Anchorage Spenard Lake Memories

It was once a thriving resort.

Spenard Lake, 1959

Jetter Lake

Around 1915, a homesteader named Thomas Jetter had set up housekeeping on what became known as Jetter Lake.

But the area had not been opened up to homesteading, so Jetter was forced to leave.

Shortly after his departure, homesteading was allowed, and Joe Spenard jumped at the chance. He realized that the people of Anchorage required the lumber that was around the lake. A lucrative business indeed.

In July 1916, Spenard began as a lumber camp.

To haul lumber to Anchorage, Joe Spenard needed a road.

So, he persuaded a local club to help him cut down trees and create a road of sorts. The road went from what had been called Jeter Lake.

Because of Joe Spenard, Jetter Lake became known as Spenard Lake.

The road they built, went to an area close to Ship Creek, the site of the tent city that would become Anchorage, Alaska.

The U.S. Forest Service did not authorize the cutting down of the trees.

The road Joe built, became known as Spenard Road.

The Resort

But Joe Spenard saw another opportunity as well.

He would develop the lake and the land around the lake – and create a full-scale resort.

There was a Bathing Beach, Bath Houses and a Roadhouse and Dance Pavilion.

You can Share This Edition

Yes, you can share this edition of your Anchorage Memories Club with your friends and family.

And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you on an all expense paid vacation to the South Seas… well, it could happen.

City Express

And to transport the recreation starved people of Anchorage to his resort, Spenard used his City Express Vehicles.

Joe Hit the Jackpot

His resort was a big success.

Spenard Road was being used to haul his lumber to Anchorage, and it was being used to taxi people to his Lake Spenard Resort.

Careless Hunters May Have Been to Blame

On May 24, 1917, a fire destroyed the Dance Pavilion, Picnic Tables and Joe’s Houses.

The resort was declared a total loss.

But Joe Spenard did not have any fire insurance.

He was never able to rebuild, and health problems prompted him to leave Alaska.

BONUS

Take a look at these historic pictures of Lake Spenard and enjoy.

U.S. President Warren G. Harding

Did you know that the first U.S. President to visit Anchorage, was Warren G. Harding?

That was back in 1923, and he also visited Spenard Lake.

The Lake Today

Today, Spenard Lake is connected to Lake Hood by a canal. Lake Hood has its own claim-to-fame as the world’s busiest small plane facility. Small planes can take off and land on the lake all year long, using skies in the winter and pontoons in the summer.

BONUS

Take a look at this picture of Lake Spenard, taken between 1950 and 1969 and remember when.

Your Spenard Lake Memories

Our family visited Spenard Lake in the summer months and our children happily splashed in the water while Mary and I sat on a blanket on the beach.

And we had no idea that the history of Spenard Lake was so interesting.

What are your memories of spending time at Spenard Lake?

Connect with Mike and Mary

Did you enjoy our look at Spenard Lake?

We’d love to see your comment.s.

Or maybe you just want to say, “I got a suntan at Spenard Lake.”

You can also reply to this email, or you can Contact Us right here.

Until Next Time

Mike and Mary

Anchorage Memory Club