

“Absolutely love this history.  I had no idea Ukivok existed.  Thank you.” Avril 

“Awesome history!  Thank you.” Jeff

A Comment about What was Under the Denali Theatre on 4th Avenue

“Yes the Denali did have a bowling alley in the basement level. My mom bowled there quite a bit. Matter of fact she was there the morning of March 27, 1964. Little did we know that later that afternoon, the theater marquee would sink to the sidewalk level during the Good Friday earthquake.. Good thing she wasn’t there then!” Leslie

Leslie – Mary of Anchorage Memories bowled there with her family when she was in grade school. Mary says she used the two-handed technique. It cost 35 cents to bowl, and you could rent shoes for 25 cents.

Contact Us

Did you enjoy reading this edition of your Anchorage Memories VIP Club? We did.

It’s always interesting when you discover something new about Anchorage.

Do you have a comment or suggestion for a future edition? Or do you just want to say, “I remember using Snow White Laundry and Cleaners.”

You can reply to this email, or you can get in touch with us by clicking on the following link to Contact Us right now.

And, be looking for your next edition of Alaska Facts and History.

Until Next Time

Mike and Mary

Anchorage Memories.com