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This Week In Alaska History 12/6-12/12
- Alaska Means Business
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
This Week in AK History 12/6-12/12
December 6, 1907: A devastating fire erupted in the Model Cafe on Cushman Street in Fairbanks, rapidly spreading to an adjacent drug store and a men’s clothing store. The blaze, fueled by wooden structures and harsh winter conditions, highlighted the fragility of early 20th-century Alaskan towns reliant on wood-frame buildings. Firefighters battled the flames with limited water supplies from the frozen Chena River, but the three businesses were completely destroyed, causing significant economic loss in the gold rush hub. This event spurred community discussions on fire prevention and the need for better infrastructure, including a more reliable water system, which would influence future urban planning in Interior Alaska.
December 7, 1960: U.S. Secretary of the Interior Fred Seaton signed an order establishing the Arctic National Wildlife Range, spanning 8.9 million acres along Alaska's northern coastal plain and Brooks Range. This pioneering conservation effort, advocated by ecologists like Olaus and Mardy Murie, aimed to protect the unique Arctic ecosystem, including caribou calving grounds, polar bears, and migratory birds, from industrial development. The designation balanced emerging oil interests with environmental preservation, setting the stage for ongoing debates over drilling in what is now the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It remains a cornerstone of Alaska's wildlife heritage, influencing federal land management policies for decades.
December 8, 1915: The steamship Empress, carrying a valuable cargo of lumber, movie equipment, and supplies for John L. Lathrop's new theater in Anchorage, docked at the city's port amid the bustling railroad construction era. This delivery marked a pivotal moment in Anchorage's cultural growth, as the equipment enabled the establishment of one of the territory's first cinemas, fostering entertainment and community gatherings in the remote frontier town. The arrival underscored the vital role of maritime transport in supplying the Interior during the Alaska Railroad's development, connecting isolated settlements to broader American culture and boosting morale among workers and residents.
December 9, 1916: U.S. Senator Charles Conrad of Washington initiated an urgent search for missing reindeer herder Martin Feeding and his 1,500-animal herd near Nome, after reports of their disappearance on the frozen trail during a brutal Arctic winter. Feeding, a key figure in Alaska's reindeer industry—which was introduced to provide sustenance for Indigenous communities—had vanished while driving the herd from the Seward Peninsula. The effort, involving local volunteers and federal support, highlighted the perils of traditional herding in extreme conditions and the economic importance of reindeer to coastal Alaska Native economies. Though Feeding was never found, the incident prompted improvements in communication and safety protocols for remote travel.
December 10, 1910: The steamer Olympia, a vital coastal vessel navigating Prince William Sound, wrecked on the rocky shores of Bligh Island during a fierce storm, resulting in a total loss valued at over $100,000. Loaded with passengers, freight, and holiday goods bound for Valdez and Cordova, the ship ran aground in heavy fog and high winds, but all aboard were rescued by nearby fishing boats in a display of Alaskan maritime solidarity. This tragedy emphasized the hazardous waters of the Sound and the risks of early 20th-century shipping, which was essential for supplying remote communities before reliable roads. It contributed to calls for enhanced lighthouses and navigation aids, shaping safer sea routes in the region.
December 11, 1923: The silent film "The Cheechakos," a romantic drama depicting the trials of gold prospectors in Alaska's wilds, premiered at Anchorage's Empress Theatre to a packed house of locals and railroad workers. Produced by Alaskan filmmaker Hobart Bosworth, the movie—titled after the slang for newcomers—captured the spirit of the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush with authentic scenery filmed on location, drawing crowds eager for tales of adventure and resilience. Its debut not only entertained but also boosted Anchorage's profile as a gateway to the North, inspiring tourism and preserving frontier lore through cinema during the territory's formative years.
December 12, 1940: The U.S. Army's Fort Richardson, a key World War II installation near Anchorage, was officially named in honor of Brigadier General Wilds P. Richardson, the pioneering commander of the Alaska Road Commission who built vital infrastructure like the Richardson Highway. Established amid rising tensions in the Pacific, the fort—part of the territory's rapid militarization—housed troops training for Arctic defense and symbolized Alaska's strategic importance. Simultaneously, the adjacent airfield was redesignated Elmendorf Field after aviation pioneer Captain Hugh M. Elmendorf. This dual naming reflected the blend of historical legacy and modern military readiness, fortifying Alaska's role in national security during the lead-up to global conflict.
