Anchorage Fun Memories
What did you like to do for fun?
In the photo above is the Fireweed Movie Theater, first opened in 1965.
This edition of Anchorage Memories will bring back a flood of memories for you.
As young people growing up in Anchorage, Mary and I remember playing outside a lot. We played games, sports, explored, and laughed. We fished in Campbell Creek, Ship Creek and had great times with our friends.
Then there were other fun things to do in Anchorage for kids and grown-ups.
Our Favorite Movie Theatres
Pictured above is the Center Movie Theater located in Spenard. It opened circa 1955
4th Avenue in downtown had three movie theatres. One was the Denali, which had to relocate to Spenard after the 1964 earthquake. There was also the Empress, which was the first movie theater in Anchorage, and of course, this favorite, the 4th Avenue Theatre.
What was your favorite Anchorage movie theatre?
Bowling
It didn’t matter how good you were. It was just a great way to get out there and have some fun.
Did you bowl? Were you in a league?
Dances and Concerts
Pictured above is the Royal Pad and later the Cinnamon Cinder located on the second floor of Blain’s Paint Store in Spenard.
Did you like to go to dances at Carpenter’s Hall? DJ Ron Moore’s Royal Pad, the National Guard Armory, the Sports Arena, Shindig City in Muldoon, or the Cheetah on Government Hill?
You could hear local bands and groups from the lower 48 who had hits on the top ten charts, like Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs playing “Wooly Bully”. Fun times and good memories.
BONUS
Anchorage DJ Ron Moore had a lot to do with the teen scene in Anchorage.
Take a look at Ron Moore Remembers the Teen Nightclubs and enjoy.
Share This Edition
Yes, you can easily share all the fun of this edition.
Anchorage Car Races
In the photo above is a Fur Rendezvous car race.
There were oval racetracks in Anchorage featuring stock car races. There was also a Drag Strip near Palmer.
BONUS
Anchorage racing legend “Fuzzy” Sprinkle spoke with Anchorage Memories a few years ago. He talked about racing stock cars and drag racing snow machines on asphalt at the Palmer Drag Strip. You’ll even learn how he got his nickname.
Take a look at “Fuzzy Sprinkle” Anchorage Racing Legend” and remember the action.
Fur Rendezvous
In the photo above, left to right: KENI General Manager Al Bramstedt, News Anchor Ty Clark, Camera Operator Jim Balog, Bill Stewart and Host Orville Lake.
Did you have fun at Anchorage’s winter carnival, the Fur Rendezvous? Schools even gave us a day off to enjoy the February festivities. Did you watch the races on TV at home?
What were your favorite Rondy activities?
BONUS
You’ll love this. We have an entire section of Anchorage Memories dedicated to Rondy Stories.
Take a look at Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Memories and enjoy the good times.
The Varsity Show
In the picture above, in the top middle photo, is Anchorage DJ Ron Moore wearing a white jacket.
Remember when you could go down to the studios of KTVA channel 11 in the downtown McKinley Building and later in Spenard on a Saturday afternoon to dance on TV?
The Varsity Show was Anchorage’s answer American Bandstand show hosted by Dick Clark.
You could have a fun time dancing to the latest hits. And later, your friends would say, “I saw you dancing on the Varsity Show”.
BONUS
You can see a lot of nostalgic Varsity Show pictures on Anchorage Memories. You’ll also love the stories.
Note: Get your FREE Varsity Show e-Book on the following page.
Take a look at Varsity Show Memories and get your free Varsity Show e-book, it’s a fun keepsake.
The Coke Show
Photo above, courtesy of Malcolm Burgess.
Look up at that little booth on top of the Bun Drive-In. Anchorage DJ Ron Moore broadcast the Coke Show from that location.
Did you call in to request a song, make a dedication, or just to say hello to Ron?
BONUS
The Coke Show was jam-packed with action and fun from the first record to the last.
You can listen to the Coke Show once again by visiting the following page on Anchorage Memories.com
Take a look at Anchorage Coke Show Memories and have fun.
Your Memories of Having Fun in Anchorage
After reading over all the activities in this edition, you probably have some great memories of things that aren’t listed here.
Tell us about it. We’d love to hear from you.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our story about Anchorage Pioneer Anton Anderson.
“Yes, I have taken the train to Whittier and return, but it was not my first time going through a Whittier tunnel. Back in 1961 I hiked from Portage through the first, shorter tunnel in order to climb up the mountain that contains the longer tunnel. I wanted to take some photos of Portage glacier.”
Comment and photo above by Charles Eggen
“Incredible story and Mr. Anderson must have had really smart parents!”
Mary
Connect with Us
Wow, this edition brought back so many memories. Some we haven’t thought of in years. Mary is looking in the back of the closet right now for her white go-go boots.
Do you have a memory you want to share? Just reply to this email, or you can send us a note and say, “I was in the Fur Rendezvous Parade”. Contact Us right here and say hello.
And remember, you can share this edition with friends and family;
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories Club
We had a small house in 23rd st just above chester creek and very close to the fireweedlane theater. So we spent many a weekend at the movie theater. Also there use to be a small indoor modle race car track by the school I went to for a short while in spanard that was a fun place to hang out and watch the guys race there cars.
Wow, let's go! 4th ave theater, sneaking in the billiken drive-in, eating at brown's A&W, lucky wishbone, dancing at the armory, cinnamon cinder, bun drive-in and so much more! Special memory is driving at night with my father and looking at the star on the mountain feeling warm and secure.