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.

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

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

Photo above, circa 1950s, courtesy Michael Nore

We all share something in common about Anchorage.

Each of us carries fond memories of sights, sounds, tastes, and smells that happily remind us of our days in the Anchorage we love.

Walking down the 4th Avenue sidewalk across from the visitors log cabin and seeing the delicious-looking roast hanging in the window under amber heat lamps at the Hofbrau. Yum.

Going into the 4th Avenue theatre after you purchased your ticket, and being delighted by the smell of fresh popped popcorn.

On a cold winter day, when Jack Frost was nipping at your nose, remember how good it felt to open the door to a shop and step into the waiting warmth. If you wore glasses, they immediately fogged up.

Being bussed to the Spa swimming pool from your school during gym for swimming lessons. As you walked into the building, you could smell the chlorine. And afterward, the girls had to deal with the feeling of wet hair out in the cold weather as they headed for the waiting bus.

When Gilman’s Bakery had a store on 4th Avenue, remember the wonderful smell of fresh bread and pastries?

Young boys and girls selling newspapers downtown could be heard singing, “Get your Anchorage Daily Newspaper, get your Anchorage Daily Newspaper.”

Warming up with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa at the Woolworths lunch counter.

The sound of those beautiful downtown chimes telling you the time.

Do you recall the incredible smell of hamburgers as you walked by or into the White Spot? And oh, how good they tasted.

Yes, You Can Share This Edition

And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy they will name an Alaska lake after you… 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.

Standing in line at Benny’s Taco wagon, waiting to place your order. Then you stepped up into the wagon, and it was finally your turn. What a heavenly aroma.

The smell of sun tan lotion at Goose Lake and the sound of rock n roll music from a local radio station playing over the loudspeakers. And do you remember the DJ ringing a bell and telling everyone at Goose Lake to roll over so they didn’t get a sunburn?

The amazing vistas and the sensation of skiing down Alyeska or Arctic Valley.

Remember the roar of the engines as modified stock cars raced around Anchorage tracks?

The taste of fresh strawberries grown in your own Anchorage garden.

Sounds of Ice skates gliding over a crisp Anchorage ice rink.

The crack of a bat and the roar of the crowd at an Anchorage baseball game.

The distinctive sound of a ball rolling down the lane and striking the pins at Center Bowl.

Trickling water and the sun on your face as you floated down Campbell Creek.

The happy sights and sounds of a circus on the Park Strip.

Tasting those wonderful burgers and fries as you sat in your car at the Bun Drive-In listening to Ron Moore and the Coke Show.

What are some Anchorage sights, sounds, tastes, and smells you fondly remember?

BONUS

What were some of your Anchorage Firsts?

The first place you lived, your first school, favorite teachers, and your first Anchorage driving test.

Take a look at Your Anchorage, Alaska Firsts and remember to comment.

Connect with Mike and Mary Jane

You’re probably enjoying a flood of fond Anchorage memories right now. Mary Jane and I sure are.

Be sure to share your memories with us.

You can also connect with us by replying to this email.

Until Next Time

Mike and Mary Jane

The Anchorage Memories Club