Sydney Laurence Memories

Did you know that Sydney Laurence first arrived in Anchorage in 1915? Did you know that he was a photographer and a painter? Check out this fun edition.

A painting of Mount McKinley by Anchorage artist Sydney Laurence

You live, or used to live, in Anchorage. A place surrounded by the unique and uncommon beauty of Alaska.

And some of the most amazing surroundings are the mountain ranges.

Mountains treat Anchorage to the glories of summer with a splash of Fireweed. And as winter approaches, “termination dust” (snow) tells residents that winter will soon cover the mountains, and Anchorage with a blanket of fluffy white.

A Very Special Sight

On a clear day in Anchorage, if you look to the north, nature reveals an incredible gift. A glimpse of Mount McKinley. Named Denali, or “The Great One” by Alaska’s Athabaskan tribe, the mountain is the tallest in North America.

One photographer, painter named Sydney Laurence found the majestic beauty of Mount McKinley captivating.

His love for the mountain moved his paint brush to create wonderful paintings like the one above.

His Anchorage Years 1915 to 1940

Laurence was living in Valdez before moving to the tent city of Anchorage in 1915 to work as a laborer on the Alaska Railroad.

He also tried his hand as a gold miner in Cache Creek near Talkeetna, and later began taking photographic portraits at his studio in the Carrol Building at 4th and E Streets.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Reed operated the new Anchorage Hotel where Sydney took up residence.

Then in 1919

Laurence began selling some of his paintings in Juneau, Alaska at a well-known gift shop ran by Belle Simpson, called the Nugget Shop.

In 1920, Sydney Laurence opened a portrait studio in the Anchorage Hotel.

A Full-Time Painter

By 1922 Laurence saw that his paintings were becoming more popular, so he closed his photographic portrait studio to paint full-time… But just in case – he continued to look for gold and oil near Talkeetna.

By 1923 he was recognized as Alaska’s most prominent painter. President Warren G. Harding, the first U.S. President to visit Alaska, bought a Sydney Laurence painting.

When Cap Lathrop made the silent movie “The Chechahcos” in 1923, Laurence painted the decorative subtitle borders for the movie. He also painted 6 large landscapes that were seen in the movie.

When the movie was shown outside of Alaska, it introduced his painting to a wider audience.

Laurence Becomes a “Snow Bird”

In 1924, Sydney Laurence also opened a studio in Los Angeles, California. And with that, and for the rest of his life, he spent the winter in California and summers in Anchorage.

In Los Angeles he married Jeanne K. Holerman in 1928.

Sydney Laurence passed away in Anchorage on September 11, 1940, and was laid to rest in the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery.

His wife Jeanne Laurence died in Anchorage in August 1980.

BONUS

Read more about Sydney Laurence and discover.

December 1946

The Anchorage Symphony made its debut at Anchorage’s Little Theater performance of the Charles Dickens’ play, “A Christmas Carol”.

BONUS

Now you can enjoy even more Anchorage Memories

Take a look at Anchorage Alaska Memories and enjoy.

DOUBLE BONUS

Now you can enjoy short memories about Anchorage, sent in by Anchorage Memories.com visitors.

Take a look at Random Anchorage Alaska Memories and enjoy.

TRIPLE BONUS

Discover how much you know about Anchorage.

This new Anchorage Memories.com page is filled with all kinds of fun bits about Anchorage.

In 1951, what first was built in Anchorage?

Here’s a hint:

There was something unique about the french fries they served.

For the answer and lots more fun, take a look at Did You Know and discover the fun.

Do you remember going to the bank on 4th Avenue just up the street from the 4th Avenue Theater? They had that wonderful fish tank inset into the side of the building facing the sidewalk, and it was filled with rainbow trout.

But inside the bank, they had huge Sydney Laurence paintings displayed on the walls. They were a beautiful reminder of a man, his art and a majestic place called Mount McKinley.

Do you have a comment or just want to say “hey, the view is great up here on Mount McKinley!”

You can either reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right now.

Until Next Time

Mike and Mary

Anchorage Memories.com