Anchorage Statehood Celebration Memories
Giant headlines, “WE'RE IN” and a Park Strip Bonfire
It was big news on the streets of Anchorage. “WE’RE IN,” screamed the newspaper headline.
On June 30, 1958, Anchorage celebrated Alaska's admission as the 49th state in the Union.
Giant American Flag on the Federal Building
on 4th Avenue
1958 Fur Rendezvous Queen, Rita Martin, climbed up the Fire Department ladder to pin a large, glitter-covered 49th star to the American flag representing Alaska.
It seemed like the entire town of Anchorage turned out to celebrate. Check out the traffic on 4th Avenue.
Yes, You Can Share this Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will make you a huge dinner featuring your favorite Alaska foods… well, it could happen.
A Massive Bonfire on the Park Strip
A huge pile of wood was stacked on the Park Strip for an evening bonfire.
The people of Anchorage were so excited that they had to have guards to keep eager citizens from lighting the fire too early.
Mary Jane of Anchorage Memories was There
“My mom, dad, and all 8 of us children were excited as we went downtown for the celebrations and the parade.
That evening, we headed over to the Park Strip for music, fun, and to see the big bonfire. I’ll always remember that special day when Alaska became a state.”
BONUS
The following video has no sound.
Are you in the crowd enjoying the Alaska statehood festivities?
And here’s a silent video taken on June 30, 1958, that shows a different view of the city. You’ll even see a KENI-TV camera on the street.
Were you in Anchorage for the Statehood Celebration?
Tell us all about it.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From our Picture Memories edition.
Roberta loved the pictures:
“Precious memories, thank you!”
Jackie commented on the picture of the old Providence Hospital:
“I wasn't born in the old Providence hospital, but I worked there in the early 1960s.”
Connect with Mike and Mary Jane
Great memories! Alaskans were happy and proud on June 30, 1958, and we had a right to be.
What are your memories of celebrating Alaska statehood?
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary Jane
Anchorage Memories Club
My father was part of the boyscout group that helped with the bonfire that day. One of his treasured memories!
I do have color slides and movies I scanned of the Statehood and a detailed scan of the newspaper if you are interested - happy to share it.