In the picture above is Star the Reindeer with Oro Stewart.
Photo above by Albert Whitehead
Do you know the story of Star the Reindeer?
To know Star, you first need to meet Ivan and Oro Stewart.
The Stewarts first came to Anchorage from Kodiak in 1944 and opened Stewart’s Photo Shop.
Now anyone who has ever lived in or visited Anchorage has probably at least seen Stewart’s Photo Shop at 531 W. 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage, just across the street from the Visitor’s Log Cabin.
She wanted an Alaskan Pet
In 1960, Oro announced to Ivan that she wanted an Alaskan pet. At first, Ivan thought that his wife, Oro, wanted an Alaskan Husky. But what she had in mind was a reindeer.
So Ivan contacted Larry Davis, a Native herder outside of Nome.
Wait Just a Minute
It was and still is illegal to own an Alaska reindeer unless you are an Alaska Native. However, there was a way around that law. A reindeer could be leased to someone.
Now, before you head out to lease your very own reindeer pet, the law has been amended, and leasing a reindeer to non-Alaskan Natives is no longer allowed.
Enter Star the Reindeer
Larry Davis came through, and Oro happily received her leased pet reindeer.
In reindeer land, most tend to be either brown or grey in color. But Oro’s reindeer looked a bit different. This reindeer had a white breast and white trim. But her most distinguishing feature was a splash of white, star-shaped fur on her face.
So Oro named her reindeer “Star.” And a star she was.
In the photo above is Star the Reindeer, delighting crowds in the Fur Rendezvous Parade in Anchorage, Alaska.
What a Ham
Star the Reindeer quickly became a local celebrity, and in no time, Star’s fame had spread worldwide.
In Anchorage, Star could be spotted in front of Stewart’s Photo Shop in downtown Anchorage, where Star was happy to pose for local paparazzi (news cameras). But Star wasn’t a diva. No, not Star. This celebrity reindeer was happy to pose for pictures with locals and visitors alike.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will get you and a guest a ride on Santa’s sleigh, plus a photo op with Rudolph… well, it could happen.
Enter Albert Whitehead
Albert worked for Ivan and Oro and his responsibilities evolved into becoming the reindeer caregiver. A position he happily continued for many years.
Star Got Evicted
No, Star wasn’t playing her music too loud, and she wasn’t behind on her rent.
Ivan and Oro kept Star at their home at 10th Avenue and I Street near downtown Anchorage.
Then, in 1973, a change in zoning laws ordered that Star could no longer stay in her home. But Ivan and Oro appealed that Grinchy law, and Star was able to stay.
Years Later
Star lived to be 23 years old. The average life span of a reindeer in the wild is 15 to 18 years.
Since Star’s passing, there were six more who continued the Star the Reindeer phenomenon in Anchorage.
Larry Davis, the Herder, selected every Star, except the last one, Star number seven.
The End of the Star the Reindeer Line
Star number seven left us in 2025. And with that, so ended the long Anchorage tradition of Star the Reindeer.
Our thanks to Ivan and Oro Stewart, Larry Davis, and Albert Whitehead for bringing such joy to so many people in Alaska and all over the world.
And our thanks to Star.
A great Anchorage memory.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Anchorage Bootlegger Cove Memories
Jackie had this comment:
“Very much enjoyed this edition and Maggie Wilkinson's memories. I also attended the Quonset hut school, earlier than Maggie (1953-54) and with a real teacher (Mrs. Gordon), and went on to junior high downtown where she did. Things were so different back then - and in my mind, better!”
Did You Know?
Mike and Mary also publish Alaska Stories twice each month.
Take a look at Anchorage Stories and enjoy.
Connect with Mike and Mary
Star was a wonderful, unofficial mascot for Anchorage. We wonder if Star ever met Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Hummm?
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Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
The Anchorage Memories Club
My late husband, Bob Pendleton came to Alaska in 1962 and went to work for the Stewart’s, who often took young aspiring photographers under their wing, giving them a job, plus a great start in learning how to be an Alaskan. Star was an integral part of it all. What a delight she was for the children of Anchorage, as well as all the big kids ( like me)!
I was a little girl in Anchorage when I first met Star in 1975. My home life was sad and lonely. I remember walking by Star's home, and sticking my little fingers through the chain link fence for her to lick them. It was such a magical experience for a sad little girl. Each time I visit Anchorage, I go and see Star. I am sad to hear there will not be another Star for everyone to enjoy.