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 ...
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    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...
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    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
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    3 mins
  • A Fascinating Look at How they Named Anchorage, Alaska Streets

    A Fascinating Look at How they Named Anchorage, Alaska Streets
    Oct 20 2024
    Pictured above is the Muldoon homestead, built in the winter of 1940 - 1941To get to his Homestead, He needed a RoadMuldoon Road in Anchorage, is named after Arnold L Muldoon who actually built the road from the Glenn Highway to his homestead.His original road was a “corduroy road”, which was made by clearing a path and then tree trunks were laid across the ground.Arnold’s path quickly became known as “Muldoon’s Road”.BONUSThe story of Arnold L Muldoon is a fascinating look at Anchorage history, including two men who tried to run him off his homestead.To learn more, take a look at this story from I Love Muldoon and enjoy.Whitney RoadBud and Daisy Whitney first came to the mouth of Ship Creek in 1911, years ahead of the railroad.Then in 1914 they moved up the creek and built a new homestead approximately where the Boniface gate to Joint Base Elmendorf - Richardson is located today.Whitney Road is named after them. It’s located near Ship Creek and Government Hill.BONUSYou can learn more about Bud and Daisy Whitney.Take a look at Anchorage Pioneers Bud and Daisy Whitney and discover early Anchorage.Yes, You can Share This EditionYour friends and family will be so happy when you share Alaska Stories with them, that they will give you a lifetime supply of your favorite ice cream… well, it could happen… Just click the link below to share.Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.Klevin StreetThis Anchorage street, located in the Russian Jack Park neighborhood, was named after a homesteader named Nels Kleven.Notice that the spelling of the street name, Klevin, varies slightly from the spelling of Nels Kleven’s last name.Spenard RoadSpenard Road, 1958, photo courtesy of Linda MillerThe sign above reads, “Entering SPENARD “The Land of the Free for All”.Now, Spenard, Spenard Road and Spenard Lake are all named after one of the most colorful characters from the very early days of Anchorage while it was still a tent city.Joseph A. Spenard decided he could supply the town site with lumber. So he went into a forest preserve and decided to cut down those trees and transport them back to tent city where he could sell them.Like Arnold Muldoon, Joe needed to build a corduroy road from Tent City to where he was cutting trees. Spenard convinced a couple of the early civic clubs to help him. When the road was complete, it became known as Spenard Road.BONUSJoe Spenard was a colorful character.Take a look at Did Daring Joe Drive His Car into a Pool Hall? and enjoy.Lane StreetHotel owner Harry LaneOur research didn’t discover much about the hotel owner, Harry Lane or the Crescent Hotel, except that the hotel was located on 4th Avenue.However, Mr. Lane was later honored with an Anchorage street named after him.And by the way, if you know anything about Anchorage pioneer Harry Lane, we would love to hear from you.BONUSVisit Anchorage Memories.comA treasure chest of memories of Anchorage, AlaskaTake a look at Anchorage Memories.com and enjoy.Russian JackThe newspaper ad above was to promote Jacob Marunenko, “Russian Jack” for the Fur Rendezvous Mardi Gras King.The ad ran in the February 14, 1948, Anchorage Daily Times. Russian Jack lost by a landslide, but was declared the “Prince” of the event.Between Joe Spenard and Russian Jack, it would be difficult to tell which was more of a “colorful character”.In the early days, the residents of tent city gave each other nicknames. And since Jacob Marunenko, who also went by “Jack”, was Russian, he became known as “Russian Jack”.One of Russian Jack’s endeavors, involved selling moon shine, known locally as “squirrel juice”. But since the Alaska Railroad prohibited the sale or consumption of alcohol at tent city, folks like Russian Jack built stills and came up with interesting ways to sell their brew.Russian Jack went way out of town, became a squatter and built a cabin in the woods where he also hid his still. The area had a natural spring and was later named Russian Jack Springs.BONUSHis story is a fascinating, and his name lives on in Anchorage neighborhoods and parks.Take a look at this story of Russian Jack and enjoy.Hoyt StreetHoyt Motor company, on 5th and E streetsHarry Hoyt owned one of the first car dealerships in Anchorage.Harry and his wife were also devoted outdoors adventurers.Hoyt Street is named after Harry Hoyt.BONUSTake a look at the following story from a member of the Alaska VIP Club.Gene tell us this story:“My first real job was at Hoyt Motors. It was in 1949, and I was 15-16 years old. I greased cars, fixed tires including large truck tires with split ring rims. One of my main jobs was washing new Dodge and Plymouth cars. I learned to drive in those new cars. I wasn't about to tell the boss that I didn't know how to drive. I Will never forget when, at a stop, the guy in front started to back up, and I couldn't get that fluid drive Dodge to go ...
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    6 mins
  • A Powerful Explosion Created Alaska's Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

    A Powerful Explosion Created Alaska's Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
    Oct 13 2024
    In the photo above is an explorer’s 1916 camp in the Valley of Ten Thousand SmokesFor five days in 1912, the Alaska Peninsula experienced violent earthquakes.Then the Mount Katmai volcano erupted in southern Alaska, 265 miles southwest of Anchorage.The explosion of the eruption was so strong that it destroyed the top of Mount Katmai and a new crater was formed.In addition, an entirely new volcano was formed that was later named Novarupta.An Eyewitness AccountThere were four villages in the Katmai area. Savonoski, Kaguyak, Katmai and Kukak.The following is from an interview with one of the villagers:“Sometime in afternoon - it was just like this, bright sunshine, hot, no wind, that’s when the volcano started. Started snowing like that fine pumice coming down. Make lot of noise.Kaflia Bay started to get white. Flat calm, no wind. Pretty soon dark came. Pretty soon pitch black. The Katmai mountain blew up with lots of fire.**No one in the villages lost their lives in either the eruption or the aftermath.You can Share this Incredible Alaska StoryAlaska is a massive land, filled with interesting stories. Your family and friends will find this edition of Alaska Stories, fascinating.And you can easily share this with them. Just click on the following link.Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.What the Blast CausedThe massive blast sent over 7 cubic miles of volcanic debris into both the atmosphere and the stratosphere in just 60 hours.To give you a reference, the island of Kodiak, Alaska was covered by a foot of ash.Fumes from the blast produced acid rain as far as 370 miles away.How the Area Got Its NameIn 1916, Robert F. Griggs came to the area for the National Geographic Society.Because of what he saw, Griggs stated the following:“The whole valley as far as the eye could reach was full of hundreds, no thousands – literally, tens of thousands – of smokes curling up from the floor.”What Griggs said, later became the name of “The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes”.In the photo above, on your right, Robert F. Griggs is frying bacon over an open fissure.What Griggs SawJets of steam and gas spewed from vents in the earth. In places, the steam was as hot as 1,200 degrees F. In the valley’s 56 square miles, 40 square miles were covered in up to 700 feet of volcanic ash.All plant and animal life had been destroyed.NASA Astronauts Trained ThereMany years later, in 1965 and 1966, The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes was used as a training ground for NASA astronauts.It was thought that the area resembled the Lunar landscape.BONUSTake a look at these pictures of The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and discover.Alaska Volcano FactsThere are more than 130 volcanoes and volcanic fields in Alaska.Around 90 of these might erupt again.About 50 have been active since 1760. Those include Mount Spurr, Redoubt, Illiamna and Mount Saint Augustine. All are near Anchorage.In the photo above is Mount SpurrMike of Alaska Stories was six years old when Spurr erupted.“Our family was living in a log home on Fairbanks street near downtownAnchorage, Alaska in 1953. When I woke up one summer morning I noticed that something was wrong.”BONUSYou can read Mike’s memories of the volcanic eruption.Take a look at “Midnight at High Noon” and remember.From our North Stars (that’s you)We received these comments about our look back at The Coke Show, Anchorage’s favorite teen call-in radio show, hosted by Ron Moore.The show was broadcast from a small radio booth on the roof of the Bun Drive-In.Karen had this memory:“The Coke Show was a great part of my high school years! I graduated in ‘68, and still smile when I drive past The Bun!”And Jeanne had this to say:“Such fun memories…I was too young but remember listening as my sister had it playing. Of course, I wanted to do everything my big sister would do, so I could feel cool.”Michael added this:“I was the drummer in A Burgundy Rose, and a few other bands including Tyme, Albatross, Heavenly Blue, Proof, The Entire Turkish Army, and Special Delivery,Susan Rhodes, as I remember this it was Great Times.”Connect with UsThe story of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes is a fascinating and incredible part of Alaska history.Do you have a comment? You can reply to this email. Or you can Contact Us to say, “I’ve been to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes.”Until Next TimeMike and MaryAlaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
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    4 mins
  • A Fascinating Treasure Chest of Coke Show Radio Memories

    A Fascinating Treasure Chest of Coke Show Radio Memories
    Oct 6 2024
    On Christmas Eve, 1959, a small booth sitting on the roof of the Bun Drive-In, a burger place in Anchorage, Alaska, became home to a new program on KENI radio, called The Coke Show.And it became a huge hit.Long before cell phones, Anchorage teens who were listening to the Coke Show, picked up their rotary dial phones and called in their dedications and song requests to DJ Ron Moore. And Ron would often speak with the teens live on Anchorage radio before playing the songs they requested.In the photo above, Ron Moore signs autographs for happy Anchorage Teens.Now listen toRon Moore and the Coke Show**(Ron is asking callers to guess how much Paul of the Heartbeats band weighed when he was born)Click on the following link:The Chicken Coop or the Royal RoostA group of Anchorage teens pose for the picture above in front of the small booth that was the home of the Coke Show. The booth was the radio studio where Ron Moore brought his young, dedicated radio audience together each night for music and fun.Yes, You Can Share This EditionYour friends and family will love you for sharing this fun edition of Alaska Stories with them. And when you do, they will call in a dedication on the radio just for you… well, it could happen.Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.A Word from Ron MooreThe following is from an interview with Ron Moore on Coke Show Memories that you’ll find on Anchorage Memories.com. Ron said the following.“I have often felt that the Coke Show was successful largely because of all the various ingredients it had going on at one time or the other.Sometimes it felt like there were too many things happening at once. Being live from the roof of a Drive In restaurant, having dozens of cars in the parking lot honking their horns and being identified by names like GTO Joe, T-Bird Tommy, and many more.”BONUSRon just mentioned GTO Joe.Anchorage Memories caught up with GTO Joe and you’ll really enjoy our interview.Take a look at “Cruisin’ with GTO Joe” and remember when.Now here’s more from Ron.”Having a live mike way out over the intersection so I could pick up the sound of dual exhausts and tires peeling out. Having local bands as guests in the "Chicken Coop" answering phones. And putting popular bands on either side of the Bun Drive-In roof on weekends and my spot ended up on the top of the chicken coop, playing all oldies on Sunday afternoon. So I felt it would be fun to give the kids at home a chance to be heard on the air by making requests and dedications. That resulted in many of them having on air nicknames. Later when one of the few audience surveys was released, it gave yours truly the highest rating of my 37 year career. 72% of the people listening to radio were tuning in to The Coke Show" and more than 40% were above 18 which really shocked some folks back at the radio station that thought the only listeners were Teeny Boppers.But it turned out a lot of parents and others were tuning in to find out what their kids or siblings were doing by listening to them on the air and discovering there was a new boyfriend or girlfriend. So it really paid off and advertisers like Coca-Cola, Sears, and Alaska Sales and Service were happy.”Anchorage Teens Loved itFor Anchorage teens, the Coke Show was the place to be.Besides listening to the show from home and calling in song requests and dedications, some listened to the show while driving around town.Others would show up in the parking lot in front of the Bun, where they could enjoy a burger and a coke while listening to the show on their car radio.And Ron had fun with the Bun Drive-In parking lot crowd.Naming them “Honker-Bonkers”, Ron would look out over the parking lot and ask “how are you doing down there?” and everyone would honk their horns in response.The KENI radio engineers even put a microphone over Northern Lights Blvd, so they could hear cars as they gunned their engines and squealed their tires during the show.And you may remember that after Sam the Sham and the Pharaoh’s hit Wooly Bully, Ron would often call Northern Lights boulevard, “Wooly Bullyvard”.Ron Moore Remembers“I had two turntables, a Bogen sound mixer, a reel to reel for playing the Coke jingles, two phone lines, with one for the broadcast signal.The first show from the Bun took place on a cold Christmas Eve and everything was frozen from the big window looking out over the parking lot to the turntables. I had to take the portable heater and warm the turntables and they still sounded less than 45rpm.But there were cars in the parking lot and eventually they built a new Bun across the street with parking for many more cars and a new broadcast booth, again on the roof.There was a microphone strung out all the way to the intersection so I could bring up the sound of the hot rods as they peeled out. Even when the music was playing. On at least one occasion the police were monitoring the show ...
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    13 mins
  • How Portage, Alaska Became a Ghost Town

    How Portage, Alaska Became a Ghost Town
    Sep 22 2024
    The tiny coastal town of Portage, was located about 47 miles southeast of Anchorage, Alaska, on the Seward Highway. It used to sit on the shore of Cook Inlet. More about that later in this edition.The town was an early transportation hub connecting the coastal areas with the interior of Alaska.The port at Portage was busy with both cargo and passengers. There were also railroad facilities.Although it’s difficult to imagine now, as a transportation hub, the town of Portage was a busy, community.The Town of Portage, Circa 1960sThe photo above was taken by Bob Pendleton and appears here, courtesy of Alaskan Artist, Cindy Pendleton.Before the 1964 earthquake, anyone traveling from Anchorage on the Seward Highway, toward the Kenai Peninsula, or traveling from the peninsula, were happy to stop in the town of Portage. You could gas up your car, have lunch or visit the bar.Mike of Anchorage Memories, recalls when he was about 11 years old, there was a sign in the restaurant that read something like this:“You can ask to have 1,000 year old ice in your drink”Apparently, once in a while, the owner of the restaurant and bar sent someone to nearby Portage glacier to chip off a block of glacier ice. The ice was then broken into smaller chunks and customers could enjoy having an actual miniature iceberg in their drink. Something to tell the folks about back home.The Town of Portage had a sense of HumorIn the photo above is a hand-painted sign that welcomed all to Portage.Do You Want to Amaze Your Friends and Family?Just share this edition of Alaska Stories. They’ll discover an Alaska “Ghost Forest”, a Ghost Town, and enjoy a good laugh about the sign above.Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.What Happened to the Town of Portage, Alaska?On Good Friday, March 27, 1964, a 9.2 earthquake struck Alaska. It was the biggest earthquake in U.S. history.The powerful and horrifying quake shoved some sections of land up and caused others to suddenly sink. Incredible damage followed.Portage, located on the shore of Cook Inlet, was hit hard.Here’s a documented account of what happened when the earthquake struck:“An eyewitness who was in a service station on the west side of the highway said he and a companion ran out the east door of the building as the concrete floor began to crack.They got about three feet out of the building when a crack about three feet wide opened between them. He said that cracks formed about each of them, leaving each man on a small island about three feet wide that moved up and down. He said it was like riding an open elevator.As he went down, the other man went up. And then they'd pass each other going in opposite directions. He said that the earth all around them broke into similar pieces and that as the blocks of frozen earth moved up and down, the cracks also opened and closed causing muddy water to spout as high as 50 feet.He said after the shaking stopped, water filled the open cracks. He estimated the duration of the quake at about four to five minutes.” Source: Chronology of Physical Events of the Alaskan Earthquake, 1966, Genie Chance papers, Archives and Special Collections, Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage.In the photo above, water from Cook Inlet flooded the townDuring the 1964 Alaska earthquake, the ground in the town of Portage sank about 6 feet. That put the town below the level of high tide in Cook Inlet.The town became flooded with salt water and all the residents had to leave.In the photo above are the remains of a Portage cabin.The sign in the picture reads:“This cabin is part of the original townsite of Portage that was destroyed by the 1964 earthquake.”Salt water also killed all the trees around Portage, creating a “Ghost Forest”.There is no word about what happened to the “11 friendly people and 1 old sorehead” that once lived in this truly Alaskan town.But rest assured, that in the days, months, and years that followed, they had plenty of stories to tell about a unique place called Portage, Alaska.From our North Stars (that’s you)From our Sydney Laurence, Alaska Artist edition“A kind and wonderful lady lived by our family in Chugiak, and she had two Sydney Laurence paintings in her home. I would visit her and just marvel at those paintings and how majestic they were.”Gregory and Linda Newton sent us this kind message:“Thanks so much for this - I really enjoyed your feature on Sydney Laurence. Keep up the great work and stories!”And Avril sent us this:“Absolutely love this. I didn't know a lot about the artist at the time, but it's an incredible history and I learn something every time. Thank you so much.”Diana made this comment:“Excellent, as always!! Thank you for all you, two, do to commemorate the history of Alaska.” And George sent along this info:“I recently read a book about the history of mining on the Kenai Peninsula. The book mentioned Sydney...
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    4 mins
  • This is Sydney Laurence, Alaska's Amazing Denali Artist

    This is Sydney Laurence, Alaska's Amazing Denali Artist
    Sep 15 2024
    His love for the mountain, known as Denali, moved him to create wonderful paintings.Mountains treat Anchorage, Alaska to the glories of summer with a splash of fireweed, a reddish flower that graces many mountains in the Great Land.But as winter approaches, “Termination Dust”, otherwise known as snow, covers the mountain tops. In early fall, when residence see Termination Dust, they know that winter is on its way. And the mountains, and Anchorage, will soon be covered with a blanket of fluffy white.The MountainOn a clear day in Anchorage, if you look to the north, nature reveals an incredible gift.A glimpse of Denali, “The Great One”. The tallest mountain in North America.The ArtistOne photographer and painter named, Sydney Laurence found the majestic beauty of Denali, captivating.His love for the mountain moved his brush to create wonderful paintings of the Great One.From Valdez, AlaskaLaurence was living in Valdez, Alaska when he decided to make a move that would change his life.In 1915, the Alaska Railroad was hiring workers in a ragged tent city that would become the town of Anchorage, Alaska.Laurence traveled to the tent city to work as a laborer on the railroad.Gold Panning - a Side HustleLooking to make a little more money, and have some adventure, Sydney tried his hand at panning for gold along Cache Creek near Talkeetna, Alaska.His Photographic Portrait DaysLater, Laurence began taking photographic portraits.His studio was in the Carol Building at 4th and E Streets in Anchorage.Where Sydney Laurence Lived in AnchorageAs his residence, Laurence lived in the Anchorage Hotel, which was operated at that time, by Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Reed.Yes, You can Share this EditionYour friends and family will be impressed when you share this edition about world-famous artist, Sydney Laurence. And when you do, they will send you one of Laurence’s painting of what was then called Mount McKinley, as a gift… well, it could happen.Thanks for reading and listening to Alaska Stories. This post is public, so feel free to share it.Then in 1919Laurence 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 PainterBy 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.He Painted for a MovieWhen 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 the artist, Sydney Laurence, 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 passed away in Anchorage in August 1980.BONUSWould you like to know more about Alaska’s most renowned painter?Read more about Sydney Laurence and discover.From our North Stars (that’s you)From our podcast about the Matanuska Maid dairyJim had this comment:“Dorothy Ann Shelly, the winner of the contest, was very clever in name changing "made" to "maid".Joe noticed something:“The 1935 farm picture has a 1970s Chevrolet pickup parked to one side.”Tom shared this memory:“My family camped with some friends at Moose River on the Kenai Peninsula, near where it joins the Kenai River. There was a little fast food and ice cream stand on the west side of the bridge over the Moose River that sold soft serve ice cream that used a mix made by Matanuska Maid. The best soft serve ice cream I ever had.”Connect with usA Fond MemoryDo 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 Denali.Do you have a comment or just want to say “hey, the view is great up here on Denali!”You can either reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right now.Until Next TimeMike and MaryAlaska Stories Get full access to Alaska Stories at www.alaskavipclub.com/subscribe
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    5 mins