Anchorage Downtown Memories

fill your heart - feed your soul

What is your favorite time of year in Anchorage?

Winter, spring, summer, or fall?

Imagine that you’re walking in downtown Anchorage during your very favorite time of the year.

Remember your favorite shops, restaurants, and places to go?

Remember how you felt and who you might be walking with as you enjoy your time there.

So now… Let’s remember some of those wonderful places and good times in downtown Anchorage that still live in your heart and in your memories.

Yes, You Can Share This Edition

You can easily share this edition with friends and family.

And when you do, they will be so happy that they will send you a one-year supply of your favorite dessert… well, it could happen.

Old City Hall

Right in the heart of the downtown Anchorage, on 4th Avenue.

The Visitor’s Log Cabin

Located right next to City Hall and just across the street from where Woolworth’s was located, the Visitor’s Log Cabin is a wonderful reminder of Anchorage’s past and the Alaska that many see in their mind’s eye. We always took our out-of-town visitors to see the log cabin.

BONUS

Take a look at Anchorage Visitor’s Log Cabin and enjoy.

The HofBrau

Across the street from City Hall on 4th Avenue was the HofBrau.

During the Fur Rendezvous winter carnival, when it was cold and crisp outside, do you remember standing on the sidewalk and looking at the roast they had in the picture window under warm red lights? Just looking at it made you feel warm all over… and hungry.

Stewart’s Photo Shop

Also located across from City Hall on 4th Avenue, Stewart’s Photo is not only a great place to visit, but it’s located in one of the oldest buildings in Anchorage.

This was also where you could see Star the Reindeer holding court on the sidewalk just outside of Stewart’s Photo.

Kimball’s Dry Goods

When you walked around behind City Hall, you saw another one of the oldest buildings in Anchorage.

Kimball and his wife, and later his daughter, operated this store for many, many years. And a number of our North Stars tell us that they shopped in Kimball’s and met the founder’s daughter. Great memories.

BONUS

Take a look at Anchorage Pioneer Irving Kimball and discover.

The Book Cache

One look at this logo, and you remember going into The Book Cache on 5th Avenue, just around the corner from JC Penney.

BONUS

Take a look at The Book Cache and enjoy.

The Loussac Library

Any look at your favorite places in downtown Anchorage should include the Loussac Library, located on 5th and F streets.

What are your memories?

The Federal Building

Located across the street from the 4th Avenue Theater and Woolworth’s, this picture captures Anchorage as it prepared to celebrate statehood in the 1950s.

BONUS

Take a look at The Federal Building and discover.

Yes, You Can Share This Edition

How about sharing this walk down memory lane with your friends and family?

And when you do, your friends and family will throw a giant part in your honor… well, it could happen.

4th Avenue Theater

This was the crown jewel of downtown Anchorage.

Do you remember the first movie you ever saw at the 4th Avenue Theater? Remember the box office, the beautiful carpet, the grand staircase and those wonderful panels on the walls of the auditorium. Yes, movies were better at the 4th Avenue Theater.

Anchorage in 1915

It all began as a tent city on the muddy banks of Ship Creek.

But lots for the town were auctioned off and buildings began to spring up on 4th and 5th Avenues that would be home to grocery stores, general stores and more…

Anchorage in 1944

Did you enjoy your walk around the Anchorage downtown that you remember?

Cherish these memories and let them fill your heart - feed your soul.

From Our North Stars (that’s you)

Our look back at Anchorage Kid’s TV Shows brought this comment:

Jody remembers:

“Aww, what a memory. My dad and Frank Feeman were good friends and I was one of the first kids on his show! (HiJinks). Thanks for the memories.”

And our look at ZJ Loussac and his library prompted these comments.

Wandal shared this memory:

“Hi, Mike and Mary. Your look at the ZJ Loussac Library really brought back memories. I’ve been in Anchorage since 1952. My parents were both teachers. One day at the Loussac Library, I discovered books. My first was “Star Man’s Son” by Andre Norton. At Clark Middle School I gave a book report on all the volumes of the World Book Encyclopedia. I’ve been a book worm every since. Thanks Mr. Loussac!”

Vicki recalls:

“I made lots of trips to the Loussac Library and hung out there. Loved that place.”

Christopher was there many times:

“From 1972 to 1975 I often visited the Loussac Library in downtown Anchorage. I visited 38 times in 1974.”

Connect with Mike and Mary

After reading this nostalgic edition of the Anchorage Memories Club, Mary and I felt like having lunch at the Woolworth’s lunch counter. And we could get one of those tall bags of popcorn, then seeing a Saturday matinée movie at the 4th Avenue Theater… Those were the days.

Do you have a comment?

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

Until next time

Mike and Mary

Anchorage Memories Club