Anchorage Pioneers

Have you ever heard of Edward and Jenny Carlson? Meet two pioneers who helped create the town of Anchorage from a ragged tent city.

In the 1922 photo above is Edward and Jenny Carlson in their Anchorage garden.

Edward Carlson and his wife Jenne “Jenny” came ashore from Cook Inlet to the muddy banks of Ship Creek in 1915.

What greeted them was an unsanitary settlement. The only structures were a patchwork of raggedy tents and a few temporary buildings, with a bustling populace of about 2,000.

Let’s Buy some Lots

During a land auction that same year to start the town site of Anchorage, Carlson bought four lots. Several were located in the area of 4th Avenue and K Street.

He was also a Carpenter

The Alaska Engineering Commission (AEC), which was building the Alaska Railroad, needed a dock to both load and unload freight for the railroad and local merchants.

Carlson built a temporary dock. The structure he built included a grid that barges could float over. Then, when the tide went out, the barge would settle down over the grid and could easily be loaded or unloaded.

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Your friends and family will love meeting Edward and Jenny Carlson featured in this edition of the Alaska VIP Club.

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The Inlet Hotel

In the 1921 photo above is daughter Ruth at the Inlet Hotel.

From 1918 to 1936, The Carlson’s operated the Inlet Hotel near 4th and K Streets.

Living quarters in the hotel served as their family home.

The Inlet Hotel was located about where the Captain Cook Hotel’s parking garage is located today.

Their Home

Now called the Carlson - Kuvara House, located at 419 L. Street, the Carlson home still stands today.

A Living Legacy

In the photo above is Carlson Park in Anchorage

Edward, Jenny, and their children were later honored by the Municipality of Anchorage.

A 2.37 acre City Park, located west of Lake Otis Parkway, between Northern Lights Blvd. and 36th Avenue, is now called Carlson Park.

BONUS

Would you like to read more about the history of the Carlsons?

Take a look at Edward Carlson and discover.

DOUBLE BONUS

Meet Moose Meat John

Have you ever heard of an Anchorage character they called “Moose Meat John”? Ron Maley tells us this story.

Take a look at Moose Meat John and discover.

A Final Word

The Alaska VIP Club thinks it’s important to remember that many people, including the Carlson family, contributed to the creation of a place called Anchorage, Alaska. These Anchorage pioneers gave us the Anchorage we know and love.

From Our North Stars (that’s you)

From our Anchorage Random Memories edition.

“This edition was a memory jogger, so many people and I shared the same good times in Anchorage!”

Paul

“My family and friends always had fun because downtown Anchorage and all the activities in town kept us all busy!”

Mary

Connect with Us

We’ve shown this before, but it’s an Anchorage Memory worth seeing again.

Remember when the Turtles (Happy Together) came to Anchorage?

In the picture above is Mark Volman of the turtles. His left hand is around the head of an Anchorage teen who was also one of the Go Go girls for Pacesetters.

The teenage Go Go girl above is Mary, who is now the co-author of Anchorage Memories.

Did you enjoy learning about the Carlson family in this edition?

You can easily reply to this email to share your comment. Or you can Contact Us to say, “I’ve been to Carlson Park.”

Until Next Time

Mike and Mary

Anchorage Memories.com