Since being built by Frank Lee around 1916 and later moved to its current location, the Talkeetna Roadhouse has been a staple of local life.  Like many of the Northern Susitna Valley’s historic buildings, it has changed hands many times, and the feel of the Roadhouse has changed along with those who ran it.  Today, we’re going to take a look at three eras of the Roadhouse through the eyes of Northern Susitna Valley locals.

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The Fairview Inn is referred to by some as "Talkeetna's living room."  On this episode of the Blue Tarp, we hear from people for whom the Fairview has been a major part of their life.  We also hear about some brushes with fame, and even some brushes with the other side.

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For more than eighty years, the territorial schoolhouse building has stood in Downtown Talkeetna, Alaska.  Built to be essentially identical to other federally funded schools throughout Alaska in the territorial days, it has served many purposes over the decades beyond hosting classes.  It has been a residence, a community gathering place, and, today, a museum to Talkeetna’s past.  On this episode of the Blue Tarp, we hear from people who learned, lived, and labored inside one of Talkeetna’s most historic buildings.

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In this teaser, you get a taste of KTNA's newest program (and first podcast), The Blue Tarp!  The Blue Tarp covers the stories of the Northern Susitna Valley as told by those who lived them.  In Season One, we'll be taking a look at some of the area's iconic and historic buildings, and hearing some of the stories that unfolded inside.  

The Blue Tarp theme music was written and performed by Larry Zarella.

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