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This Week in Alaska History: December 26 – January 1
- Dec 26, 2025
- 2 min read
This Week in Alaska History: December 26 – January 1
December 26 In 1946, Dr. Joseph H. Romig, known as the "Dog Team Doctor" for his medical service across remote Alaska, passed away in Anchorage. Romig was a pioneering physician who treated Alaska Natives and settlers alike during the early 20th century. He traveled hundreds of miles by dog sled to reach patients in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and later served as mayor of Anchorage from 1937 to 1938.
December 27 In 1967, Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) confirmed the discovery of vast oil reserves at Prudhoe Bay on Alaska's North Slope, marking the largest oil field in North America and sparking an economic boom that transformed the state. A natural gas flare was produced in December 1967, with full confirmation of the massive oil reserves coming shortly after, leading to the development of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.
December 28 In 1934, a lodge of the Sons of Norway was formally initiated in Juneau at the Odd Fellows Hall, reflecting the growing influence of Scandinavian immigrants in Southeast Alaska's cultural and social life. The Juneau lodge, known as Svalbard Lodge, helped preserve Norwegian heritage and traditions among the immigrant community in the capital city.
December 29 In 1926, Alaska Air Transport, Inc. was organized in Anchorage, becoming the city's first airline and laying early groundwork for commercial aviation in the territory. Founded by local businessman Arthur A. Shonbeck, the company hired renowned bush pilot Russ Merrill and operated modern aircraft to connect Anchorage with remote areas.
December 30 In 1938, Ernest Walker Griffin, Territorial Secretary of Alaska, died suddenly in Juneau, during a period of administrative changes in the territory's government. As a key appointee under the federal governance structure, his unexpected passing highlighted the challenges of leadership in the remote territory.
December 31 In 1917, all saloons and liquor stores in Alaska closed at midnight under a voter-approved "bone dry" law, making the territory one of the earliest to enact full prohibition ahead of national policy. Approved by Congress following a territorial referendum, the law prohibited the manufacture, sale, and importation of alcohol, effective January 1, 1918.
January 1 In 1918, a groundbreaking territorial law limiting employee workdays to eight hours took effect, described as the most radical labor hours regulation in U.S. history at the time (though later struck down). The measure aimed to protect workers in industries like mining and canning but was challenged and deemed unconstitutional shortly afterward.
