Episodes

  • Anchorage Picture Memories

    Anchorage Picture Memories
    May 3 2026
    Photo by Ward WellsWe thought it would be fun to remember some places in Anchorage that are dear to our hearts. And what better way to begin than to look at where you may have begun your life. Providence Hospital, originally located at 9th Avenue and L Streets, first opened on June 29, 1939, by the Sisters of Providence.Many were born in the hospital between 1939 and 1963. A few of those include Mary Jane of Anchorage Memories, along with all her brothers and sisters. And while Mike of Anchorage memories was born in the lower 48, his brother Tom was born in Providence, as was his little sister Sybil.How about you? Were you or someone in your family born there?BONUSMaybe you were born in one of these First Hospitals in Anchorage.Remembering the Bun Drive-In and the Coke Showphoto by Ty PierceOur Story Begins on Christmas Eve, 1959It was a cold December night when Ron Moore first took his radio show, known as “The Coke Show,” to new heights. Literally.The show began originating from, as Ron used to say, “high atop the Bun Drive-In” at 601 Northern Lights Boulevard (later named “Wooly Bully Blvd” by Ron and the gang).The new Coke Show studio was a small booth, affectionately known as the “Chicken Coop” or the “Royal Roost” (remember, Ron was also known as the “Royal Coachman” on his radio program).The studio sat on the roof of the Bun Drive-In, overlooking the parking lot through a picture window.The Coke Show and the Bun Drive-In bring back a flood of great memories. Do you have a request and a dedication?BONUSRelive those wonderful days and hear the Coke Show once again.Jonas Brothers MemoriesWhen you had visitors from the lower 48, Jonas Brothers was probably one of the places you took them for a peek at Alaska.The outside of the building had a rustic Anchorage look, and inside was a treasure chest of Alaska animals, furs, and more.And did you know that another Anchorage treasure got its start in Jonas Brothers?In about 1958, Russ and Doris Riemann considered selling books directly to customers in a retail store.That’s when they joined a lady named Esther Tout, who ran a small 15-by-25-foot bookstore in the same building as Jonas Brothers Taxidermy and Furriers, located on Fifth Avenue.The little bookstore in Jonas Brothers became so popular that Russ and Doris decided to relocate. Their new location became known as The Book Cache, one of the most popular book stores in Anchorage.BONUSGet to know The Book Cache, an Anchorage favorite.Swim Into Your MemoriesUntil March 1953, when the Spa first opened, if you wanted to swim in or around Anchorage, you had one choice. It had to be summer, and you had to swim in a lake. Or with your rubber ducky in the bathtub.Then on March 31, 1952, a man named Edwin Suddock, a wholesale grocer, and his wife, Mary, made a welcome announcement. They were going to build a private, indoor swimming pool in Anchorage.The pool would be located at 1720 F Street between West 16th and 17th Avenues. The location was just above what would later become the Valley of the Moon Park.And many remember being bused from school to the Spa for swimming lessons.Barbara remembers:“For two weeks, first thing in the morning, a bus load of us were taken to the Spa. It was great to have swimming lessons. I still really appreciate the building design with the wall of windows. But afterward, we had to get back on the bus in our damp clothes, coats, and wet hair.”BONUSThis will make a splash. Read The Spa Story and remember.Sydney Laurence and Rainbow TroutOn the west side of the 4th Avenue Theatre was the First National Bank.You could stand on the sidewalk and enjoy looking at a fish tank, filled with Rainbow trout. Inside the bank was an incredible collection of huge paintings by Alaska’s premier artist, Sydney Laurence.The paintings were a real treat to look at. Many, if not all, were of the great mountain known to Alaskans as Denali.And in the Spring of 1961The first escalator was introduced in AnchoragePhoto by Ward WellsWhen Caribou’s Department Store in Spenard announced the grand opening of its store escalator, it seemed like a theme park ride had opened, and most of the town turned out to ride it. Were you there?Precious MemoriesWow, this has been a great trip down memory lane. What are your memories? We’d love to hear about them. Just click on the following to share.From Our North Stars (that’s you)From our look at the Alaska ZooTony had this memory:“I lived in Bruin Park off of O’Malley Rd. from ‘64-’75, my buddy lived across from the Diamond H Ranch and I remember when the Zoo opened how surprised we were that someone would open a Zoo there. But then again there were also Lions in Mt. View back then.”In our Alaska Zoo edition, we included a picture of an Artist helping Annabelle the elephant paint a picture.Eric identified the artist for us:“The artist painting with Annabelle is Diane Barske well known in Anchorage. She has since retired ...
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    7 mins
  • Anchorage Annabelle and Binky Memories

    Anchorage Annabelle and Binky Memories
    Apr 5 2026
    If you live in Alaska, or used to, you probably know what the above photo is all about. But more about this picture in a moment.This look at the Alaska Zoo, located in Anchorage, starts with an interesting story.What’s Behind Door Number Three?The title above refers to a TV game show called “Let’s Make a Deal.” The story that follows is sort of like that show.In 1966, Jack Snyder, the owner of the S&F Foodland grocery store, located at Minnesota Drive and Spenard Road (did you shop there?), entered a contest. The contest was run by the good folks who make Chiffon toilet paper. It was simple: the grocery store that sold the most Chiffon TP would get a prize. Mr. Snyder won. We guess that Anchorage needed a lot of TP that year.As it turned out, Snyder had two choices for his prize. Behind door number one was a $3,000 cash prize. Not bad. Behind door number two was a real-life, 400-pound baby Indian elephant named Annabelle. No one knows what was behind door number three.Well, for some reason (perhaps he was an animal lover), Mr. Snyder decided to take the door number two prize, the Elephant. Not Since the Ice AgeIt had been a really long time (the Ice Age) since Alaska had seen a 400-pound baby elephant stomping around in the Great Land. And by the way, baby Annabelle was known to eat 60 pounds of food a day on her way to becoming a full-grown elephant.Because Annabelle was such a rare sight in Anchorage, she used to make personal appearances at Foodland and other places around town. Annabelle quickly became a local celebrity.Fast-forward to 1969, when the “Alaska Children’s Zoo” opened with Annabelle the elephant as the featured attraction, along with assorted animals that were donated.Annabelle Was Also an ArtistIn the picture above, Anchorage artist Dianne Barske works with Annabelle as the elephant creates her latest painting. She was an artist, yes, she was.A Fitting TributeAnnabelle passed away on December 15, 1997. And she was so loved that she was buried in the Alaska Zoo, where the large marker pictured above pays tribute.Yes, You Can Share This EditionAnd when you do, your friends and family will be so excited that they will give you your own tropical island hideaway, complete with a mansion and a beach named after you… well, it could happen.Thanks for reading and listening to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.Binky the Polar BearBinky poses with a tennis shoe. More about the shoe in a moment. Another zoo favorite was Binky the polar bear.Back in 1975, Binky was an orphaned cub who was found near Cape Beaufort on the North Slope of Alaska.When Binky was brought to the Alaska Zoo, Mike of Anchorage Memories was a news videographer and was sent to the Zoo with KTVA channel 11 reporter Tom Miller to get video of the cute little polar bear cub.At the zoo, Mike was let inside a small enclosure with the cub.“Binky was just this tiny ball of white fur and was very curious about me and my video camera. At one point I sat the camera down on the floor and Binky came up and licked the front of the lens. That remarkable footage was seen that evening on the channel 11, 6 o’clock news.”Some years later, Mike, our children Nikki and Chris, and I visited the zoo and went to see Binky, who was full-grown and weighed 1,200 pounds. Mike remembered Binky, but was sure that Binky didn’t remember him.Binky and the ShoeOn July 29, 1994, a 29-year-old woman became a news headline around the world when she decided to get closer to Binky, so she could take a picture of the Polar Bear.The woman jumped the safety rails, and Binky stuck his head through the bars and grabbed her. The woman survived, but Binky had her shoe in his mouth (see the picture above). Binky kept the shoe for 3 days before zoo officials were able to retrieve it.BONUSYou can read more about Binky the Polar Bear and remember when.So here’s the questionIf you had won the Chiffon Toilet Paper sales contest, would you have chosen the $3,000 prize or the 400-pound baby Indian elephant? Send a Message to Mike and Mary JaneDid you answer the burning question? Would you have taken the $3,000 cash prize, or the 400-pound baby Indian elephant that consumed 60 pounds of food every day?Until next timeMike and Mary JaneThe Anchorage Memories Club Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
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    5 mins
  • Anchorage First Job Memories

    Anchorage First Job Memories
    Mar 22 2026
    In the picture above, a boy sells newspapers in Anchorage, circa 1918-1920.If you grew up in Anchorage, what was your first job?Did you move to Anchorage from somewhere else in Alaska, or from the “lower 48?”Growing up, your parents likely told you to “clean up your room”, “take out the trash”, or “do the dishes.” But those jobs didn’t come with an actual paycheck.Remember how good it felt to get the reward of money in exchange for your hard work.Mary Jane of Anchorage Memories, Recalls Her First JobsWah! Wah! Wah!That’s the sound all babysitters hear.When I was in the 5th grade, my very first job was watching and caring for my nieces and nephews, and neighborhood children. And because some parents referred me to other parents, I was the go-to babysitter for even more children. And yes, the pay was very good.As a high school senior, I worked as a child attendant at the Anchorage Montessori School for 3 and 1/2 hours each weekday.The 3 to 5-year-olds enjoyed listening to children’s records, playing games, and sing-alongs. In addition, I read stories to them. Interesting that now I’m the author of several children’s books.Back then, my paycheck from the Montessori school made me feel all grown up at 17.Yes, You Can Share This Fun EditionAnd when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will create a bronze statue of you with a plaque proclaiming to the world that your first job was in Anchorage, Alaska… well, it could happen.Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.Mike of Anchorage Memories Had Three First JobsAt the ripe old age of 14, I had a newspaper route, delivering the Anchorage Daily Times to my neighborhood near East High School.I saved the money I earned from that job and purchased a used Sears Moped.Not long after that, A friend of my parents asked me if I would like a job as the janitor for their hair salon in downtown Anchorage. I agreed to give it a try. But after a few weeks, it was obvious that working in a hair salon was not for me.When I was 18, I got a part-time job at KTVA channel 11, and that led to a 30-plus-year career in television broadcasting.What was your first job in Anchorage? Just click on the following button and tell us all about it.From Our North Stars (that’s you)From our “Favorite Teachers” edition.Randy remembers:“Mike/Mary. So many wonderful teachers from the days that the first Williwaw opened (1960 first grade) up through graduation at East High in 1972. Far too many to mention. All I know is that most created the most memorable education this old man could have. We had some great teachers.”Edi has these favorites:“Two of my favorite teachers were math teachers - Mr. Hardin in junior high and Ms Rougier in high school. I went on to major in math in college. Mr. Granville was a junior high school principal who also taught classes in Alaska Geography and History. He always included humor in his classes. One other favorite was a language teacher - Mrs. Dahl, in whose classes I studied Spanish, which I also continued to study in college.”When I was in school there was only one Anchorage Junior High/Senior High School. It was downtown on 6th Ave. Part of the time the junior high schoolers went to school in shifts. The senior high schoolers went when they had classes scheduled. They tried to set up our class schedule so that we had a free period near to noon so we could eat lunch. But, one semester I ate half of my lunch at 10:00 and the other half after I finished at 2:00.”Becky recalls:“Mountain View Elementary when it was brand new gave me a great start and I remember all my teachers there very well. Possibly my favorite was Mr. (Howard?) Barr who had been in the military and still carried himself that way. I had a wonderful time studying the Civil War in his class--a hobby of mine, still. At Orah Dee Clark, I loved Mrs. Lily Neilson's Eng class and can still remember her reading Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, giving all the characters different voices. SO great!At East High, I loved the music teachers - Mr. Kirke Muse and Mr. James Everly - of course, but also those who insisted that i work hard. (I came from the "do only enough work to get an A or maybe a B" school of tho't.) Mrs. Joan Baxter taught English Lit and for her I DID work. And it paid off with higher grades (imagine it). So in one sense she is probably my most unforgettable teacher at EAHS.” Dennis had these favorites:“While attending Ora Dee Clark School, I had a few favorites.. I was a band guy as well, and Mr. Kelly was the band director then.... But as for teachers, Mrs. Von Rohr, for algebra and Mr. Whitner (sp?). Ahh, good memories.”Gene remembers:“Perhaps the one teacher who had the biggest impact on my life was Jack McGuin, the band director I learned from, first at the downtown Jr. High where he was my teacher in 7th and 8th grades, and ...
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    3 mins
  • Anchorage Favorite Teacher Memories

    Anchorage Favorite Teacher Memories
    Mar 8 2026

    In the photo above is the Denali Elementary School 3rd-grade class of Mrs. McGraw. Mary of Anchorage Memories is circled in the front row.

    From elementary school, junior high school, and high school, we all have special memories of a teacher or two, or three, who really made a difference.

    And we carry those memories with us for a lifetime.

    Mary and I want to give you some space here to share your memories of a favorite Anchorage teacher who made a difference in your life.

    Mary Remembers

    Miss Werner was my first-grade teacher at Denali Elementary.

    She made a shy student feel like a friend. And she went out of her way to make the other classmates my friends, too.

    I had the same teacher for the 2nd and 3rd grade at Denali. Mrs. McGraw was very nice and helpful.

    Our morning sharing time with my classmates was good and helped me to learn about them and to make friends.

    Yes, You Can Share This Edition

    And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will give you a free year of your favorite Lucky Wishbone lunch… well, it could happen.

    Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

    Mike Remembers

    Two teachers come to mind here.

    The first was my early 1960s gym teacher, Mr. Balote (sp?) at Clark Junior High School.

    I remember him as being stern, but very understanding. In the 7th grade, I recall the need to visit his office in the Boy’s locker room. As I came up to his office, I noticed a sign on the window of his office door. The sign read, “Knock or Suffer.” I immediately knocked on the door and was told to come in.

    Another thing I recall about Mr. Balote was something I witnessed when I was in the 8th grade.

    The incoming 7th-grade boys had to adjust to changing into their gym gear and then taking a shower with all the other guys at the end of gym class.

    My Balote noticed one 7th-grade boy was having a hard time and standing way off by himself. Coach Balote went over to him and gave him some reassuring words. The boy thanked him and joined the others.

    In 1963, I auditioned as a trumpet player for Mr. James Everly, the conductor of the East Anchorage High School Symphonic Band.

    Mr. Everly was an excellent teacher, and I learned a lot from him. In the East High band, I ended up in what is known as the first trumpet section. And by my senior year, I was First Chair First, the head of the trumpet section.

    What Mr. Everly taught me was even helpful in my television and motion picture production career.

    I was fortunate enough to win an Emmy Award for my camera work. I should have mentioned Mr. Everly in my acceptance speech.

    Anchorage Memories

    Our website, Anchorage Memories, is a treasure chest of memories, photos, and videos.

    Take a moment to drop by Anchorage Memories and enjoy.

    Connect with Mike and Mary

    Our favorite teachers made a positive impact on our lives.

    Who were your favorite teachers? We want to hear about them.

    Share your memories of your favorite Anchorage school teacher.

    You can also reply to this email.

    Or, you can Contact Us right here.

    Until Next Time

    Mike and Mary Jane

    The Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club



    Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
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    4 mins
  • Linious "Mac" Magee

    Linious "Mac" Magee
    Feb 22 2026

    He had no money and no job prospects on the horizon.So, in 1929, during the Great Depression, he was able to sneak on board the SS Aleutian steamship, headed for Seward, Alaska.Once in Seward, he made his way to Anchorage, where he found work, driving a delivery truck for Standard Oil.Later, he began a fur trading business using dog teams and chartered planes to reach remote Alaska villages.And it was his fur trading company that led him to the aviation business.

    Meet Linious “Mac” McGee

    But he never learned to fly because he was more interested in business and organization than he was in aviation.

    Yes, you can Share this Edition

    And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will buy you a tropical island… well, it could happen.

    Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

    How it Began

    In 1931, McGee partnered with an Alaska Bush pilot named Harvey W. Barnhill.The two purchased a three-seat Stinson aircraft and began Barnhill and McGee Airways in Anchorage.About a year later, in 1932, McGee bought out Barnhill’s share of the company. Then, after purchasing another Stinson aircraft, McGee started McGee Airways. It was one of the first air services in Anchorage.Over the next two years, McGee Airways grew into a fleet of seven Stinson aircraft.With all the same planes, McGee reasoned that they could interchange parts, which would make it easier to maintain flight schedules.

    1934

    McGee sold his airline to Anchorage-based Star Air Service, but stayed on as the manager for several years.

    1937

    He later decided to get out of aviation altogether.By this time, McGee was involved in the mining industry and later retired at the age of 73.

    Star Air Service became Star Airlines

    Then, in 1942, Star Airlines was sold, and the name was changed to Alaska Star Airlines.

    The Beginning of Alaska Airlines

    Photo by Harley D. NygrenIn the picture above is a 1949 Alaska Airlines DC-3In 1944, the company, which began as McGee Airways, was renamed for the last time. The new name is Alaska Airlines.Yes, Alaska Airlines came about because of a 1929 stowaway named Linious “Mac” McGee, who came to Anchorage, Alaska, seeking a new life and opportunity in the Last Frontier.

    BONUS

    You can learn more about Linious “Mac” McGee and Alaska aviation history.Take a look at McGee Airways: The Story Of Alaska Airlines… and discover.

    Connect with Mike and Mary

    Did you enjoy the story of Anchorage Pioneer, Linious “Mac” McGee, and his contribution to Alaska aviation? We certainly did.Do you have a comment?

    You can also reply to this email.

    Or, you can Contact Us to say, “I flew with Alaska Airlines 243 times”.Until Next TimeMike and MaryAnchorage, Alaska Memories Club.com



    Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
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    4 mins
  • Your Anchorage Driving Test Comments

    Your Anchorage Driving Test Comments
    Feb 8 2026
    Our edition about Anchorage First Driving Test Memories received a lot of interesting comments.Jerry remembers his 1953 Driver’s License Number:“In 1953, I got a driver's license. The license numbers were the next in line. My license number was 53467, so the next person would be 53468, regardless of where they were in Alaska. I was in line in the 1970s to renew when everyone was checking their numbers to see how low their numbers were. When I showed them mine. They all gasped, I was the winner by quite a margin.”Pat drove once around the block:“When it came time for me to get my driver's license, Dad decided I should go to a driving school. The instructor was a fellow by the name of Cox. He was also a music teacher. So the day came for the driving test, and I told the examiner that I was taught by Cox. The examiner told me to drive around the block. Once around the block and that was it. I don't think he ever looked up from his paperwork.”Tom remembers a lot of yelling:“I remember learning to drive from my dad, who meant well but yelled at me a lot, and my mom, who was a bit nervous but less prone to yelling. I finally took the test in March of 1978, 6 agonizing months after my 16th birthday, at the DMV on Dowling Road.It was probably the easiest driving test in the history of the automobile: I turned left on Dowling, right on the frontage road along Seward Highway, then right on Tudor, right on Lake Otis, and right again on Dowling, turning left back into the DMV. Two left turns the entire test. And then there was no parking test!”Michael was nervous in Bethel:“I was 16 and was one of the few students in high school in Bethel to have a driver’s license in 1970. Back then the tests were given at the AST office. I was nervous but just had to drive down the street and back and that was it. I passed!”Mark was a seasoned driver at 16:“I turned 16 in 1971. By that time I'd been driving my dad's 1962 International Scout for almost two years. (Until just before the driver's test, the Scout had no tail lights; I just lightly rode the brakes whenever I passed a trooper or city cop.) So I was a confident veteran driver when I arrived at the old DMV location on 5th Avenue. Even parallel parking was not a huge challenge. I Passed easily.”Comments from our Facebook PostSherry didn’t pass:“During my driving test, my instructor told me to stop. I slowed down and stopped. He "failed" me because I didn't slam on the brakes. He didn't say "STOP!"; he said stop.”Note from Anchorage MemoriesWe feel your pain, Sherry.Karen had to fix a roadside problem:“I took my test in Eagle River in my VW bug. As we started up Meadow Creek Drive my automatic choke slipped, as it did from time to time, so I pulled into a cul du sac, got out, opened the hood and put it back the way it should be.As I got back in the car and turned off the flashers, the tester told me to go ahead and just head back to the DMV. I thought that meant the test was over, and I'd have to go again, but I was wrong. She told me she was very impressed with how calm I remained and how I fixed the problem. She passed me without even parallel parking.”Grover had to parallel park a station wagon:“Oh yes, in Anchorage... in mom's 1957 Ford station wagon. Parallel parking was intimidating in that critter, but Dad had his truck at work. I lucked out, and slipped right into the spot. The rest of the test was a piece of cake.”Kathy was driving in downtown Anchorage:“Nope. Failed to stop at a red light before I made a right-hand turn in downtown Anchorage. Oops! The guy was nice though. I re-took the driving portion a week later and passed.”Michael took his test in something unique:“I was at Anchorage’s 4th Avenue DMV. Driving a two and a half ton shop truck with a jib-boom. The person giving me the test was impressed. Lol, farm boys! What can I say.”Cindy had things under control:“Yup. First day I was allowed to take the test. In my Mom’s big boat of a station wagon. One trip around a short residential block and parallel parked that puppy like it was nothing. Passed with flying colors plus a huge compliment from the examiner for my parking.”Vivien told a fib:“Took mine at DMV on 5th Avenue. When we were coming back to the DMV the tester asked me if I knew how to parallel park. I knew how, but told him I didn’t because I didn’t know what he was going to have me do.”Ebe remembers it was very casual:“Yep, I took my test in Nenana in 1968... no red light, one stop sign, no parallel parking. We basically just drove around talking.”Edi learned with a stick shift:“I don't think I had to take a driving test in 1950. My dad taught me to drive, sometimes with my little brother or sister in the back seat laughing at my jerky attempts in a standard-transmission car. When he thought I was able to drive, he simply took me to the DMV to buy the license.”Yes, You Can Share This EditionAnd when you do, your friends and ...
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    9 mins
  • Anchorage First Driving Test Memories

    Anchorage First Driving Test Memories
    Jan 25 2026

    The photo above is of 1950s Anchorage

    If you were an Anchorage teen, you probably went through the exciting, but scary process of getting your Alaska driver’s license.

    Or perhaps you were an adult when you got your first Alaska Driver’s License.

    Anchorage streets are challenging. In the winter, you have to drive on ice and snow. Remember, “Pump your brakes and turn into a skid.” In the spring, there is muddy water everywhere, and roads are filled with potholes as big as moon craters.

    What are your memories?

    Did you start with a Learner’s Permit?

    Mary of Anchorage Memories shares her story:

    Mary’s Anchorage Driving Test Adventure

    “Nope. When my sister Betty went to get her Alaska driver’s license, she failed the driving test because she drove over a curb. Later, when she took the test for a second time, she passed.

    When I was 16, my stepfather Bob took me to the DMV in our 1968 Camero.

    Yep. I passed the written test. Then on to the driving test. I followed all the instructions from the DMV guy who was in the passenger seat, telling me what to do. “Turn left, turn right, cross the railroad tracks.” I was then instructed to head back to the DMV for the parallel parking test. Yep. I passed.

    As Bob drove me home, he told me that he knew the guy who gave me the driving test. And if I hadn’t passed, he was going to tell him that I was his step-daughter, and you need to give her a passing test score.

    Yep. When we got home my mom was happy that I had gotten my Alaska driver’s license because she didn’t drive, and I could be her chauffeur.”

    Yes, You Can Share This Edition

    And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you a free Lucky Wishbone burger basket every week for a year… well, it could happen.

    Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

    Mike’s Anchorage Driving Test Adventure

    “As a teen, I started with a driver’s permit. My mom and dad took turns teaching me the finer points of driving. Like how to stay on the road and off the sidewalk.

    Then came the big day when mom took me to the Anchorage Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get my Alaska driver’s license.

    After I nervously passed the written portion, I was ready for the scary part… the actual driving test.

    Remember, the Driver’s Manual plainly stated that I was not to talk to the person giving me the test.

    “Pull out into traffic. Stop here. Turn right, turn left.”

    Then I made a mistake. I pulled to a stop after passing the stop sign. Quickly, the man testing me said matter-of-factly, “Stop in front of the stop sign not behind it.” Ok, I was sure I had just failed the test.

    Moments later, he said, “Head back to the DMV.” At that moment I really got nervous because I thought the dreaded parallel parking test was coming up, and I hadn’t practiced that one.

    However, when we arrived back at the DMV, he said, “Pull up, park and turn off your engine.” Wow, I didn’t have to parallel park. Then, after scribling a few notes, he got out of the car without saying a word and went back into the DMV.

    I wondered if I had failed the test. Moments later, I was inside the DMV and a woman came over, handed me a piece of paper and said, “Go over there to get your picture taken.” I had passed my test!

    Later, I stood on the sidewalk, basking in the warm summer day and thinking to myself, “I have my Alaska Driver’s License.” I got in the car and mom drove us home.”

    Connect with Mike and Mary

    What are your memories of taking your Alaska Driver’s Test, or even taking the written Driver’s Test as an adult in Alaska?

    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

    The Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club



    Get full access to Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club at www.anchoragememoriesclub.com/subscribe
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    5 mins
  • Anchorage Double Memories

    Anchorage Double Memories
    Jan 11 2026

    You can see the Ship Creek Meat Market in the middle of the picture.

    Oscar Anderson made his way from Seattle to Seward, Alaska, then onto Ship Creek in 1915 and what would become Anchorage.

    Anderson said he was the 8th person to set foot in the rugged tent city that was located on the north shore of Ship Creek.

    His first job was cutting wood in an area that would later become known as Government Hill.

    In the weeks that followed, Anderson teamed up with a man named Jensen. The two decided to put together a cold storage business. That operation became a meat packing company, serving the entire Cook Inlet region.

    Later, Anderson headed for Seattle to purchase equipment for a cold storage plant and what would become the Ship Creek Meat Company.

    After purchasing a lot on 4th Avenue in Anchorage, where Stewart’s Photo is now located, he opened the Ship Creek Meat Market.

    Live Cattle were then shipped from Seattle and kept in corrals in Anchorage.

    The Ship Creek Meat Market became the largest fresh meat supplier in Alaska. The business closed in the 1950s.

    Yes, You Can Share This Edition

    And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will send you on an adventurous tour of Alaska in a dog sled… well, it could happen…Mush!

    Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage, Alaska Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

    Woolworth’s in Downtown Anchorage

    Photo by Ward Wells, June 27, 1961

    Oh, the memories.

    Located on the south side of 4th Avenue and F Street, Woolworth’s was an Anchorage favorite.

    Remember the lunch counter, known as the Frontier Room? Mike of Anchorage Memories remembers when his mom, Louise Dougherty, worked there.

    And Mary remembers going into Woolworth’s to buy a large (about two feet long) bag of popcorn and some candy to take with her to see a movie at the 4th Avenue Theatre. And back in those days, the 4th Avenue Theatre was nice enough to let you do that if you asked nicely.

    The Woolworth Grand Opening

    From Mary of Anchorage Memories:

    “As I walked into Woolworth's for the first time, I saw the café on the left, makeup, and school supplies in the middle and my favorite aisle… the toy section.Woolworth's was just a few doors down from the 4th Ave Theater, and that made it a happening place to go. My entire family went to Woolworth's Grand Opening in Anchorage when I was in grade school.”

    BONUS

    Enjoy Mary’s Woolworth’s grand opening adventure.

    Take a look at Mary’s story, “Woolworth’s Grand Opening” and remember.

    From Our North Stars (that’s you)

    From our Alaska Flag story.

    Eric recalls:

    “The best Flag and the best State Song in the Union. As a child in school, we would sing it every morning. I still sing it for friends.”

    Jerry’s Daughter sang at the World Fair in Seattle:

    “At the World's Fair in Seattle in 1962, the Alaska exhibit was well attended. The announcer was describing the Alaska flag and the Alaska song that went along with it. Then asked if anyone knew the Alaska song? My two very young daughters, ten and eleven, sang it alone for the entire crowd. They received loud applause.”

    Jerry Knew Benny Benson:

    “Benny was a great friend of mine and many others in Kodiak. He was an outstanding Elk of the Kodiak Lodge, 1772. I have an Alaska flag signed by Benny.”

    Connect with Mike and Mary

    This double memories edition really brought back some great memories.

    You can share your memories by commenting below.

    You can also reply to this email.

    Or, you can Contact Us right here.

    Until Next Time

    Mike and Mary

    The Anchorage Memories Club



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