We lived on Boniface Road at the time and for whatever reason didn't go into town for the celebration (my folks both worked and cherished time at home), but I still have my 49th State banner like the ones I noticed in the videos! Loved seeing the old storefronts again.
I remember the statehood celebration very well. All us kids in Rogers Park were thrilled that Alaska was becoming a state. There was a downside sadly. My dad worked for the federal government--Public Health Service. Kids weren't told anything back then but the way I figured it out years later was that the State was going to take over what he was doing so he had to find another assignment outside of Alaska. We drove out of Anchorage January 1, 1959, spent the night in Tok and drove out of Alaska January 2. First time I got back was when the plane taking me to Nam landed in Anchorage for fuel.
My father was part of the boyscout group that helped with the bonfire that day. One of his treasured memories!
Suzanne - Very special memories. Thank you for sharing.
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.
Bob - Thank you for the nice offer. Can you send those along as email attachments?
Hi Mike.
In the picture of the Flag on the federal building. I'm the young kid on the far left holding one of the ropes.
Great stories.
Gary
Gary - Wonderful memory.
Thanks for sharing! We didn’t move to Alaska until 1968 but I stayed until I retired in 2016.
Michael - You were in Alaska a long time.
Yes… and in Bethel the whole time!!
We lived on Boniface Road at the time and for whatever reason didn't go into town for the celebration (my folks both worked and cherished time at home), but I still have my 49th State banner like the ones I noticed in the videos! Loved seeing the old storefronts again.
Jackie - Yes, it was great seeing the old stores. Nice memories.
I remember the statehood celebration very well. All us kids in Rogers Park were thrilled that Alaska was becoming a state. There was a downside sadly. My dad worked for the federal government--Public Health Service. Kids weren't told anything back then but the way I figured it out years later was that the State was going to take over what he was doing so he had to find another assignment outside of Alaska. We drove out of Anchorage January 1, 1959, spent the night in Tok and drove out of Alaska January 2. First time I got back was when the plane taking me to Nam landed in Anchorage for fuel.
Joe - Glad you enjoyed the statehood memories. Sorry that the event of Alaska’s statehood ended up that way for you and your family.