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Alaska has long been a magnet for colorful characters. In its early days, Anchorage had Joe Spenard and Russian Jack. During the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway had “Soapy” Smith. And you have probably heard of others.Many years ago, the Inuit Eskimo and Tanaina Indians settled about 125 miles southwest of what would become Anchorage, on the Kenai Peninsula.GoldThen, in the late 1800s, a mining company promoter and con man came to an area where a spit of land goes out into Kachemak Bay. He passed himself off as a gold prospector, even though gold mining had never been profitable in the area.The con man built living quarters for a crew that would mine for gold. Men, who were working in near-by fish canneries, were lured to the scam because of the living quarters the man offered.Miners crowded into the area, but the gold mining venture failed.By 1902, the area was all but abandoned.About a year after the con man arrived in the area… he was gone.CoalIn the 1890s, coal was discovered in the area.The Cook Inlet Coal Fields Company built a town, dock, railroad, and a coal mine.Coal mining continued in the area until World War II. There are still about 400 million tons of coal in the area.The Beginning of a TownFrom around 1910 to 1920, homesteaders settled in the area, where the coal mine town had begun.But this new town needed a name.For some unknown reason, it was decided that the new town would bear the name of the con man who had claimed to be a gold prospector. His name was Homer Pennock and that’s his picture at the top of this edition.And so, Homer, Alaska was born.Yes, You can Share this EditionWould your friends or family enjoy this edition of the Anchorage Memories VIP Club podcast?You can easily share this with them, and when you do, they will be so happy that they will give you a lifetime supply of your favorite cookies… well, it could happen.Thank you for reading Anchorage Memories VIP Club. This post is public, so feel free to share it.Did you know?Homer, Alaska, is the Halibut fishing capital of the world.AndHomer has a population of about 5,500 people.BONUSDo you want to know more about Homer, Alaska?Take a look at Homer, Alaska and discover.From Our North Stars (that’s you)Our look at favorite restaurants in Anchorage brought these comments:Molly wrote in to say:“some of my favorite restaurants are, the Garden of Eatin, the Rice Bowl, Legal Pizza, Flippers (or Flippy’s) and Harry’s”.Larry said:“I really liked Elevation 92, Clinkerdaggers and The Corsair”.And Sam wrote this:“The Lucky Wishbone story was a great one and brought back many a great memory. Dad owned the property on 5th Ave between Pop Hodleys grocery store and a little ways down towards Merrill Field. I don't know the exact street, but that is where my dad started Alaska Towing and Wrecking. So The Lucky Wishbone was one of our hang-outs as kids”.Michael Remembers this:“My earliest memory of eating at a restaurant in Anchorage was at the White Spot when it was located at 412 C street. This was probably in 1969 or 1970. We had just moved to Alaska (Bethel) in 1968, so it was a treat to have a hamburger there back in the day. Will always remember that!”Don wrote this:“My memory recalls Klinkerdagger, Bickerstaff & Petts, the original Rice Bowl along E. 5th; then to E. 6th and now The Rice Garden off Sitka St. and E 5th.  The Nikko Gardens, and The Garden of Eatin''; both in Spenard. Connect with UsDid you learn something new about Homer, Alaska? We certainly did.And thank you to all our North Stars for the great comments about your favorite Anchorage restaurants.Do you have a comment? Just reply to this email, or you can Contact Us to say, “I caught a Halibut in Homer”.Until Next TimeMike and MaryAnchorage Memories.com

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He had no money, and no job prospects on the horizon.So, in 1929, during the Great Depression, he was able to sneak on board the SS Aleutian steamship, headed for Seward, Alaska.Once in Seward, he made his way to Anchorage, where he found work, driving a delivery truck for Standard Oil.Later, he began a fur trading business using dog teams and chartered planes to reach remote Alaska villages.His fur trading company led him into the aviation business.Meet Linious “Mac” McGee.He never learned to fly because he was more interested in business and organization, than aviation.Yes, you can Share this EditionYour friends and family will enjoy this interesting look at a historic time in Anchorage and Alaska. A time when pioneers came to the last frontier.Thank you for reading Anchorage Memories VIP Club. This post is public, so feel free to share it.How it BeganIn 1931, McGee partnered with an Alaska Bush pilot named Harvey W. Barnhill.The two purchased a three-seat Stinson aircraft and began Barnhill and McGee Airways in Anchorage.About a year later, in 1932, McGee bought out Barnhill’s share of the company. Then, after purchasing another Stinson aircraft, McGee started McGee Airways. It was one of the first air services in Anchorage.Over the next two years, McGee Airways grew into a fleet of seven Stinson aircraft.With all the same planes, McGee reasoned that they could interchange parts, which would make it easier to maintain flight schedules.1934McGee sold his airline to Anchorage based, Star Air Service, but stayed on as the manager for several years.1937He later decided to get out of aviation all together.By this time, McGee was involved in the mining industry and later retired at the age of 73.Star Air Service became Star AirlinesThen, in 1942, Star Airlines was sold, and the name was changed to Alaska Star Airlines.The Beginning of Alaska AirlinesPhoto by Harley D. NygrenIn the picture above is a 1949, Alaska Airlines DC-3In 1944, the company, that began as McGee Airways, was renamed for the last time. The new name is Alaska Airlines.Yes, Alaska Airlines came about because of a 1929 stowaway named Linious “Mac” McGee who came to Anchorage, Alaska seeking a new life and opportunity in the Last Frontier.BONUSYou can learn more about Linious “Mac” McGee and Alaska aviation history.Take a look at McGee Airways: The Story Of Alaska Airlines' Predecessor and discover.From Our North Stars (that’s you)From our look at Homer, AlaskaJim sent us this comment:“I listened to your podcast on how Homer, Alaska got its name. Very interesting and informative.”And Sam shared this memory:“What I remember most about homer is the homer spit. As a small boy, Dad and mom took out onto the spit, to dig for those huge muscle clams. We filled a small gunny sack. Then, when we got home, mom made clam chowder with those huge chunks of clams in it. That was some good clam chowder. Another great memory.”Jon had this question:“I wonder if Homer Pennock had something to do with Pennock Island in Ketchikan?”A Note from Anchorage Memories:Yes, Jon, we looked it up and Pennock Island in Ketchikan is also named after Homer Pennock. He definitely got around Alaska.And Arlise had this suggestion:“I know of a little town not far from Homer you could mention, and maybe write a little somethin' about. Seldovia! What do you think? I grew up there and still have family and many friends there, so I may be a little partial.”A Note from Anchorage Memories:Arlis - great suggestion. Seldovia has a very interesting history. So yes, we will be creating an entire edition of the Anchorage Memories VIP Club podcast about Seldovia very shortly.Connect with UsDid you enjoy the story of Anchorage Pioneer, Linious “Mac” McGee and his contribution to Alaska aviation? We certainly did.Do you have a comment? Just reply to this email. Or, you can Contact Us to say, “I flew with Alaska Airlines 243 times”.And be looking for our Seldovia podcast edition of the Anchorage Memories VIP Club.Until Next TimeMike and MaryAnchorage Memories.com

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Author Mike Dougherty tells you this story.The Anchorage Film Caper takes you on a spooky but humor-filled adventure through the basement of the deserted and badly damaged McKinley building following the 1964 Alaska earthquake.When you were a teenager, did you ever do anything that you thought about later in life, laughed and said to yourself, “that was dumb.” Well, this story would be one of those moments.In “The Anchorage Film Caper”, author, Michael R. Dougherty was a teen when he was sent into the abandoned basement of the McKinley Building after that building was badly damaged after the 1964 earthquake.Mike was given a holstered 357 Magnum pistol to take with him. Do you see any potential trouble?Read the Storyby Michael R DoughertyThere was someone lurking in the dark, empty corridor of the spooky abandoned building in downtown Anchorage, Alaska… or was there?With a can filled with 16mm film clutched tightly under my left arm and a 357 magnum in my shaky right hand, I was ready for action as I nervously made my way to the KTVA channel 11 TV station film processor.My destination was located in the all but empty basement of what was left of the downtown McKinley building following the 1964 Great Alaskan Earthquake.Yes, You Can Share this EditionEveryone likes to listen to a story.So give your friends and family a treat, by sharing this story with them.Thank you for reading Anchorage Memories VIP Club. This post is public, so feel free to share it.The Story ContinuesAt 18 years of age, I went to work at KTVA channel 11. It was after the earthquake and the downtown McKinley building, where KTVA and KNIK-FM were located, had been badly damaged. Following the quake, the building was unoccupied except for the studios and offices of channel 11 and KNIK-FM radio, where both were located on the building's first floor.Not long after the earthquake, homeless people, drunks, and others would sometimes make their way into the building.One night during KTVA's 10:00pm live news, an intoxicated man actually managed to make his way into the TV studio where he parted the curtains and stumbled onto the live TV news set. The man saw the lights and the cameras pointing at him, and said “huh?”, then turned and left the same way he stumbled in. And all on live TV.My Anchorage Film Caper began one late afternoon.Franklin Butte, the Chief Engineer, handed me a metal film can filled with unprocessed 16mm news film and told me to take it to the film processor which was located in the depths of the building.I wasn't thrilled with the idea. But I took the film can and started for the basement when Frank stopped me with “hold it Mike… you may need this” and with that, he handed me a leather holstered 357 Magnum pistol.Wide-eyed, I asked “what do I need this for?”Frank shrugged his shoulders and said, “there may be drunks, burglars or who knows what down there”.I managed a hard gulp, turned and started for the door to the basement, trying to act like what Frank had just said didn't bother me. But it did. A lot.A few minutes later, as I reached the door to the basement, my imagination had kicked into high gear. What if I opened the door and someone was hiding in the stairwell? I nervously reached out and grabbed hold of the door nob.Slowly I gave it a turn.Gradually I opened the door and peered slowly into the beginning of the stairwell. The few shafts of dim light played games with my already nervous teenage mind. It looked like I was about to descend into the bowls of a dark, terrifying world.Quickly I stepped into the stairwell, put the film can down on the floor, then stood back up and strapped on the gun holster. I bent back down and snatched up the cold, metal film can, took a deep breath and started my slow descent. One reluctant step at a time.Later I found myself in an all too dark, dusty and very vacant hallway. I was breathing hard as I pulled the trusty 357 Magnum out of its holster and pointed the barrel toward my imaginary terror.Then just like all the detectives in movies and TV shows, I started making my way down the hall, darting from side-to-side, pasted myself up against the wall at each corner of every hallway. Then I would jump out from the wall with my trusty gun in hand and still raised.Like an idiot, I did that all the way down one hallway and then the other. I don't know how, but eventually, I found my way to the film processing room.A strange sort of relief came over me as I ripped open the door and ran into the room where I quickly and nervously threw the 16mm film can on the counter, turned and ran back out into the hall.Then I ran as fast as I could, like the scared chicken I was. I ran down the halls and then up the stairwell as fast as my wobbly legs would carry me.At the top of the stairwell once again, I grabbed the door nob, pulled the door open as fast as I could and leaped into the lobby like a gun-totting ballet dancer.Much to my relief, I was safely out of the basement. I composed myself as best I could and even unbuckled the gun belt in case someone saw me.Moments later, I was still breathing hard, but I was safely back in the KTVA studios.What a combination for disaster. A dark, earthquake ravaged, vacant building, a nervous, gun-toting 18-year-old idiot and whoever the poor soul was that my teenage imagination might encounter.Thankfully, I was never asked to return to that spooky basement again. But I still have nightmares. Only now I'm the Anchorage, Alaska version of detective Sam Spade… no one would dare bother me.The EndBONUSAt Anchorage Memories.com you can read more stories from 1964 earthquake survivors.Take a look at the 1964 Earthquake in Anchorage, Alaska and discover.From Our North Stars (that’s you)From “My Alaska Commercial Fishing Adventure”Rick sent us this comment:“The toughest job for me (on the purse seiner fishing boat) was the long cork plunger and Caspar would keep yelling at me, “keep plunging, kid”. I felt like my arms would fall off my body. The easiest job was jumping in the power skiff with a tow-line and keeping the boat from getting into the net. Those were the days. I loved it”.And Jerry sent in this story request:“There has to be a story on the Seldovia air strip.”Connect with UsThis is Mike and Mary of Anchorage Memories, The Anchorage Film Caper is a fun story, and listening to Mike tell his story made it even more fun.Do you have a comment? You can get in touch with us by replying to this email.Or, You can Contact Us right now to say, “I’m a 1964 earthquake survivor too.”Until Next TimeMike and MaryAnchorage Memories.com

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During the long, cold dark of winter (not shown above), Anchorage movie theaters offered us a relief from the grip of Cabin Fever.For two hours or more, you could enjoy a movie or two, if it was a double feature.In the 1940s, 1950s, and into the early 1960s, you might also see a cartoon, a serial and, or a newsreel just before your movie.Movies (and television) were our window on the world outside of Alaska.The Empress TheaterAustin Eugene “Cap” Lathrop (October 1865–July 26, 1950) is considered to be “Alaska’s first home-grown millionaire”.The Lathrop movie theater group began back in 1916 when Cap Lathrop built the Empress Theater (seen above) located on 4th Avenue near G Street. It was the very first movie theater in Anchorage.At the time, movies were still silent.In 1917, a 2/11 Kimball Organ was installed. Jim Orcutt was the organist.Happily, I recall going to see movies at the Empress back in the early 1950s. The last movie I remember seeing (I think) at the Empress, was the 1953, “Invaders from Mars”.The Empress closed in the 1950s.BONUSSome years later, KTVA channel 11, Chief Engineer Franklin Butte, used parts of the Empress theater’s Kimball organ in Uncle’s Pizza restaurant, managed by Chuck Martin. It is my understanding that the restaurant closed in the 1970s.Yes, You can Share This EditionYour friends and family will love you when you share this with them.And it’s so easy. Just click on the following link:Thank you for reading Anchorage Memories VIP Club. This post is public, so feel free to share it.The 4th Avenue TheatreWhile the Empress was a grand theater in its time, the dream of Anchorage’s first movie palace started with construction of the 4th Avenue Theater in 1941.But the world had other ideas, and World War II caused completion of the theater to be delayed until 1947.Cap Lathrop really went all out for the 4th Avenue theater.It was an Art Deco, Streamline Moderne and Art Moderne style building. The theater had a combined seating capacity of 1,100 (including the balcony). And you might not know this, but Cap Lathrop was not convinced that a concession stand was appropriate. Years later, we are all happy that one was added.The 4th Avenue theater was a wonderful experience for Alaskans, and each of us have special memories of this movie theatre.BONUSWhat are your memories of the 4th Avenue movie theatre in downtown Anchorage, Alaska?This 4th Avenue Theatre Memories e-book will bring back fond memories of Anchorage's movie theatre palace.From the e-book:“It was the perfect place in Anchorage to see a movie.Imagine the first time you went to see a movie at Anchorage's famed 4th Avenue Theater.Just standing there on the sidewalk in front of the theatre, looking at the colorful posters showing you what was playing and what would be playing in the weeks and months to come, was fun.And as you approached the box office to get your movie tickets, you knew you were about to enter a special place.”A Few Chapters from the Table of Contents* It was our Movie Palace* How the 4th Avenue Theatre was Created* 4th Avenue Theatre, Hold the Butter4th Avenue Theatre Memories will remind you of a time when going to see a movie was special.Take a look at the 4th Avenue Theatre Memories e-book and enjoy.The Denali TheaterPhoto above by Orville EggenFor those who came to Anchorage sometime after the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, some folks don’t realize that the Denali Theater wasn’t always located in Spenard.Its original location was next to a bar on 4th Avenue. But as you can see by the picture above, the Denali sank to its theater marque during the 1964 earthquake. After that, it was relocated to Spenard.The very first movie, I remember seeing at the Denali on 4th Avenue, ended up being a big mistake.I was 15 years old at the time.Me, my sister Anna and my brother Tom were walking downtown with our mom, Louise Dougherty. As we came closer to the Denali Theater, mom said, “hey, do you kids want to see a movie?” of course, we all got very excited and shouted “yes”. Then mom said, OK Mike, you’re the oldest, you get to choose the movie.”When we found ourselves in front of the Denali, they had a sandwich board on the sidewalk with a display about the current movie they were showing.I looked it over and said, “this one, Let’s see this one.”In her wisdom, mom knew it was a mistake, and she said, “are you sure?”Well, we ended up in the Denali where we saw the 1962 low – budget, black and white movie “The Brain that Wouldn’t Die”.The movie was tame by today’s standards, but back then it scared me half to death. I think my brother Tom spent most of the time with his hands over his eyes.The Fireweed Movie TheaterWhen it first opened in 1965, the Fireweed Theater was the largest movie theater in Alaska.Among the many movies we remember seeing at the fireweed were “2001 a Space Odyssey”, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Herbie the Love Bug”. for the Love Bug”, they displayed a Volkswagen in the lobby, looking like it was the star of the movie.Seems to me that KBYR radio hosted a screening of the movie “Woodstock” in the Fireweed.Sundowner Drive-In Movie TheatreAs I recall, the first drive-in movie theater in Anchorage was the Billiken out in Muldoon.But pictured above is the Sundowner, which was located behind the Fireweed Theater.Going to an evening movie at a drive-in theater in Anchorage had its challenges. In the summer, it was difficult to see the movie on the screen because of the amount of sunlight.In the winter, you could see the screen, but you either had to use the little “heater” that was hanging from the speaker post, or you had to start your car and turn on your car heater for a while.But Alaskan’s are a hearty breed.BONUSRead more about the Anchorage Drive-In Experience and enjoy.From our North Stars (that’s you)From “The Anchorage Film Caper” episode about the basement of the badly damaged McKinley building, following the 1964 earthquake.“I remember my dance group going into that building (and it was creepy) to perform on KTVA channel 11 after the earthquake. We girls were all nervous since it was after the earthquake, and we were all worried about the building staying upright”. Jeanne“A very frightening story. You were very brave to have delivered the film.”Jim“There are strange things done in the midnight sun…” I remember my teenagers being very spooked by the long, narrow hallway that went from the music rooms to the auditorium at West High. Great storytelling Mike!”CindyConnect with UsTime to put away the popcorn, flicks, and jujubes. Oh, those were great movie snacks. We certainly enjoyed bringing these Anchorage Movie Theatre Memories to you.What was your favorite Anchorage movie Theatre? You can send us your comments by replying to this email. Or, you can Contact Us to Say, “My favorite movie snack was…”Are you enjoying the audio commentary in the podcast? Please let us know.Until Next TimeMike and MaryAnchorage Memories.com

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When Alaska finally made the transition from territory of the United States to becoming the 49th state – it was cause indeed for happy celebrations in Anchorage.“I remember being in the first grade at Denali Elementary. One day, we had to fill out a form. One of the questions asked, “what state do you live in?”. Our teacher told all of us to write “Territory of Alaska”.MaryThe Statehood ActThe man at the desk is President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Standing and on the left of the screen is Richard Nixon.The Alaska Statehood Act was enacted on July 7, 1958. However, for various legal reasons, Alaska had to wait until January 3, 1959, to officially be welcomed as the 49th state.BONUSRead more about the Alaska Statehood Act and discover.You Can Share This EditionIt’s so easy to share the fun and information about life in Anchorage, Alaska with your friends and family.And when you share Anchorage Memories VIP Club podcast with them, they will be so happy that they will buy you the car of your dreams… well, it could happen.Click on the following link:Thank you for reading Anchorage Memories VIP Club. This post is public, so feel free to share it.The Federal Building FlagA huge U.S. flag with a large 49th star was hoisted on the outside wall of the Federal building on 4th Avenue to celebrate statehood.If you look closely at the flag, you will notice the large star.Everyone either walking or driving down the street enjoyed looking at the flag.The BonfireThere were plenty of celebrations in Anchorage when Alaska became a state.Everyone lined the street for a parade, and there were other events all over town.But the celebration everyone seems to remember was the bonfire pictured above.“My family and I attended the statehood bonfire celebration. I was only in the first grade at Denali Elementary and didn’t really understand what was going on.Our family lived in downtown Anchorage, so my parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters all walked to the bonfire. I remember how excited and happy everyone was. When they set the wood pile on fire, I remember the bonfire became big and hot.Later, when we got back home, we talked about it and I started to understand more about why everyone was celebrating and that we had become the 49th state in the U.S. It was a proud and happy day I’ll always remember.”MaryDid You Remember Your Brownie Camera?Take a look at Anchorage resident Dick Hoffman’s memories of the Statehood celebrations.Did You Know This?At first, the United States Congress feared that Alaska would be unable to raise enough taxes because of its small population, and that Alaska would become a welfare state.Then, 6 members of the Senate Interior and Insular Affairs Committee in the U.S. Congress went to Alaska to conduct public hearings to see for themselves how Alaskans felt about the idea of becoming a state.Alaskans decided not to let them forget that they wanted to become a state.Alaskans sent Christmas cards with the following wording:“Make Alaskan’s future bright. Ask your Senator for statehood and start the New Year right.”And Alaska’s women got into the act in an impressive way.They made bouquets out of the Alaska flower, the “Forget-Me-Not” and sent them to members of Congress.Following all this, a lack of interest could no longer be used to prevent Alaska’s statehood.What Are Your Memories?It’s been many years since Alaska first became a state and the 49th star was added to the U.S. flag.When I was in the 3rd grade, our family had returned to the “lower 48” for a time and I was attending school in Texas. Our class had a project where we were studying the 48 United States.At one point, my teacher asked which state I was from, and I proudly said “Alaska.”My teacher then informed me that Alaska wasn’t a state. I became upset and said, “but we lived there.” The teacher informed me that Alaska was a Territory of the U.S.I became even more upset and thought to myself – “how could mom and dad take me out of the country like that?” Later that evening, mom and dad told me all about how Alaska was a part of the U.S. and what being a territory meant. After that, I was OK with it.Some years later, when Alaska became the 49th state, I was very proud.Contact UsWe were having so much fun enjoying this edition of Anchorage Memories VIP Club podcast, that it’s difficult to believe it’s time to say goodbye until next time.Did you learn something new about Alaska Statehood? We did.Do you have a comment, or just want to say, “I was at the bonfire.”You can reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right now.Until Next TimeMike and MaryAnchorage Memories.com

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Do you like (or would you like) to go camping in Alaska?When Mike of the Anchorage Memories VIP Club was 16 and his brother Tom was 14, the two headed across a lake to a small, wooded island near Cordova, Alaska to camp for the night.But things don’t always go as plannedMike and Tom’s overactive imaginations, ended up turning what should have been the perfect Alaska camping trip, into a night of misadventure.Yes, You can Share this PodcastYour friends and family deserve a good laugh. And you can easily share this “Camping Adventure on Wendigo Island” with them.Click on the following link:Thank you for reading Anchorage Memories VIP Club. This podcast is public, so feel free to share it.In the photo above, Mike is recording a podcast episode.Every time I hear the “Camping Adventure on Wendigo Island” story, I laugh.Yes, I can still see my brother and me, acting like a couple of Cheechakos, when we should have been more like the Alaska version of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.Were you ever on a camping trip in Alaska that didn’t go well?You can send us your comment by replying to this email.Until Next TimeMike and MaryAnchorage Memories.com

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