The Rich, Interesting History of Downtown Anchorage, Alaska
Do you know the history of some of downtown Anchorage's oldest businesses and buildings? The old Federal building, Stewart's Photo Shop and Kimball's Dry Goods. Enjoy Anchorage's rich history.
The Old Federal Building was Completed in 1941
You saw this historic building every time you went to see a movie at the 4th Avenue Theatre or the Empress Theatre in downtown Anchorage.
Located right across the street from the 4th Avenue Theater, the old Federal Building sits on the site originally designated in 1915 for the Federal Reserve Bank.
The first building on the site was a Post Office, then a U.S. Marshall’s office and a Territorial jail.
The Federal Building was constructed in stages from 1939 to 1941.
The 49th Star
To celebrate Alaska becoming the 49th state in the union on January 3, 1959, a huge 48-star flag was displayed on the wall of the Federal Building facing 4th Avenue (seen above).
Then, that year’s Fur Rendezvous Queen was hoisted on the ladder of a fire truck, so she could pin a special “49th” star on the flag to represent Alaska.
Look closely at the picture above, and you can see the special star on the flag.
In 1978, the old Federal Building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
BONUS
Click on the following link:
Read more about The Old Federal Building and discover.
What Downtown Business Could the following Be?
Built in the 1920s, this building was once home to a furniture store, and even a Funeral Parlor before it became home to a very successful and iconic downtown business.
That’s right.
In 1957, Club Paris opened in that 1920s building at 417 5th Avenue.
And as many people in Anchorage know, and many visitors too, Club Paris is now home to what many say are the best steaks in town.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
Your friends and family will love seeing this fun edition of the Anchorage Memories Club… And they will be so happy you shared this with them, that they will give you a certificate for a free lifetime supply of Club Paris steaks… well, it could happen.
In the photo above are Oro and Ivan Stewart
Now let’s talk about Stewart’s Photo Shop, at 531 West 4th Avenue
Did you know that Stewart’s is located in one of Anchorage’s oldest buildings?
It was originally the Ship Creek Meat Market.
Ivan and Ora Stewart (pictured above) began Stewart’s Photo in 1942. But it wasn’t in Anchorage. It was located in Kodiak, Alaska.
A year later, the husband and wife team brought their business to Anchorage.
If you enjoyed taking pictures, Stewart’s Photo Shop was the place to go. Ivan and Ora were friendly and knew photography.
Mike of Anchorage Memories loved going into Stewart’s and used to buy those short 8mm versions of Hollywood movies and cartoons that they carried.
What are your memories of Stewart’s Photo Shop?
BONUS
Click on the following link:
Take a look at Stewart’s Photo Shop and scroll down the page to see old photos.
Remember Star the Reindeer?
In the photo above is a later version of Star the reindeer.
Ivan and Ora brought Star to Anchorage in 1962.
The female reindeer was given the name “Star” because of a white fur starburst between her eyes.
You could sometimes see Star tethered to a parking meter right out in front of Stewart’s, so passers-by and tourists could take pictures with Star.
The original Star lived to be 23 years old. In the world of reindeer, that’s about 15 years longer than the average life span. There have since been a number of “Star” reindeer.
Ora Stewart passed away in 1986 and left Albert Whitehead in charge of Star.
Kimball’s Dry Goods, 500 and 504 West 5th Avenue
Think about this:
Kimball’s is the only commercial building at its original location since the founding of Anchorage.
Irving J. Kimball and his wife Della first came to Anchorage during its “Tent City” days in 1915.
During the Anchorage town site auction, held on July 10, 1915, Irving Kimball purchased Lot 1, Block 51 (500 and 504 West Fifth Street) for 500 dollars. He then built Kimball’s Dry Goods.
The store opened in November 1915 and sold general merchandise, hardware, and groceries.
Following the passing of Irving and Della, their daughter, Decema Kimball Andresen Slawson operated the store until she passed away in 2002.
In the later years, the store sold sewing supplies to the Bush communities by mail order. That service represented about half of the Kimball Dry Goods business at that time.
In all, Kimball’s Dry Goods was in business for 87 years.
Have you ever shopped or visited Kimball’s?
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
At the Anchorage Memories Club, we love to hear from our members.
Vivien sent this:
“My sister sent me the Anchorage Memories Club a few weeks ago.
And I want to thank you for the connection to my past. I grew up in Anchorage and left for college in 1967. Now, my sister lives in Los Angeles and I live in Israel.
My last visit to Anchorage was for a West high school class reunion over 20 years ago.
So thanks for putting all this together. Shalom.”
Thank you so much for reaching out to us here at the Anchorage Memories Club, Vivien, and for sharing at least a little of your story. Our best to you and your sister.
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Until next time
Mike & Mary
Anchorage Memories Club