Alaska Stories

By: Michael R Dougherty
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Memories, Pioneers, and History

    www.alaskavipclub.com
    Michael R Dougherty
    Show More Show Less
Social Sciences World
Show More Show Less
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2
Episodes
  • This is the Remarkable Z.J. Loussac

    This is the Remarkable Z.J. Loussac
    Nov 17 2024
    From 1954 to 1985, Anchorage kids and adults enjoyed spending time in the downtown Loussac Library at 5th and F streets. The picture above is from 1955.So who was this Loussac fellow?His full name was Zadrich Joshua Loussac, also known as Zachary or Zachariah or even “Zach”. He was born to Jewish parents in Pokrov, Russia (near Moscow) in 1882.Gold FeverAt the age of 18, Loussac arrived in New York. He was unable to speak English and nearly broke. He ended up doing various jobs on the Lower East Side. But one of his jobs, introduced him to what would become his profession. That job was working in a drug store.Then one day, he overheard a man talking about the discovery of gold in the Klondike. Loussac mistakenly thought the Klondike was in Alaska. And like many others, he quickly came down with Gold fever, and a burning desire to go to Alaska.Finally Heading for AlaskaIn 1901, Zachary Loussac was finally able to travel across the lower 48, toward his ultimate destination, to find some of that Alaska gold.He got as far as Great Falls, Montana, where he ran out of money. And once again, he found himself working in a drug store.But by 1903, he had returned to New York and had graduated from the New York College of Pharmacy.Then, in 1907, his dream of Alaska gold finally took him to Nome.But like many before him, gold fever never paid off.Hello Tent CityIn 1916, it wasn’t much.Anchorage was just a rag-tag tent city on the muddy shores of Ship Creek flats.When ZJ Loussac first arrived in Anchorage, he and a friend bought a lot at 4th Avenue and D Street. His friend, Mr. Batles, opened a men’s store and Zachariah opened a drug store. They each had a building that was about 25 feet by 50 feet.Loussac’s drug store did well.His slogan was, “We’ve got what you want when you want it.”He opened a second drug store called ZJ Loussac Drug Store No 2 on the street level of the downtown Anchorage Hotel Annex in 1937. He operated two stores until he retired in 1943.Sharing Alaska StoriesRobert shares his Anchorage memories“As I look back on my years in Anchorage, they were absolutely magical. The happiest time of my life. What a wonderous city. A gem in the snow. Surrounded by purple mountains. I miss it so much.” You can easily share these Alaska StoriesJust by clicking on the link below, you can share Alaska Stories with anyone in the world.All they need is an internet connection, a computer or mobile device and… they can enjoy these Alaska Stories.Thanks for reading and listening to this edition of Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.Community Service for AnchorageAfter he retired, Loussac became very involved in community service.In 1946, Zachariah set up the Loussac Foundation to be used for “social, scientific and cultural activities in the Anchorage area”.From 1954 to 1985, the ZJ Loussac Library, created by his foundation, and located on the northeast corner of 5th and F Street, served the people of Anchorage.BONUSTake a look at this ZJ Loussac Biography and enjoy.Mayor of AnchorageDid you know that Loussac was elected Mayor of Anchorage for three one-year terms from 1948 to 1951?Ada Harper – LoussacIn 1949, at the age of 66, Zachariah, a lifelong bachelor, married Ada Harper, who ran the Colonial Dress Shop in Anchorage.Would You Like to Know More?Our look at Zachariah Loussac is a brief one, but you can read lots more by clicking on the link below.Read more about ZJ Loussac and enjoy.Imagine, Remember and AppreciateThe story of Zachariah Loussac reminds us of just how dedicated those early Anchorage pioneers were. They forged what would become the city of Anchorage from the humble banks of Ship Creek.Like you may have, Mary and I spent many an afternoon in the downtown Loussac Library.And while I was in high school and I became interested in a career in motion pictures and television, I spent hours reading every book I could find on the subject in the downtown Loussac Library… So, I guess I got my start in that library.Thank you, ZJ Loussac.A Historic Anchorage Place Comes to an EndThe Loussac Library on 5th and F Street was demolished in 1981 to make way for the William A Egan Civic and Convention Center.In 1986, a new four-story ZJ Loussac Public Library was opened in midtown.Times change, but thank you ZJ Loussac for the wonderful Anchorage memories.From Our North Stars (that’s you)From “Did You Watch These Popular Anchorage, Alaska Kid's TV Shows?”Christine remembers:“I was on HiJinks a couple of times as a child.”Mary shared this Anchorage childhood memory:“We were so fortunate in Anchorage to have such fun shows for us children. We would go ice skating and sledding during the winter and come in for our cocoa and warm up while watching all those fun shows.”And Eric said:“Great memories!”Connect with Mike and MaryDid this edition of Alaska Stories make you want to go visit your local library?Mary and I are friends of our local ...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Did You Watch These Popular Anchorage, Alaska Kid's TV Shows?

    Did You Watch These Popular Anchorage, Alaska Kid's TV Shows?
    Nov 10 2024
    Can you name the Anchorage kid’s TV shows in the picture above?Remember how much fun it was to get a glass of milk, some cookies, and to take a seat in front of the family TV to watch your favorite Anchorage local kid’s TV show?In this edition of the Alaska VIP Club, we’re remembering a few of your favorites.By the way, the shows in the picture above are:In the top row, starting left, is KoKo the KENI Klown, Romper Room, and the Buckaroos.On the bottom row, starting left, is The Mother Moose Show, and HiJinks with Frank Feeman.In the 1970s, “Mother Moose” premiered on KTVA channel eleven and Anchorage, Alaska TV screens were never the same.Every weekday, Anchorage kids would gather around their TV and wait to hear this:“It’s Mother Moose, It’s Mother Moose, there by the cabin in the spruce. Miss Northern Lights the eye delights and into the cabin the gang invites”It was a fun and exciting time as kids listened to the Old Sourdough (Larry Beck) tell his tales of Alaska, while Miss Northern Lights showed fun crafts.And of course, there she was, Mother Moose herself.By the way, the little girl in the picture is Nikki. She’s the daughter of Mike and Mary of Alaska Stories. And of course, you know Mother Moose.And besides everyone’s favorite Moose lady, there were other characters to enjoy.Remember “Gorp”, “Glacier Gruff”, “Oil Finch” and “Wrangell Worm”?BONUSBut Anchorage kids (and moms and dads) also loved those wonderful cartoon favorites, “Rocky and Bullwinkle”. Take a look at the link below to see a clip of “Rocky and Bullwinkle”. Great memories.Click on the following link:Read more about The Mother Moose Show and enjoy.Yes, You Can Share this EditionIt’s so easy to share all these fun memories with friends and family. And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will buy you a brand-new car of your choice… well, it could happen.Click on the following link:Thank you for reading and listening to Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.HiJinks with Frank FeemanThere isn’t much out there about this Anchorage kid’s TV show, but maybe you remember it… I do.It was called “HiJinks” and the man in front of the camera in the picture above is the host, Frank Feeman.Remember all the bow ties?Frank Feeman would wear a little tiny bow tie one day, then the next day he would have a huge bow tie, then one with flashing lights… and on and on. Even the kids on the show sported bow ties.HiJinks actually got started on KFIA-TV channel 2 which later became KENI-TV and is now KTUU channel 2.The show was a lot of fun. Do you remember HiJinks? Were you on the show? Tell us about it.The Buckaroos ShowYes, the wild west came to Anchorage kid’s TV.Sheriff John welcomed us every weekday in the 1960s, with the Buckaroos Show on KTVA channel 11, with games, puppets, and cartoons. In the later years of the show, there was also a character named Deputy Dick and a silly jailhouse.BONUSAfter the 1964 earthquake, KTVA continued The Buckaroo show, but they could no longer have children in the studio because of the earthquake damage to the building.Sheriff John had left the show just before the earthquake, so Deputy Dick took over as the host for a short time.DOUBLE BONUSThe Buckaroos set was later used as the cabin in the spruce on the Mother Moose Show,Take a look at this fun story “KTVA’s Buckaroo Show and the 64’ Earthquake” and remember.“Through the Magic Window”with Ethel OliverAlaska Stories, researched and looked all over for a picture, but the only one we found was far too small.Ethel Oliver started the first Kindergarten in Anchorage back in 1939.And, she hosted “Through the Magic Window” from 1953 to 1965 on KTVA channel 11. It was a gentle show with no studio audience.During the show, Ethel sat in a chair next to a table that displayed the book she would read during the show. She would also show pictures from the book to all the kids watching at home. And right next to the book, was a small stand topped by a monkey hand puppet.Ethel would take the monkey from the stand, place her right hand in the puppet, and begin talking to the monkey. Her show was so much fun to watch.Mike of Alaska Stories was fortunate enough to work on her show when I first went to work at KTVA in 1965. Ethel was a very nice lady who loved children.Ethel Ross Oliver also authored several books, including “Favorite Eskimo Tales Retold”.KoKo the KENI KlownIn the photo above is Bob Zoller and his sister Barbara with KoKo the KENI KlownWeekdays on KENI-TV channel 2, KoKo, played by Dick Randlett, had fun with studio audiences and his Kartoon Karnival.Anchorage Kids were glued to their television sets to watch Koko, Chu Chu and episodes of the Mickey Mouse show, and short Warner Brother Cartoons.Mary of Alaska Stories remembers being on KoKo’s show with her Salvation Army “Sunbeams” group.BONUSDo You remember Kiddie Land, the...
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • Popular Anchorage, Alaska Restaurant Memories that will Make You Hungry

    Popular Anchorage, Alaska Restaurant Memories that will Make You Hungry
    Nov 3 2024
    What places come to mind when you remember your favorite restaurants in Anchorage, Alaska?Here are just a few to get you started.* The White Spot* The original A&W Drive-In* La Cabana* A wonderful steak at Club Paris* Anchorage's Tastee Freez* Peggy's Airport Café* Benny's Food TruckRemember Bob’s Big Boy?Here’s a memory from Julie:“My favorite restaurant in Anchorage was the Grizzly Burger and Bobs Big Boy - one was across the street from the other on Northern Lights Blvd.”And how about, the Lucky Wishbone?Take a look at The Lucky Wishbone Story by Patricia Brown - Heller and enjoy.What’s Your Lucky Wishbone Story?Here’s a great memory from George:“My Wife and I enjoyed eating at the Lucky Wishbone quite often, and I remember an experience from about 1970. I was there alone and sitting at the counter. I had just ordered my fried chicken when someone sat down next to me. To my surprise, it was Alaska’s Governor Egan and I had a really enjoyable talk with him.”BONUSEveryone had their favorite Arctic Roadrunner burger. What was yours?Take a look at This Arctic Roadrunner story by Mary of Anchorage Memories.Are You Hungry Yet?In the photo above is Benny’s Taco Wagon.Some of our favorites were not “sit down” restaurants. Benny’s food truck looked a little worn on the outside, but the food was great.The picture above shows Anchorage’s first drive-thru, A&W Root beer. Remember those great french fries?Play the GameYes, You can Share this EditionDo you want to make your friends and family really hungry for some great food from their favorite Anchorage restaurant?Just click on the following link:Thank you for listening and reading Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it. Remember These Yummy Places?Don's Green AppleCattle CompanyHow HowThe AbbyGwenniesDowntown Hof BrauWoolworth's lunch counterHewitt's lunch counter on 4th AvenueLa CabanaLa MexShakey's in SpenardBONUSThese Stories will get you Good and Hungry.Take a look at these Favorite Anchorage Restaurants and remember.In the photo above, Mary of Alaska Stories takes Nikki and Christopher to lunch at a favorite Anchorage food truck, “Taco Florez” in Spenard.The Double Musky InnIn the photo above is the Double Musky Inn.Some of our favorites are a few miles out of Anchorage. The Double Musky Inn is a huge dining favorite, located in Girdwood.BONUSDo you know how the Double Musky Inn got started?Take a look at The Double Musky Inn and discover.Now it’s Your TurnReply to this email to tell us about your favorite Anchorage Restaurant, OR, you can Contact Us to say, “I need and Alaska Banquet right now.”From Our North Stars (that’s you)From our edition about Anchorage Street NamesJoseph has this story:“My father-in-law, Don Galt, was a developer in Anchorage for both commercial and residential projects. He built Woodside East near Wendler. The main street in the development is Kelsan. It is named after his daughters, Kelly Galt and Sandy Galt.”Contact Mike and MaryAre you hungry? We sure are.This edition is filled with great memories. Including stories, and the A&W game show video.You can easily connect with us by replying to this email, OR you can Contact Us to say, “Here’s my favorite Anchorage, Alaska restaurant memory.”Until Next TimeMike and MaryAlaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    3 mins

What listeners say about Alaska Stories

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.co.uk reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available