Anchorage Settler Memories

Do you know some of the names of the first settlers to arrive in what would become Anchorage? Discover the first settlers in this edition.

In the photo above

4th Avenue from F street looking west. August 25, 1915

Who came to what would become Anchorage to work on the railroad, or provide goods and services to the people who came to work or build a new life out of a wilderness?

Who were the people whose names we still remember?

In the photo above

Jane Mears and her husband, Colonel Frederick Mears, 1919.

Frederick Mears was the Chairman of the Alaska Engineering Commission and a member of the group that first surveyed the area at the mouth of Ship Creek, before it was chosen as the location for the Alaska railroad. Frederick Mears was then task with managing the construction of the railroad at Ship Creek.

On September 16, 1915, Jane Mears helped create the Anchorage Woman’s Club which numbered 34. The first order of business was a school for the children of tent city.

Jane Mears convinced her husband to donate materials to build the first school in Anchorage. Now known as the Pioneer School House, the building still stands.

Mears Middle School is named after Jane Mears.

BONUS

You can learn more about Jane Mears right now.

Thousands Arrive

In the photo above

Clearing the land to begin work, circa 1915

From all over the world thousands showed up at the mouth of Ship Creek hoping to find work, or looking to sell their goods and services to a needy crowd.

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There Were Colorful Characters Too

In the photo above

Joe Spenard

He came to the muddy shore of Ship Creek from Valdez and brought the first two vehicles to what would become Anchorage. One was a truck for hauling and the second was a car he used as a taxi service.

He homesteaded on what would become known as Spenard Lake, and built a rough logging road from the new town near what would become the Park Strip, to the lake. The road became known as Spenard Road… And the town that sprang up in the woods became known as Spenard.

BONUS

You can enjoy The Story of Joe Spenard right now.

In the photo

“Russian Jack” a man with many names.

By the way, Russian Jack did not end up winning the crown of Mardi Gras King.

The tent city that sprang up on Ship Creek Flats was declared dry by the Alaska Railroad. But folks like Russian Jack filled the void. Jack moved way out of town and built his cabin in a place now known as Russian Jack Springs.

Russian Jack built a still on his homestead and brewed his “squirrel juice” far away from prying eyes. He sold his moonshine in many ways. One method was to have a woman push a baby carriage around the settlement. But instead of a baby, the carriage was full of squirrel juice which he sold to a steady stream of customers.

Russian Jack Springs, a park, neighborhood and an elementary school are named after this colorful early settler.

BONUS

There is a lot more to The Story of Russian Jack. Check it out right now.

She Came to Educate the Children of Tent City

In the photo

Orah Dee Clark

Jane Mears and the Anchorage Woman’s Club needed a teacher and a school Superintendent for the new school house.

Orah Dee Clark was a life-long educator and happily came to tent city to accept the new position.

You may have attended Orah Dee Clark Junior High School, which was named in her honor. Orah was still in Anchorage when her namesake school opened, and she liked to visit the school and meet the students.

BONUS

Take a look at this fascinating story of Orah Dee Clark right now.

His Grocery Store Building is an Anchorage Icon

In the photo

Larson and Wendler Groceries built by A.J. Tony Wendler and his wife.

Look closer, and you might recognize the building as “Club 25”

Tony Wendler and his family arrived at tent city in 1915. They put together 2 tents. One to sleep in and one for cooking and eating. Then Wendler and Larson, his partner, started selling groceries to the people of tent city.

When bids opened up for the beginning of the town of Anchorage, Wendler bid on a lot on 4th Avenue where he built the building seen in the picture above. Upstairs was the family residence.

Wendler quickly became active in helping with matters involving the schooling of the local children.

Wendler Junior High (now Middle School) is named in honor of A.J. Tony Wendler.

BONUS

You’ll enjoy this story of A. J. Tony Wendler and his family right now.

What Brought You and Your Family to Anchorage?

Was it the military? Did your parents bring the family to Anchorage? Were you born and raised there?

Tell us what brought you to Anchorage.

Your Comments

From our edition of Varsity Show Memories.

“I was on The Varsity Show with the Catholic Junior High and Senior High School. Great to go back in time.” Diana

Contact Mike and Mary

Those early settlers had a remarkable pioneer spirit, didn’t they?

Now did you know that you can easily contact Mike and Mary?

You can reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right now with your comments, suggestions for future edition or just to say that you’re having a fun summer.

Until Next Time

Mike and Mary

Anchorage Memories.com