The photo labeled as the park strip airfield in 1924 was taken some years after 1924. The strip was cleared by Anchorage townsfolk in May of 1923 with the hope of seeing airplanes land one day. (They had to wait an entire year.) The only airplane to be seen on that airstrip in 1924 was Noel Wien's J-1 Standard when he and his mechanic Bill Younkers were on their way to Fairbanks, and that was only in June and early July. Wien and Younkers took off for Fairbanks on July 7 — a miraculous flight, considering they didn't know where Fairbanks was, they only had one shot to get it right (and they only did it by following the gleaming rails of the Alaska Railroad, completed just one year earlier).
Anne Wilbur here. Yes I flew out of Merrill field, Lake Hood, and International Airport. Joe Wilbur and I owned Wilbur’s Flight Operations, Alaska Piper and Flight Safety Alaska from 1960 until sold in 1995 when we retired to Girdwood. I Occasionally flew out of the Girdwood Airport until 2010. 50 years.
re: George comment about Coal Fired 4th Ave Theater boiler......As I recall, the Fed Building across the street (4th Ave) was also heated by coal fired boiler. I don't recall when the plume of dark exhaust stopped. Does anyone know when? Interesting to know that the Theater was also heated by coal. That's what I love about the site.....lots of tidbits to add to my grey cells.
While working on my commercial pilot license back in 1972 I was number 15 on downwind and the controller was issuing clearances as fast as he could talk. It was crazy busy airport
When we swam in Lake Spenard as teenagers, we "floated" the "little waves" created by the planes taking off and landing on the canal from Lake Hood.
Edi - Yes, the little waves were fun. Great memory. Thank you for sharing.
The photo labeled as the park strip airfield in 1924 was taken some years after 1924. The strip was cleared by Anchorage townsfolk in May of 1923 with the hope of seeing airplanes land one day. (They had to wait an entire year.) The only airplane to be seen on that airstrip in 1924 was Noel Wien's J-1 Standard when he and his mechanic Bill Younkers were on their way to Fairbanks, and that was only in June and early July. Wien and Younkers took off for Fairbanks on July 7 — a miraculous flight, considering they didn't know where Fairbanks was, they only had one shot to get it right (and they only did it by following the gleaming rails of the Alaska Railroad, completed just one year earlier).
Mark - Your story about the flight to Fairbanks is fascinating. Thank you for sharing.
Anne Wilbur here. Yes I flew out of Merrill field, Lake Hood, and International Airport. Joe Wilbur and I owned Wilbur’s Flight Operations, Alaska Piper and Flight Safety Alaska from 1960 until sold in 1995 when we retired to Girdwood. I Occasionally flew out of the Girdwood Airport until 2010. 50 years.
Anne - Your name is certainly well known in Alaska. And Wilbur’s Flight Operations are a big part of Alaska aviation history. Thank you for sharing.
re: George comment about Coal Fired 4th Ave Theater boiler......As I recall, the Fed Building across the street (4th Ave) was also heated by coal fired boiler. I don't recall when the plume of dark exhaust stopped. Does anyone know when? Interesting to know that the Theater was also heated by coal. That's what I love about the site.....lots of tidbits to add to my grey cells.
While working on my commercial pilot license back in 1972 I was number 15 on downwind and the controller was issuing clearances as fast as he could talk. It was crazy busy airport