Anchorage Government Hill Memories
Did you know that Government Hill was the first neighborhood in Anchorage? Let's go visiting in this edition of the Anchorage Memories VIP Club.
In the December 1917 photo above, you’re looking across Ship Creek.
As the grid for downtown Anchorage was being laid out and the first lots were being auctioned off, Anchorage’s first neighborhood, Government Hill, was being built while railroad workers were still living in tents along Ship Creek.
The Alaska Engineering Commission, (AEC) was building the Alaska Railroad and needed housing for railroad employees. So the bluff area just to the north of Ship Creek was chosen as the place to build cottages for the workers.
As workers began moving to the housing, they adopted the motto. “We’re high on Government Hill” for their new neighborhood.
Earlier Pioneers
A man named Thomas Jeter built a cabin on a lake that became known as Jeter Lake. But Jeter was in an area that was not approved for homesteading and had to leave.
In around 1911 or 1912, it is thought that Jeter may have moved from his Jeter Lake cabin and built a new one on what is now Government Hill.
Note:
The area around Jeter Lake was later opened to homesteading. Following that, a man named Joe Spenard moved in, and the lake was later renamed, Spenard Lake.
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How to Find Government Hill
The neighborhood is in the northwest part of Anchorage. Between the downtown area and the far west of what is now Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Visually, it’s located on the northern bluff that rises along Ship Creek.
The First Communications Facility in Anchorage
Located at East Manor Avenue and Boyd Street, several white buildings are all that remain of the first communications facility in Anchorage.
Those early railroad workers could walk to the center to send messages by wire.
Government Hill Grows
A shopping area was created close to the intersections of Loop and Bluff Roads.
In 1953, Anchorbowl, one of the first bowling alleys in Anchorage, was opened on Government Hill.
Since 1962, Government Hill has been home to the Anchorage Curling Club.
1964 Earthquake
During the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, the neighborhood of Government Hill was one of the hardest hit in the Anchorage area.
In the March 1964 photo above, you can see that the Government Hill elementary school was torn in half during the Good Friday quake. We are happy that because of the holiday, no children were in school at the time.
Early Government Hill Residents
In the 1960 photo above are Jack and Nellie Brown
The Brown’s were the first private homeowners on Government Hill in 1927.
Brown’s Point Park was dedicated in 1960 and the dedication was attended by Jack, Nellie, and their dog.
The park is located on the southwest corner of Government Hill, close to the Brown’s home.
Historic
Also located on Government Hill are the Brown’s Point Cottages, which are now on the National Register of Historic Places.
What are your Government Hill memories?
BONUS
Learn more about Anchorage’s oldest neighborhood.
Take a look at The History of Government Hill and discover.
4th Avenue Theatre Memories
Speaking of neighborhood memories, what are your memories of downtown Anchorage and the 4th Avenue Theatre?
We’ve created this special e-book that’s filled with memories of our favorite movie theatre.
Take a look at 4th Avenue Theatre Memories and enjoy.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
Oops, we goofed.
In our Anchorage Memories VIP Club look at Knik, we misspelled the last name of a very famous early pioneer, Orville George Herning. We apologize.
Take a look at the story of Orville G. Herning and discover.
Connect With Mike and Mary
In the late 60s, we had the Cheetah
from Ron Moore
Located on Government Hill. The building was the former Railroad Club, owned by the City. We transformed it into a large youth center open daily with games and a kitchen.
We had dances featuring many Anchorage Bands and a large light show projected over the full dance floor, appropriate for the flower children days. National stars also appeared, sponsored by Pacesetters.
Thank you, Ron. We remember it well.
Did this bring back memories of Government Hill?
You can easily send us your comments by replying to this email. Or you can tell us “Yes, I danced at the Cheetah” by Contacting Us right here.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Anchorage Memories.com
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