About the

Miller Collection

The Miller collection of 187 images records activities associated with this Colonist family traveling to Alaska, temporarily living in tents, and establishing their new home and farm. It also includes later photos after the family moved to another Colony farm closer to Palmer. Numerous images depict activities and people associated with early Colony life.

This image shows a large group of people, identified as Matanuska Colonists, on Seattle's Bell Street Terminal Dock awaiting their turn to board the ship "St. Mihiel" to take them to Alaska. The photo, taken from the deck of the waiting ship, looks down on the crowd on the dock next to a light-colored building with large windows partially visible at left. The dock extends through the center of the image alongside of the building to a street in near middle ground. Water of an adjacent slip is apparent at right. An elevated street crosses the image behind the foreground buildings and a complex scene of Seattle cityscape is visible in background.

Image Shows a man, identified as colonist Neil Miller, sitting on a sawbuck in from of a white tent and receiving a haircut from another man, identified as colonist Ferber Bailey. Two children are in the foreground, identified as Mardie Miller holding Nona Faye Bailey. The tent is a typical Colony tent with "A-1" visibly marked on the canvas. The setting is identified as Colony Camp #7 northwest of Palmer.

Image shows a sod-roofed log cabin atop a slight hill with garden crops on the hillside in foreground. Heavy forest forms the backdrop behind the cabin.

Image shows six white Colony tents in a row at Camp #7. Camp 7 was located on Tract #157 drawn by Albert Fredericks along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer, Alaska. This tract was located on what had apparently previously been part of a homestead with buildings and some land already cleared as apparent in this photo.

Image shows seven young children and a dog. Children identified as (l to r): Front-McCormick twins, Fitzpatrick girl & boy, Raschke child. Back-Janell Miller, Gene Bailey.

Image shows a woman, identified as Margret Miller, hand-washing clothes in wash tubs set up in front of their tent at Colonist Camp 7. Two young girls, identified as Mardie and Janell Miller, sit nearby. An outhouse and clothesline are evident at right

Image is a three quarter side view of the Eklutna Russian Orthodox Church in the foreground. Identity and instruction signs are in near foreground. People are walking among grave houses in middle ground with trees beyond.

Image shows the north side of a log church, identified as the Protestant Church, also commonly referred to as the Community (Presbyterian) Church or the "Church of a Thousand Trees", in Palmer, Alaska. Trees are evident in front and beyond and power lines overhead.

Image shows a man standing on a log wall beside several peeled log rafters with log walls behind and below. Various boards lean against the rafters and a power cord with a light bulb hangs from one rafter. The structure under construction is identified as the Community (Presbyterian) Church of Palmer. There is evidence of light snow cover and the man is warmly dressed. Tress form the backdrop.

Image shows a Colony barn under construction with the bottom portion complete and the roof framed and ready to be covered. The farm's well house and a stack of lumber are in the foreground.

Image is a winter scene of Neil & Margaret Miller's first Colony farm on tract #155 along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer, Alaska. A typical Colony barn is apparent, a very atypical colonist house is visible, and an automobile is evident in the driveway.

This photo shows the barn and chicken coop on tract #99 sometime between 1946 and 1958. The chicken coop in foreground, a log structure now cladded in white boards, shows an unpainted addition to the entry at left. The four windows on the south side appear to be covered but with the frames still apparent. In front is a high enclosure of chicken wire framed with poles and containing several brown chickens from the coop by way of the small doorway and ramp visible at ground level. Behind the coop the upper part of the "Barrel Vault" barn is visible above the coop as well as a small portion of the log barn base at left. In front of the chicken enclosure at left is a tall power pole with the top out of the picture but with power lines leading to both the coop and the barn. The ground in near foreground appears to be a harvested potato patch. Far middle ground behind the barn shows the cleared face of the upper bench topped with leafless trees.

Image is an easterly view across a partially harvested grain field with uncut grain and harvested grain shocks in the foreground, a Colony house and barn in middle ground with heavy forest behind. Mountains form the backdrop.

Image shows a house of arguably the most unique design build by, or for, any of the Matanuska Colonists. Constructed by Colonists Neil and Margaret Miller on their tract #155 along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer, it varied radically from any of the five house patterns offered by the government from which the Colonists were to choose.

This summer photo is of the south wall and east end of the log home in near middle ground constructed by the Puhl Colony family on tract #99. Three windows and a door, trimmed in white, show in the south wall and three windows are visible in the east end. A porch structure is partially visible at left on the west end. The ground in foreground is bare, with row stakes indicating a garden area. A flagpole and American flag are prominent in the center of the image in foreground. At extreme right is a log chicken coop behind three birch trees.

This color image shows the eastern half of the Miller log house in 1948 standing in middle foreground. There are flowers in bloom at the base of the house and a tall row of blooming flowers of various colors crosses the image in near foreground. Tilled soil occupies the immediate foreground suggesting a portion of a recently harvested garden. At far right in mid image a portion of the driveway intersection with the Glenn Highway is visible. Heavy birch forest is the backdrop for the right side of the image.

Neil Miller stands talking with a woman visitor in foreground with the white Miller house in middle ground behind them. The immediate foreground is barren gravel and soil. Birch tree forest is visible on both sides and back of the house.

Image shows a man, identified as Neil Miller, standing in front of a bus, identified as ARRC bus #22 used to transport school children from Colony camp #7 to the Wasilla school. The bus is on a gravel road with trees behind.

This northeast view of the industrial portion of the Palmer Community Center, likely taken from atop a rail car near the train depot, shows a portion of the infrastructure development in place by the first winter of the Colony project. The large building in left foreground (A) is the garage with several vehicles, including a school bus, next to it. At far left a couple of cat tractors wait outside before entering the far end of the building. At extreme left two fuel tanks are apparent standing next to the rail spur. The powerhouse (B), exhibiting the tall smokestack, furnished power and steam heat to the buildings of the Community Center. Beyond, (C) is the first warehouse. Both the powerhouse and warehouse were served directly by the rail spur. (D) is the woodworking shop where much of the interior and finish work for buildings throughout the Colony were crafted. (E) was the Post Office, replacing the one in Jim Felton's store that preceded the coming of the Colony. At far right (F) is seen a portion of the building containing the Cobbler Shop, Barbershop and Women's Shop. Much disturbed snow covers the ground among the buildings and irregular roadways. Power poles are evident in temporary locations. A fringe of heavy forest is apparent just beyond the buildings. Snow-covered mountains occupy the background.

Image is a high oblique west oriented overview of the Matanuska Experiment Farm and surrounding landscape. Land clearing patterns are obvious. Several small independent farmsteads are visible in small forest clearings. Lakes and roads are visible.

Image is an easterly view of four unfinished frame structures identified as stock barns. A car is parked in front of one of the barns. A small group of spruce trees is at left. Mountains are prominent in background under cloudy skies. A note on the reverse indicates that the barns were covered with tarps when used. The notation on the front that the location is at the "fair grounds" may be a bit confusing as another photo in the Museum's possession shows they existed just east of the school building rather than where the "fair grounds" was later established on the south side of town. Clarification comes from understanding that the first "Matanuska Valley Fair" activities centered around the new school and gymnasium in fall of 1936 with some activities and exhibits in the buildings and others, including animal exhibits, held outdoors. The clarifying photo, dated Aug. 1936, shows the subject barns which were, at that date, on the "fair grounds". The fair moved to the official "fair grounds" at the south edge of town in 1937 where it remained until moving further south in 1967 to its present location.

This photo shows a portion of the Miller's Colony farm in the second year of development. In near foreground are several goats on cleared land. A rough gravel road crosses the image in middle ground. Immediately beyond the road is a small flat cleared area at right with a pile of logs on it at far right. In middle ground is a small hill at left center with a partly cleared ridge running to the right. On the far edge of the road are two stacks of cordwood ready to be hauled away, probably to be sold to the Colony Corporation. Next to the stacked cordwood is parked an old car. This may be the used Ford sedan the Millers purchased the previous October that Margaret mentions in her letter to her folks in Wisconsin.

This fall image shows the north wall and a portion of the east end of the log house at left foreground built by Matanuska Colonists Joe and Blanch Puhl in 1935 and purchased by Neil and Margaret Miller in 1946. To the right of the house stands the wellhouse with its east and north walls clad in white siding, a window in the east side and wood stacked against the north end. Two sawhorses stand before the wellhouse. Above the wellhouse is seen a tall power pole with wires leading to the house, wellhouse and barn, and sporting a yard light near the top. Four young leafless birch trees, planted by the Puhl's, line the driveway from near left diagonally toward the wellhouse. Gently rising grain fields are visible in background with the peak of the neighboring Colony house just visible above the crest of the hill. A thin line of heavy forest lines the crest of the hill in background.

This fall view looks northwest past clothesline support poles in foreground to the south end of the wellhouse in near middle ground and to the Colony barn in left center middle ground. At close left of the wellhouse are three oil barrels, one on its side likely supplying fuel to the stove in the wellhouse indicated by the apparent chimney. The barn, painted white above the first story logs, exhibits the unusual "barrel vault" roof structure rather than the usual gambrel roof of the typical Colony barn. Behind the barn in near background is seen the cleared face of the bluff below the upper field. A line of heavy forest is visible in background beyond that field. At far right background, through branches of a sapling in foreground, can be seen the house and barn of Colonists Ferber and Ruth Bailey up atop "Bailey Hill".

Colonist Neil Miller and young son Tim are sitting on the manure spreader drawn by a two-horse team. The spreader is loaded and the contents are ready to be spread on a field. Birch and spruce trees form the backdrop.

Image shows Colonist Neil Miller mowing hay with a Farmall tractor. A cleared hillside and fringe of trees form the background.

A team of two brown horses stands in foreground while hitched to a large log partially visible at left. Colonist Neil Miller sits resting on the log with a small dog in his lap. The horse with the white mark on his face is identified as belonging to the Millers. The other horse is borrowed from a neighbor. Visible at left middle ground behind Neil is a framed pen for small animals.

Image is of Colonist Margaret Miller standing atop hay stacked on the back of a pickup truck to be hauled from the field. She leans on her pitchfork waiting for more hay to be pitched up to her to arrange for a proper load.

Image shows Margaret Miller and her five year old son, Tim, perched on the front of a General Motors pickup truck in foreground. Location is on the road over Hatcher Pass. In background buildings of Independence Mine and Gold Chord Mine are visible. Mountains form the far background.

Image shows a harvested hay field with two forms of haystack construction. In foreground and middle ground are pole racks with hay on them, the front one partially covered. In back middle ground are smaller stacks on single stakes. The sides of the field are forested with Talkeetna Mountains in background.

Image shows a harvested hay field with cut hay on the ground and appears to display two methods of haystack construction. In foreground and middle ground are pole racks ready to have hay placed over their horizontal rails. In the middle ground appears to be completed stack on a single vertical stake. In the background is a house. The sides of the field are forested with mountains in background.

This summer image shows the Neil and Margaret Miller house they designed and built on their Colony tract #155 along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer. The white, flat top house sits on a hill in center middle ground with thick birch trees at right and a cleared view on the left showing Talkeetna Mountains in far background. The top of a small barn roof is also visible near the house at left over a low rise. Gravel from the excavated cellar spills over the hill in front of the house and exhibits the beginning of a stone retaining wall. Low brush and scattered burned stumps occupy the cleared foreground of the photo.

Image shows three men, identified as Neil Miller (left), Ingolf "I.M." Sandvik (center), and Don Irwin (right), standing in front of a small sod-roofed log cabin. Sandvik and Irwin are holding rifles. Large trees and brush form the background. Notes associated with the image indicate the men are on a bear hunt.

Three men, identified as Ingolf "I.M." Sandvik (left), Neil Miller (center), and Bixler (right), stand in front of a small, sod-roofed log cabin. Miller and Bixler are holding rifles. Large trees and brush form the background. Notes associated with the image indicate the men are on a bear hunt.

The Matanuska Colony family of Neil & Margaret Miller pose for their picture in Blair, Wisconsin prior to boarding the train to Seattle and the ship "St. Mihiel" on their journey to Alaska. From left to right are Neil, wife Margaret and daughters Prescilla, Mardie, and Janell.

This photo is of Margaret Miller and her three daughters aboard the ship "St. Mihiel" on the way to Alaska. They are standing together in heavy coats on the outer side deck apparently looking at something ashore or on the water behind the camera to which Janell is pointing. Several round portholes are apparent in the white wall behind them. An open door in the wall is visible behind them at right with a woman about to enter. A young unidentified girl in coat and hat is partially visible looking at the camera in the lower right of the image.

This image captures the three Miller girls, in their heavy coats, at foreground center on the side deck of the ship "St. Mihiel" on their way to Alaska. Mardie (center) appears to still wear the ribbon on her coat that was issued to each Colonist by the city of Seattle allowing them special privileges while in town before boarding the boat. A woman is partially visible facing the camera in foreground at extreme right. A child walks away from the camera in foreground while several people beyond can be seen looking over the rail at left.

The Miller girls of Colony camp 7 stand together in their fine summer dresses beside their tent at right as they await construction of their new home.

This photo shows two young girls in foreground, identified as Janell Miller at left and her sister Priscilla, sitting at a scrap wood table in Camp 7. Their tent is partially visible at left. Janell is almost nine years old, and Priscilla is eleven. They appear to be working on schoolwork or paper projects.

Margaret Miller stands with her daughters in foreground, all dressed in winter coats in this spring 1937 photo. Probably taken on their Matanuska Colony farm, a thin stand of mixed spruce and birch trees forms the middle ground back drop.

Matanuska Colonist Neil Miller stands in center foreground facing the camera and holding another camera. Behind him in near middle ground stands a long white single-story building (milking parlor?) with a typical "colony barn" partially visible directly behind.

This formal family portrait of the Neil and Margaret Miller family shows them seated on a sofa in their comfortable and modern Colony house on their tract #155 in summer of 1940. The girls have grown to become beautiful young women and little Tim, added to the family in 1937, sits on his father's lap. Sitting left to right is Margaret, Janell, Neil with Tim, Priscilla and Mardie. The wall directly behind them is mostly occupied by double nine-pane windows typical of Colony houses, with floral drapes on both sides. A patterned seat cover is partially visible on the sofa and a dark, drop-leaf end table stands at the sofa's right end. A plain panel door is in the wall at far right.

This photo shows the Miller family in foreground laying down the sub-floor of their new house on their Matanuska Colony tract. Neil and Janell are standing while Margaret, Priscilla and Mardie are on their knees hammering nails. Boards cover most of the floor joists with a small portion at left yet to be covered. Heavy birch forest forms the backdrop across the image in middle ground.

This high oblique view shows the beginning of the town of Palmer resulting from arrival of the Matanuska Colony. Numerous white tents initially housing the Colonists are visible at lower left with the warehouse, administration structures and equipment are in the center of the image. The railroad tracks with standing rail cars cuts a straight line diagonally across the image from lower left to upper right. A rail spur curves off to the left where construction is seen beginning on community buildings. John Bugge's homestead is partially visible at lower right and clearings of other nearby homesteads are evident. A large patch of spruce trees occupies the lower center section and the upper third of the image is covered with thick spruce forest. This is the same image as Palmer Air View 15 but is a better exposure and without the feature identifications in the Nichols photo.

Image is of a photo printed in the September 15th, 1935 issue of the Milwaukee Journal showing a northwesterly oblique view over the “Tent City” buildings, railroad and roads of the Matanuska Colony center of operation at Palmer. Heavy forest is prominent around homestead clearings in middle ground and cultivated land in foreground.

This 1940's view looks east down the centerline of the gravel street identified as "Market Street", now named East Dahlia Avenue. Numerous automobiles of the day are parked on both sides of the street. At left a small portion of the Post Office building is visible in foreground. The chicken houses of the hatchery are slightly visible farther along the street next to a patch of heavy forest. At right the building housing three small shops is apparent with the Barbershop doorway, sign and barber pole visible. Partially visible next along the street is the Trading Post which became the Recreation Hall about this time when the store moved across the street. Several men are visible near the automobiles. A series of power poles and lines occupy this side of the street. Snow-clad mountains form the background.

Image is a northwesterly view taken from atop a railroad car showing considerable "Tent City" activity. A truck is parked alongside the road in foreground with men loading lumber from a large pile. Other men and automobiles are evident as is a horse-drawn wagon with people in the wagon. A tent is in foreground at left and a large frame building is at center in near middle ground. Piles of tarp-draped material are scattered about. Many tents are visible in background with heavy forest and mountains beyond.

This view of Palmer is taken from the "Wasilla Road" where it made the bend to climb Bugge's Hill. The early summer image shows trees in leaf, part of Bugge's field in foreground is tilled, the water tower is up with "Palmer" painted on it. Snow is gone from the valley but considerable remains at higher elevation on Lazy Mountain which occupies most of the background center of the image. Bugge's barn and other buildings are evident as is the Hyland Hotel.

Image shows a woman, identified as colonist Ruth Bailey, sitting on a blanket with her daughter, Nona Faye, in front of a colony tent, identified as tent #2 at temporary camp 7.

Image shows a woman, identified as colonist Allda ("Lida") Green, standing next to a railroad "speeder" car.

Image shows two women, identified as Margaret Cope (left), Palmer school typing teacher, and Margaret Miller, Palmer 6th grade teacher, ready to begin berry picking with berry buckets at hand. A log chicken coop is behind them in middle ground with forest beyond. A road and power line appear faintly among the trees.

Image shows Colonists Neil and Margaret Miller with a horse excavating gravel within the foundation of their new house under construction. Foundation beams are evident. Heavy birch forest forms the backdrop.

This photo shows Margaret Miller seated in foreground on the rock retaining wall below her new house on Tract #155. The wall, partly visible in foreground right, is composed of the larger rocks excavated before the house was built. Additional excavated gravel is visible at right above the wall. A portion of the back porch of the house is visible at upper left. Trees behind the hill are partially visible in middle ground at upper right.

This photo shows Colonist Margaret Miller seated in foreground next to a large pile of split firewood. She is dressed in white pants and shirt with rolled up sleeves, apparently enjoying a warm spring day. Next to her at right is a double bit axe imbedded in a wood block. Visible in middle ground at right are low rolling hills cleared of trees and covered with dead grass, burned stumps and fallen snags. A portion of raised level bench land appears in background covered with standing heavy forest and defined by a thin strip of remaining spring snow.

Image shows the three Miller girls astride a working horse. Their mother watches at right. The horse appears resigned. Birch and spruce trees form the backdrop.

Matanuska Colonists Fannie Johnson from Michigan and her son, Jackie, sit in the sun on a pile of lumber in the foreground front of their tent in Camp 7 while they wait for their new home to be constructed on their land tract. Another tent is partially visible at left with a clothesline and washing hanging between the two tents in middle ground. Heavy forest is visible beyond.

Colonists from Michigan, Alida and Clarence Green, stand on a sidewalk facing the camera in their best attire with tall brick buildings behind them. They were treated as guests by Seattle Chamber of Commerce while waiting to board the "St. Mihiel" and sail to Alaska. Alida holds a bouquet of flowers, and both exhibit the ribbons on their lapels that allowed them special privilege and access to venues and activities during their stay in Seattle from May 16 to the 18th.

Matanuska Colonists Alida Green (left), Fannie Johnson and young Jackie Johnson, stand in immediate foreground facing the camera on a visit to the Miller homesite on tract 155. Alida holds a small box camera in her hand. All are dressed in heavy coats and hats. Miller's house, under construction, is vaguely visible in middle ground on the hill behind and between the two women. The rear of an automobile is visible at left in middle ground.

In this photo two Michigan families on their way to the Matanuska Colony stand in foreground facing the camera. At left are Harold and Fannie Johnson with their young son, Jackie. To their right are Alida and Clarence Green. Part of a large unidentified building (perhaps a train station) is apparent directly behind them. An automobile is also partially visible at left. Alida is seen holding her pith hat and box camera also visible in other pictures of her in our collection.

Three Matanuska Colony women, identified as Alida Green, left; Leona Fitzpatrick, center; and Margaret Miller, right, stand in foreground before many silver cans stacked head-high against the wall behind them. The cans are filled with salmon the women have packed for future consumption by their families. The canning activity was conducted at facilities located at the Matanuska Experiment Station under supervision of Extension Service personnel as explained by a poster on the wall behind Mrs. Green.

Image is of Lieutenant Colonel LeRoy P. Hunt, U.S. Marine Corps, who was in charge of the Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation after July 24, 1935. He stands, facing the camera in his high laced boots, bloused trousers, leather jacket over a dark sweater, shirt and white tie, with a campaign hat on his head.

Neil Miller was a teacher in the Palmer school while also farming the Colony farm on tract #155. After they left the Colony in 1941, they moved to Palmer, and he continued teaching. This photo of him standing in foreground in front of different house than that on the farm may be where they lived until 1946. Snow on the ground and skies propped against the wall at right, as well as the heavy coat he is wearing, indicate a winter day.

Margaret Miller stands in foreground in front of the exterior door of a house, probably located in Palmer. Snow on the ground and skis leaning against the wall next to her indicate a winter day despite the low top shoes and light dress with short sleeves she wears.

Young Tim Miller, about three years old, stands facing the photographer at left center foreground with his kid-sized wheelbarrow at his feet. The foreground is cleared exposed gravel with a thin line of birch trees in upper right. Behind Tim in middle ground are a rather small wood frame building in center and a larger structure apparently covered with white canvas. This foreground and near middle ground area appears to be higher than a field visible beyond in far middle ground. The brush-covered slope of an upper bench is visible in background with a line of heavy forest beyond.

This photo shows the front and south side of the Post Office/Store that stood in the area prior to the Matanuska Colony establishment in 1935. The building is wood frame with a peaked roof and the end wall being the front with a door flanked by two tall windows. A white sign board with dark letters over the door proclaims it to be the "Post Office and Gen. Merchandise" store. Two small windows are apparent in the back part of the south side wall. A small wooden step and entry platform covers the ground before the white trimmed door. A pack board is propped against the wall beside the door, indicating there may be a patron inside. At left is a wheelbarrow filled with dirt, a mangled length of hog wire fencing, and a couple of planks lying on the ground.

Image shows a group of men in a small forest clearing working around a portable sawmill. One man is visible driving a two-horse team dragging logs to the mill. This mill was set up near Camp 5 north of Palmer.

Image shows a group of men in a small clearing of a forest setting working around a portable sawmill. A two-horse team is visible used to drag logs to the sawmill.

Image shows a frozen impoundment as a community skating rink in foreground with two children and a dog on the ice. “The Dorm” building is prominent directly beyond. In the background are buildings of the Palmer.

This photo of the ship "St. Mihiel" shows the starboard side of the vessel with the bow to the right, loaded with Matanuska Colonists visible lining the rails, likely arriving at the Alaska port of Seward.

Image is of the Colony Community Trading Post building under construction and nearing completion. View is of the north and west side. Two men are visible working on the building. Trees are behind the building.

Image is a winter view of a two-horse team hitched to a four-wheel wagon on a graded dirt road. In the wagon stands an unidentified man with wooden barrels or boxes covered by a tarp. A small white crock is also visible at the man’s feet. Scattered forest forms the backdrop in middle ground.

A free-standing hand operated well pump stands on a temporary wood platform in foreground over the well drilled in January. Planks providing foot access to the platform over empty space below the platform indicate unfinished installation. Miller's white house is partially visible in background at left with mixed spruce and birch trees as the backdrop.

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This image shows a large group of people, identified as Matanuska Colonists, on Seattle's Bell Street Terminal Dock awaiting their turn to board the ship "St. Mihiel" to take them to Alaska. The photo, taken from the deck of the waiting ship, looks down on the crowd on the dock next to a light-colored building with large windows partially visible at left. The dock extends through the center of the image alongside of the building to a street in near middle ground. Water of an adjacent slip is apparent at right. An elevated street crosses the image behind the foreground buildings and a complex scene of Seattle cityscape is visible in background.

Title

(01) Bell Street Terminal

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Matanuska Colonists from Wisconsin and Michigan gather on the Seattle dock on May 18, 1935 to board the "St. Mihiel" that would take them to Alaska.

Description

This image shows a large group of people, identified as Matanuska Colonists, on Seattle's Bell Street Terminal Dock awaiting their turn to board the ship "St. Mihiel" to take them to Alaska. The photo, taken from the deck of the waiting ship, looks down on the crowd on the dock next to a light-colored building with large windows partially visible at left. The dock extends through the center of the image alongside of the building to a street in near middle ground. Water of an adjacent slip is apparent at right. An elevated street crosses the image behind the foreground buildings and a complex scene of Seattle cityscape is visible in background.

Location

Seattle, Washington

Image Shows a man, identified as colonist Neil Miller, sitting on a sawbuck in from of a white tent and receiving a haircut from another man, identified as colonist Ferber Bailey. Two children are in the foreground, identified as Mardie Miller holding Nona Faye Bailey. The tent is a typical Colony tent with "A-1" visibly marked on the canvas. The setting is identified as Colony Camp #7 northwest of Palmer.

Title

Barber Shop at Camp 7

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

People

Description

Image Shows a man, identified as colonist Neil Miller, sitting on a sawbuck in from of a white tent and receiving a haircut from another man, identified as colonist Ferber Bailey. Two children are in the foreground, identified as Mardie Miller holding Nona Faye Bailey. The tent is a typical Colony tent with "A-1" visibly marked on the canvas. The setting is identified as Colony Camp #7 northwest of Palmer.

Location

Camp #7 Northwest of Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a sod-roofed log cabin atop a slight hill with garden crops on the hillside in foreground. Heavy forest forms the backdrop behind the cabin.

Title

Cabin 3

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Log cabin and garden

Description

Image shows a sod-roofed log cabin atop a slight hill with garden crops on the hillside in foreground. Heavy forest forms the backdrop behind the cabin.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows six white Colony tents in a row at Camp #7. Camp 7 was located on Tract #157 drawn by Albert Fredericks along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer, Alaska. This tract was located on what had apparently previously been part of a homestead with buildings and some land already cleared as apparent in this photo.

Title

Camp 7

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Tents of Temporary Camp 7 & Homestead Barn on Tract #157

Description

Image shows six white Colony tents in a row at Camp #7. Camp 7 was located on Tract #157 drawn by Albert Fredericks along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer, Alaska. This tract was located on what had apparently previously been part of a homestead with buildings and some land already cleared as apparent in this photo.

Location

Tract #157 North of Palmer, Alaska

Image shows seven young children and a dog. Children identified as (l to r): Front-McCormick twins, Fitzpatrick girl & boy, Raschke child. Back-Janell Miller, Gene Bailey.

Title

Camp 7 Kids

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

Children of temporary camp 7

Description

Image shows seven young children and a dog. Children identified as (l to r): Front-McCormick twins, Fitzpatrick girl & boy, Raschke child. Back-Janell Miller, Gene Bailey.

Location

Camp 7 north of Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a woman, identified as Margret Miller, hand-washing clothes in wash tubs set up in front of their tent at Colonist Camp 7. Two young girls, identified as Mardie and Janell Miller, sit nearby. An outhouse and clothesline are evident at right

Title

Camp 7 Wash Day

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Clothes washing at tent #1, Camp 7

Description

Image shows a woman, identified as Margret Miller, hand-washing clothes in wash tubs set up in front of their tent at Colonist Camp 7. Two young girls, identified as Mardie and Janell Miller, sit nearby. An outhouse and clothesline are evident at right

Location

Camp 7 north of Palmer, Alaska

Image is a three quarter side view of the Eklutna Russian Orthodox Church in the foreground. Identity and instruction signs are in near foreground. People are walking among grave houses in middle ground with trees beyond.

Title

Church 13

Creator

Mac's Photo Shop

Subject

Eklutna Russian Orothodox Church

Description

Image is a three quarter side view of the Eklutna Russian Orthodox Church in the foreground. Identity and instruction signs are in near foreground. People are walking among grave houses in middle ground with trees beyond.

Location

Eklutna, Alaska

Image shows the north side of a log church, identified as the Protestant Church, also commonly referred to as the Community (Presbyterian) Church or the "Church of a Thousand Trees", in Palmer, Alaska. Trees are evident in front and beyond and power lines overhead.

Title

Church 8

Creator

Jackson

Subject

Church, Building

Description

Image shows the north side of a log church, identified as the Protestant Church, also commonly referred to as the Community (Presbyterian) Church or the "Church of a Thousand Trees", in Palmer, Alaska. Trees are evident in front and beyond and power lines overhead.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a man standing on a log wall beside several peeled log rafters with log walls behind and below. Various boards lean against the rafters and a power cord with a light bulb hangs from one rafter. The structure under construction is identified as the Community (Presbyterian) Church of Palmer. There is evidence of light snow cover and the man is warmly dressed. Tress form the backdrop.

Title

Church Construction 1

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Church, Building

Description

Image shows a man standing on a log wall beside several peeled log rafters with log walls behind and below. Various boards lean against the rafters and a power cord with a light bulb hangs from one rafter. The structure under construction is identified as the Community (Presbyterian) Church of Palmer. There is evidence of light snow cover and the man is warmly dressed. Tress form the backdrop.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a Colony barn under construction with the bottom portion complete and the roof framed and ready to be covered. The farm's well house and a stack of lumber are in the foreground.

Title

Colony Barn Under Construction 2

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Colony barn under construction

Description

Image shows a Colony barn under construction with the bottom portion complete and the roof framed and ready to be covered. The farm's well house and a stack of lumber are in the foreground.

Location

Colony tract #155 north of Palmer, Alaska

Image is a winter scene of Neil & Margaret Miller's first Colony farm on tract #155 along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer, Alaska. A typical Colony barn is apparent, a very atypical colonist house is visible, and an automobile is evident in the driveway.

Title

Colony Farm 12

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Neil & Margaret's first Colony farmstead

Description

Image is a winter scene of Neil & Margaret Miller's first Colony farm on tract #155 along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer, Alaska. A typical Colony barn is apparent, a very atypical colonist house is visible, and an automobile is evident in the driveway.

Location

Tract #155 north of Palmer, Alaska

This photo shows the barn and chicken coop on tract #99 sometime between 1946 and 1958. The chicken coop in foreground, a log structure now cladded in white boards, shows an unpainted addition to the entry at left. The four windows on the south side appear to be covered but with the frames still apparent. In front is a high enclosure of chicken wire framed with poles and containing several brown chickens from the coop by way of the small doorway and ramp visible at ground level. Behind the coop the upper part of the "Barrel Vault" barn is visible above the coop as well as a small portion of the log barn base at left. In front of the chicken enclosure at left is a tall power pole with the top out of the picture but with power lines leading to both the coop and the barn. The ground in near foreground appears to be a harvested potato patch. Far middle ground behind the barn shows the cleared face of the upper bench topped with leafless trees.

Title

Colony Farm 43

Creator

Millers

Subject

The image shows the location and condition of the chicken coop and barn on tract #99 when Millers lived there, before the barn was moved closer to the house in 1948.

Description

This photo shows the barn and chicken coop on tract #99 sometime between 1946 and 1958. The chicken coop in foreground, a log structure now cladded in white boards, shows an unpainted addition to the entry at left. The four windows on the south side appear to be covered but with the frames still apparent. In front is a high enclosure of chicken wire framed with poles and containing several brown chickens from the coop by way of the small doorway and ramp visible at ground level. Behind the coop the upper part of the "Barrel Vault" barn is visible above the coop as well as a small portion of the log barn base at left. In front of the chicken enclosure at left is a tall power pole with the top out of the picture but with power lines leading to both the coop and the barn. The ground in near foreground appears to be a harvested potato patch. Far middle ground behind the barn shows the cleared face of the upper bench topped with leafless trees.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is an easterly view across a partially harvested grain field with uncut grain and harvested grain shocks in the foreground, a Colony house and barn in middle ground with heavy forest behind. Mountains form the backdrop.

Title

Colony Farm 6

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Farm

Description

Image is an easterly view across a partially harvested grain field with uncut grain and harvested grain shocks in the foreground, a Colony house and barn in middle ground with heavy forest behind. Mountains form the backdrop.

Location

Tract #99 Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a house of arguably the most unique design build by, or for, any of the Matanuska Colonists. Constructed by Colonists Neil and Margaret Miller on their tract #155 along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer, it varied radically from any of the five house patterns offered by the government from which the Colonists were to choose.

Title

Colony Home 20

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

The unique house built by Colonists Neil and Margaret Miller

Description

Image shows a house of arguably the most unique design build by, or for, any of the Matanuska Colonists. Constructed by Colonists Neil and Margaret Miller on their tract #155 along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer, it varied radically from any of the five house patterns offered by the government from which the Colonists were to choose.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

This summer photo is of the south wall and east end of the log home in near middle ground constructed by the Puhl Colony family on tract #99. Three windows and a door, trimmed in white, show in the south wall and three windows are visible in the east end. A porch structure is partially visible at left on the west end. The ground in foreground is bare, with row stakes indicating a garden area. A flagpole and American flag are prominent in the center of the image in foreground. At extreme right is a log chicken coop behind three birch trees.

Title

Colony Home 49

Creator

Millers

Subject

After the Puhl family left, the Millers purchased this Colony farm in 1946.

Description

This summer photo is of the south wall and east end of the log home in near middle ground constructed by the Puhl Colony family on tract #99. Three windows and a door, trimmed in white, show in the south wall and three windows are visible in the east end. A porch structure is partially visible at left on the west end. The ground in foreground is bare, with row stakes indicating a garden area. A flagpole and American flag are prominent in the center of the image in foreground. At extreme right is a log chicken coop behind three birch trees.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

This color image shows the eastern half of the Miller log house in 1948 standing in middle foreground. There are flowers in bloom at the base of the house and a tall row of blooming flowers of various colors crosses the image in near foreground. Tilled soil occupies the immediate foreground suggesting a portion of a recently harvested garden. At far right in mid image a portion of the driveway intersection with the Glenn Highway is visible. Heavy birch forest is the backdrop for the right side of the image.

Title

Colony Home 50

Creator

Millers

Subject

Flowers are on display in part of the Miller's yard at their home they purchased in 1946 that had originally been the Puhl Colony farm.

Description

This color image shows the eastern half of the Miller log house in 1948 standing in middle foreground. There are flowers in bloom at the base of the house and a tall row of blooming flowers of various colors crosses the image in near foreground. Tilled soil occupies the immediate foreground suggesting a portion of a recently harvested garden. At far right in mid image a portion of the driveway intersection with the Glenn Highway is visible. Heavy birch forest is the backdrop for the right side of the image.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Neil Miller stands talking with a woman visitor in foreground with the white Miller house in middle ground behind them. The immediate foreground is barren gravel and soil. Birch tree forest is visible on both sides and back of the house.

Title

Colony Home 51

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Neil Miller visits with a woman visitor in front of the new Miller house.

Description

Neil Miller stands talking with a woman visitor in foreground with the white Miller house in middle ground behind them. The immediate foreground is barren gravel and soil. Birch tree forest is visible on both sides and back of the house.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows a man, identified as Neil Miller, standing in front of a bus, identified as ARRC bus #22 used to transport school children from Colony camp #7 to the Wasilla school. The bus is on a gravel road with trees behind.

Title

Colony School Bus 1

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Automobiles, School Bus

Description

Image shows a man, identified as Neil Miller, standing in front of a bus, identified as ARRC bus #22 used to transport school children from Colony camp #7 to the Wasilla school. The bus is on a gravel road with trees behind.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

This northeast view of the industrial portion of the Palmer Community Center, likely taken from atop a rail car near the train depot, shows a portion of the infrastructure development in place by the first winter of the Colony project. The large building in left foreground (A) is the garage with several vehicles, including a school bus, next to it. At far left a couple of cat tractors wait outside before entering the far end of the building. At extreme left two fuel tanks are apparent standing next to the rail spur. The powerhouse (B), exhibiting the tall smokestack, furnished power and steam heat to the buildings of the Community Center. Beyond, (C) is the first warehouse. Both the powerhouse and warehouse were served directly by the rail spur. (D) is the woodworking shop where much of the interior and finish work for buildings throughout the Colony were crafted. (E) was the Post Office, replacing the one in Jim Felton's store that preceded the coming of the Colony. At far right (F) is seen a portion of the building containing the Cobbler Shop, Barbershop and Women's Shop. Much disturbed snow covers the ground among the buildings and irregular roadways. Power poles are evident in temporary locations. A fringe of heavy forest is apparent just beyond the buildings. Snow-covered mountains occupy the background.

Title

Community Center 47

Creator

Unknown

Subject

A suprising amount of the industrial infrastructure necessary for the Colony's success is shown to be in place by the first winter.

Description

This northeast view of the industrial portion of the Palmer Community Center, likely taken from atop a rail car near the train depot, shows a portion of the infrastructure development in place by the first winter of the Colony project. The large building in left foreground (A) is the garage with several vehicles, including a school bus, next to it. At far left a couple of cat tractors wait outside before entering the far end of the building. At extreme left two fuel tanks are apparent standing next to the rail spur. The powerhouse (B), exhibiting the tall smokestack, furnished power and steam heat to the buildings of the Community Center. Beyond, (C) is the first warehouse. Both the powerhouse and warehouse were served directly by the rail spur. (D) is the woodworking shop where much of the interior and finish work for buildings throughout the Colony were crafted. (E) was the Post Office, replacing the one in Jim Felton's store that preceded the coming of the Colony. At far right (F) is seen a portion of the building containing the Cobbler Shop, Barbershop and Women's Shop. Much disturbed snow covers the ground among the buildings and irregular roadways. Power poles are evident in temporary locations. A fringe of heavy forest is apparent just beyond the buildings. Snow-covered mountains occupy the background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a high oblique west oriented overview of the Matanuska Experiment Farm and surrounding landscape. Land clearing patterns are obvious. Several small independent farmsteads are visible in small forest clearings. Lakes and roads are visible.

Title

Experiment Farm 17

Creator

Hewitt's Photo Shop

Subject

Experiment Farm

Description

Image is a high oblique west oriented overview of the Matanuska Experiment Farm and surrounding landscape. Land clearing patterns are obvious. Several small independent farmsteads are visible in small forest clearings. Lakes and roads are visible.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is an easterly view of four unfinished frame structures identified as stock barns. A car is parked in front of one of the barns. A small group of spruce trees is at left. Mountains are prominent in background under cloudy skies. A note on the reverse indicates that the barns were covered with tarps when used. The notation on the front that the location is at the "fair grounds" may be a bit confusing as another photo in the Museum's possession shows they existed just east of the school building rather than where the "fair grounds" was later established on the south side of town. Clarification comes from understanding that the first "Matanuska Valley Fair" activities centered around the new school and gymnasium in fall of 1936 with some activities and exhibits in the buildings and others, including animal exhibits, held outdoors. The clarifying photo, dated Aug. 1936, shows the subject barns which were, at that date, on the "fair grounds". The fair moved to the official "fair grounds" at the south edge of town in 1937 where it remained until moving further south in 1967 to its present location.

Title

Fair 2

Creator

Berts

Subject

Fair grounds stock barns under construction

Description

Image is an easterly view of four unfinished frame structures identified as stock barns. A car is parked in front of one of the barns. A small group of spruce trees is at left. Mountains are prominent in background under cloudy skies. A note on the reverse indicates that the barns were covered with tarps when used. The notation on the front that the location is at the "fair grounds" may be a bit confusing as another photo in the Museum's possession shows they existed just east of the school building rather than where the "fair grounds" was later established on the south side of town. Clarification comes from understanding that the first "Matanuska Valley Fair" activities centered around the new school and gymnasium in fall of 1936 with some activities and exhibits in the buildings and others, including animal exhibits, held outdoors. The clarifying photo, dated Aug. 1936, shows the subject barns which were, at that date, on the "fair grounds". The fair moved to the official "fair grounds" at the south edge of town in 1937 where it remained until moving further south in 1967 to its present location.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

This photo shows a portion of the Miller's Colony farm in the second year of development. In near foreground are several goats on cleared land. A rough gravel road crosses the image in middle ground. Immediately beyond the road is a small flat cleared area at right with a pile of logs on it at far right. In middle ground is a small hill at left center with a partly cleared ridge running to the right. On the far edge of the road are two stacks of cordwood ready to be hauled away, probably to be sold to the Colony Corporation. Next to the stacked cordwood is parked an old car. This may be the used Ford sedan the Millers purchased the previous October that Margaret mentions in her letter to her folks in Wisconsin.

Title

Farm 24

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

Cleared trees and other evidence of farm development show progress in carving a farm from the native land.

Description

This photo shows a portion of the Miller's Colony farm in the second year of development. In near foreground are several goats on cleared land. A rough gravel road crosses the image in middle ground. Immediately beyond the road is a small flat cleared area at right with a pile of logs on it at far right. In middle ground is a small hill at left center with a partly cleared ridge running to the right. On the far edge of the road are two stacks of cordwood ready to be hauled away, probably to be sold to the Colony Corporation. Next to the stacked cordwood is parked an old car. This may be the used Ford sedan the Millers purchased the previous October that Margaret mentions in her letter to her folks in Wisconsin.

Location

Tract #155 north of Palmer, Alaska

This fall image shows the north wall and a portion of the east end of the log house at left foreground built by Matanuska Colonists Joe and Blanch Puhl in 1935 and purchased by Neil and Margaret Miller in 1946. To the right of the house stands the wellhouse with its east and north walls clad in white siding, a window in the east side and wood stacked against the north end. Two sawhorses stand before the wellhouse. Above the wellhouse is seen a tall power pole with wires leading to the house, wellhouse and barn, and sporting a yard light near the top. Four young leafless birch trees, planted by the Puhl's, line the driveway from near left diagonally toward the wellhouse. Gently rising grain fields are visible in background with the peak of the neighboring Colony house just visible above the crest of the hill. A thin line of heavy forest lines the crest of the hill in background.

Title

Farm 25

Creator

Millers

Subject

Part of the Colony era farmstead on tract #99 is shown during the time Millers lived there.

Description

This fall image shows the north wall and a portion of the east end of the log house at left foreground built by Matanuska Colonists Joe and Blanch Puhl in 1935 and purchased by Neil and Margaret Miller in 1946. To the right of the house stands the wellhouse with its east and north walls clad in white siding, a window in the east side and wood stacked against the north end. Two sawhorses stand before the wellhouse. Above the wellhouse is seen a tall power pole with wires leading to the house, wellhouse and barn, and sporting a yard light near the top. Four young leafless birch trees, planted by the Puhl's, line the driveway from near left diagonally toward the wellhouse. Gently rising grain fields are visible in background with the peak of the neighboring Colony house just visible above the crest of the hill. A thin line of heavy forest lines the crest of the hill in background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

This fall view looks northwest past clothesline support poles in foreground to the south end of the wellhouse in near middle ground and to the Colony barn in left center middle ground. At close left of the wellhouse are three oil barrels, one on its side likely supplying fuel to the stove in the wellhouse indicated by the apparent chimney. The barn, painted white above the first story logs, exhibits the unusual "barrel vault" roof structure rather than the usual gambrel roof of the typical Colony barn. Behind the barn in near background is seen the cleared face of the bluff below the upper field. A line of heavy forest is visible in background beyond that field. At far right background, through branches of a sapling in foreground, can be seen the house and barn of Colonists Ferber and Ruth Bailey up atop "Bailey Hill".

Title

Farm 26

Creator

Millers

Subject

Part of the Colony era farmstead on tract #99 is shown during the time Millers lived there.

Description

This fall view looks northwest past clothesline support poles in foreground to the south end of the wellhouse in near middle ground and to the Colony barn in left center middle ground. At close left of the wellhouse are three oil barrels, one on its side likely supplying fuel to the stove in the wellhouse indicated by the apparent chimney. The barn, painted white above the first story logs, exhibits the unusual "barrel vault" roof structure rather than the usual gambrel roof of the typical Colony barn. Behind the barn in near background is seen the cleared face of the bluff below the upper field. A line of heavy forest is visible in background beyond that field. At far right background, through branches of a sapling in foreground, can be seen the house and barn of Colonists Ferber and Ruth Bailey up atop "Bailey Hill".

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Colonist Neil Miller and young son Tim are sitting on the manure spreader drawn by a two-horse team. The spreader is loaded and the contents are ready to be spread on a field. Birch and spruce trees form the backdrop.

Title

Farming 1

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

Colonist father and young son sit on a manure spreader drawn by a two-horse team

Description

Colonist Neil Miller and young son Tim are sitting on the manure spreader drawn by a two-horse team. The spreader is loaded and the contents are ready to be spread on a field. Birch and spruce trees form the backdrop.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows Colonist Neil Miller mowing hay with a Farmall tractor. A cleared hillside and fringe of trees form the background.

Title

Farming 2

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

Man on a tractor mowing hay

Description

Image shows Colonist Neil Miller mowing hay with a Farmall tractor. A cleared hillside and fringe of trees form the background.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

A team of two brown horses stands in foreground while hitched to a large log partially visible at left. Colonist Neil Miller sits resting on the log with a small dog in his lap. The horse with the white mark on his face is identified as belonging to the Millers. The other horse is borrowed from a neighbor. Visible at left middle ground behind Neil is a framed pen for small animals.

Title

Farming 34

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

Neil Miller takes a break from skidding logs to the construction site on Miller's new farmstead.

Description

A team of two brown horses stands in foreground while hitched to a large log partially visible at left. Colonist Neil Miller sits resting on the log with a small dog in his lap. The horse with the white mark on his face is identified as belonging to the Millers. The other horse is borrowed from a neighbor. Visible at left middle ground behind Neil is a framed pen for small animals.

Location

Tract #155 north of Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Colonist Margaret Miller standing atop hay stacked on the back of a pickup truck to be hauled from the field. She leans on her pitchfork waiting for more hay to be pitched up to her to arrange for a proper load.

Title

Farming 6

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Colonist Margaret Miller stands atop hay stacked on a truck, leaning on a pitchfork

Description

Image is of Colonist Margaret Miller standing atop hay stacked on the back of a pickup truck to be hauled from the field. She leans on her pitchfork waiting for more hay to be pitched up to her to arrange for a proper load.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows Margaret Miller and her five year old son, Tim, perched on the front of a General Motors pickup truck in foreground. Location is on the road over Hatcher Pass. In background buildings of Independence Mine and Gold Chord Mine are visible. Mountains form the far background.

Title

Hatcher Pass Outing

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Margaret Miller & son Tim on Hatcher Pass outing

Description

Image shows Margaret Miller and her five year old son, Tim, perched on the front of a General Motors pickup truck in foreground. Location is on the road over Hatcher Pass. In background buildings of Independence Mine and Gold Chord Mine are visible. Mountains form the far background.

Location

Hatcher Pass in Talkeetna Mountains north of Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a harvested hay field with two forms of haystack construction. In foreground and middle ground are pole racks with hay on them, the front one partially covered. In back middle ground are smaller stacks on single stakes. The sides of the field are forested with Talkeetna Mountains in background.

Title

Haystacks 1

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Farming

Description

Image shows a harvested hay field with two forms of haystack construction. In foreground and middle ground are pole racks with hay on them, the front one partially covered. In back middle ground are smaller stacks on single stakes. The sides of the field are forested with Talkeetna Mountains in background.

Location

Matanuska Valley near Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a harvested hay field with cut hay on the ground and appears to display two methods of haystack construction. In foreground and middle ground are pole racks ready to have hay placed over their horizontal rails. In the middle ground appears to be completed stack on a single vertical stake. In the background is a house. The sides of the field are forested with mountains in background.

Title

Haystacks 2

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Farming

Description

Image shows a harvested hay field with cut hay on the ground and appears to display two methods of haystack construction. In foreground and middle ground are pole racks ready to have hay placed over their horizontal rails. In the middle ground appears to be completed stack on a single vertical stake. In the background is a house. The sides of the field are forested with mountains in background.

Location

Matanuska Valley near Palmer, Alaska

This summer image shows the Neil and Margaret Miller house they designed and built on their Colony tract #155 along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer. The white, flat top house sits on a hill in center middle ground with thick birch trees at right and a cleared view on the left showing Talkeetna Mountains in far background. The top of a small barn roof is also visible near the house at left over a low rise. Gravel from the excavated cellar spills over the hill in front of the house and exhibits the beginning of a stone retaining wall. Low brush and scattered burned stumps occupy the cleared foreground of the photo.

Title

House 1

Creator

Neil & Margaret Miller

Subject

The unique house of Colonists Neil & Margaret Miller establishes the beginning of their Matanuska Colony farmstead.

Description

This summer image shows the Neil and Margaret Miller house they designed and built on their Colony tract #155 along the Fishhook Road north of Palmer. The white, flat top house sits on a hill in center middle ground with thick birch trees at right and a cleared view on the left showing Talkeetna Mountains in far background. The top of a small barn roof is also visible near the house at left over a low rise. Gravel from the excavated cellar spills over the hill in front of the house and exhibits the beginning of a stone retaining wall. Low brush and scattered burned stumps occupy the cleared foreground of the photo.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows three men, identified as Neil Miller (left), Ingolf "I.M." Sandvik (center), and Don Irwin (right), standing in front of a small sod-roofed log cabin. Sandvik and Irwin are holding rifles. Large trees and brush form the background. Notes associated with the image indicate the men are on a bear hunt.

Title

Hunters 1

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Three men stand in front of a log cabin

Description

Image shows three men, identified as Neil Miller (left), Ingolf "I.M." Sandvik (center), and Don Irwin (right), standing in front of a small sod-roofed log cabin. Sandvik and Irwin are holding rifles. Large trees and brush form the background. Notes associated with the image indicate the men are on a bear hunt.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Three men, identified as Ingolf "I.M." Sandvik (left), Neil Miller (center), and Bixler (right), stand in front of a small, sod-roofed log cabin. Miller and Bixler are holding rifles. Large trees and brush form the background. Notes associated with the image indicate the men are on a bear hunt.

Title

Hunters 2

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Three hunters stand in front of a log cabin

Description

Three men, identified as Ingolf "I.M." Sandvik (left), Neil Miller (center), and Bixler (right), stand in front of a small, sod-roofed log cabin. Miller and Bixler are holding rifles. Large trees and brush form the background. Notes associated with the image indicate the men are on a bear hunt.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

The Matanuska Colony family of Neil & Margaret Miller pose for their picture in Blair, Wisconsin prior to boarding the train to Seattle and the ship "St. Mihiel" on their journey to Alaska. From left to right are Neil, wife Margaret and daughters Prescilla, Mardie, and Janell.

Title

Miller Family 1

Creator

Unknown

Subject

The Miller family of Blair, Wisconsin pose together before departing for Alaska to become Matanuska Colonists.

Description

The Matanuska Colony family of Neil & Margaret Miller pose for their picture in Blair, Wisconsin prior to boarding the train to Seattle and the ship "St. Mihiel" on their journey to Alaska. From left to right are Neil, wife Margaret and daughters Prescilla, Mardie, and Janell.

Location

Blair, Wisconsin

This photo is of Margaret Miller and her three daughters aboard the ship "St. Mihiel" on the way to Alaska. They are standing together in heavy coats on the outer side deck apparently looking at something ashore or on the water behind the camera to which Janell is pointing. Several round portholes are apparent in the white wall behind them. An open door in the wall is visible behind them at right with a woman about to enter. A young unidentified girl in coat and hat is partially visible looking at the camera in the lower right of the image.

Title

Miller Family 2

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Margaret Miller and her three daughters pose together on the "St. Mihiel" on their way to Alaska.

Description

This photo is of Margaret Miller and her three daughters aboard the ship "St. Mihiel" on the way to Alaska. They are standing together in heavy coats on the outer side deck apparently looking at something ashore or on the water behind the camera to which Janell is pointing. Several round portholes are apparent in the white wall behind them. An open door in the wall is visible behind them at right with a woman about to enter. A young unidentified girl in coat and hat is partially visible looking at the camera in the lower right of the image.

Location

Sailing on the "St. Mihiel"

This image captures the three Miller girls, in their heavy coats, at foreground center on the side deck of the ship "St. Mihiel" on their way to Alaska. Mardie (center) appears to still wear the ribbon on her coat that was issued to each Colonist by the city of Seattle allowing them special privileges while in town before boarding the boat. A woman is partially visible facing the camera in foreground at extreme right. A child walks away from the camera in foreground while several people beyond can be seen looking over the rail at left.

Title

Miller Family 3

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

The Miller girls gather on the deck of the "St. Mihiel" along with other Colonists on their way to Alaska

Description

This image captures the three Miller girls, in their heavy coats, at foreground center on the side deck of the ship "St. Mihiel" on their way to Alaska. Mardie (center) appears to still wear the ribbon on her coat that was issued to each Colonist by the city of Seattle allowing them special privileges while in town before boarding the boat. A woman is partially visible facing the camera in foreground at extreme right. A child walks away from the camera in foreground while several people beyond can be seen looking over the rail at left.

Location

Sailing on the "St. Mihiel"

The Miller girls of Colony camp 7 stand together in their fine summer dresses beside their tent at right as they await construction of their new home.

Title

Miller Family 4

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

The Miller girls pose in their "special occasion" summer dresses near their tent in camp 7.

Description

The Miller girls of Colony camp 7 stand together in their fine summer dresses beside their tent at right as they await construction of their new home.

Location

Camp 7 North of Palmer, Alaska

This photo shows two young girls in foreground, identified as Janell Miller at left and her sister Priscilla, sitting at a scrap wood table in Camp 7. Their tent is partially visible at left. Janell is almost nine years old, and Priscilla is eleven. They appear to be working on schoolwork or paper projects.

Title

Miller Family 5

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

The two younger Miller girls pause in their sunny day activities outside their tent in camp 7.

Description

This photo shows two young girls in foreground, identified as Janell Miller at left and her sister Priscilla, sitting at a scrap wood table in Camp 7. Their tent is partially visible at left. Janell is almost nine years old, and Priscilla is eleven. They appear to be working on schoolwork or paper projects.

Location

Camp 7 North of Palmer, Alaska

Margaret Miller stands with her daughters in foreground, all dressed in winter coats in this spring 1937 photo. Probably taken on their Matanuska Colony farm, a thin stand of mixed spruce and birch trees forms the middle ground back drop.

Title

Miller Family 5

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Matanuska Colonists Margaret Miller and her daughters pose together in their winter coats.

Description

Margaret Miller stands with her daughters in foreground, all dressed in winter coats in this spring 1937 photo. Probably taken on their Matanuska Colony farm, a thin stand of mixed spruce and birch trees forms the middle ground back drop.

Location

Tract #155 North of Palmer, Alaska

Matanuska Colonist Neil Miller stands in center foreground facing the camera and holding another camera. Behind him in near middle ground stands a long white single-story building (milking parlor?) with a typical "colony barn" partially visible directly behind.

Title

Miller Family 6

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

Neil Miller poses for his photo before the barn on his Colony farm.

Description

Matanuska Colonist Neil Miller stands in center foreground facing the camera and holding another camera. Behind him in near middle ground stands a long white single-story building (milking parlor?) with a typical "colony barn" partially visible directly behind.

Location

Tract #155 North of Palmer, Alaska

This formal family portrait of the Neil and Margaret Miller family shows them seated on a sofa in their comfortable and modern Colony house on their tract #155 in summer of 1940. The girls have grown to become beautiful young women and little Tim, added to the family in 1937, sits on his father's lap. Sitting left to right is Margaret, Janell, Neil with Tim, Priscilla and Mardie. The wall directly behind them is mostly occupied by double nine-pane windows typical of Colony houses, with floral drapes on both sides. A patterned seat cover is partially visible on the sofa and a dark, drop-leaf end table stands at the sofa's right end. A plain panel door is in the wall at far right.

Title

Miller Family 7

Creator

Unknown

Subject

The Neil & Margaret Miller family sits for a formal portrait in their comfortable new home in 1940.

Description

This formal family portrait of the Neil and Margaret Miller family shows them seated on a sofa in their comfortable and modern Colony house on their tract #155 in summer of 1940. The girls have grown to become beautiful young women and little Tim, added to the family in 1937, sits on his father's lap. Sitting left to right is Margaret, Janell, Neil with Tim, Priscilla and Mardie. The wall directly behind them is mostly occupied by double nine-pane windows typical of Colony houses, with floral drapes on both sides. A patterned seat cover is partially visible on the sofa and a dark, drop-leaf end table stands at the sofa's right end. A plain panel door is in the wall at far right.

Location

Tract #155 North of Palmer, Alaska

This photo shows the Miller family in foreground laying down the sub-floor of their new house on their Matanuska Colony tract. Neil and Janell are standing while Margaret, Priscilla and Mardie are on their knees hammering nails. Boards cover most of the floor joists with a small portion at left yet to be covered. Heavy birch forest forms the backdrop across the image in middle ground.

Title

Miller Family 8

Creator

Unknown

Subject

The Neil & Margaret Miller family constructs the sub-floor of their new house.

Description

This photo shows the Miller family in foreground laying down the sub-floor of their new house on their Matanuska Colony tract. Neil and Janell are standing while Margaret, Priscilla and Mardie are on their knees hammering nails. Boards cover most of the floor joists with a small portion at left yet to be covered. Heavy birch forest forms the backdrop across the image in middle ground.

Location

Tract #155 North of Palmer, Alaska

This high oblique view shows the beginning of the town of Palmer resulting from arrival of the Matanuska Colony. Numerous white tents initially housing the Colonists are visible at lower left with the warehouse, administration structures and equipment are in the center of the image. The railroad tracks with standing rail cars cuts a straight line diagonally across the image from lower left to upper right. A rail spur curves off to the left where construction is seen beginning on community buildings. John Bugge's homestead is partially visible at lower right and clearings of other nearby homesteads are evident. A large patch of spruce trees occupies the lower center section and the upper third of the image is covered with thick spruce forest. This is the same image as Palmer Air View 15 but is a better exposure and without the feature identifications in the Nichols photo.

Title

Palmer Air View 25

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

This air view of Palmer's initial development shows the start of a new city in the context of surrounding homestead activity that came before.

Description

This high oblique view shows the beginning of the town of Palmer resulting from arrival of the Matanuska Colony. Numerous white tents initially housing the Colonists are visible at lower left with the warehouse, administration structures and equipment are in the center of the image. The railroad tracks with standing rail cars cuts a straight line diagonally across the image from lower left to upper right. A rail spur curves off to the left where construction is seen beginning on community buildings. John Bugge's homestead is partially visible at lower right and clearings of other nearby homesteads are evident. A large patch of spruce trees occupies the lower center section and the upper third of the image is covered with thick spruce forest. This is the same image as Palmer Air View 15 but is a better exposure and without the feature identifications in the Nichols photo.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of a photo printed in the September 15th, 1935 issue of the Milwaukee Journal showing a northwesterly oblique view over the “Tent City” buildings, railroad and roads of the Matanuska Colony center of operation at Palmer. Heavy forest is prominent around homestead clearings in middle ground and cultivated land in foreground.

Title

Palmer Air View 7

Creator

Arville Schaleben

Subject

Oblique aerial view of Palmer “Tent City”

Description

Image is of a photo printed in the September 15th, 1935 issue of the Milwaukee Journal showing a northwesterly oblique view over the “Tent City” buildings, railroad and roads of the Matanuska Colony center of operation at Palmer. Heavy forest is prominent around homestead clearings in middle ground and cultivated land in foreground.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

This 1940's view looks east down the centerline of the gravel street identified as "Market Street", now named East Dahlia Avenue. Numerous automobiles of the day are parked on both sides of the street. At left a small portion of the Post Office building is visible in foreground. The chicken houses of the hatchery are slightly visible farther along the street next to a patch of heavy forest. At right the building housing three small shops is apparent with the Barbershop doorway, sign and barber pole visible. Partially visible next along the street is the Trading Post which became the Recreation Hall about this time when the store moved across the street. Several men are visible near the automobiles. A series of power poles and lines occupy this side of the street. Snow-clad mountains form the background.

Title

Palmer Street 55

Creator

Jackson

Subject

"Market Street" becomes busy as folks from around the Valley come to the new town to shop and pick up their mail.

Description

This 1940's view looks east down the centerline of the gravel street identified as "Market Street", now named East Dahlia Avenue. Numerous automobiles of the day are parked on both sides of the street. At left a small portion of the Post Office building is visible in foreground. The chicken houses of the hatchery are slightly visible farther along the street next to a patch of heavy forest. At right the building housing three small shops is apparent with the Barbershop doorway, sign and barber pole visible. Partially visible next along the street is the Trading Post which became the Recreation Hall about this time when the store moved across the street. Several men are visible near the automobiles. A series of power poles and lines occupy this side of the street. Snow-clad mountains form the background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a northwesterly view taken from atop a railroad car showing considerable "Tent City" activity. A truck is parked alongside the road in foreground with men loading lumber from a large pile. Other men and automobiles are evident as is a horse-drawn wagon with people in the wagon. A tent is in foreground at left and a large frame building is at center in near middle ground. Piles of tarp-draped material are scattered about. Many tents are visible in background with heavy forest and mountains beyond.

Title

Palmer Tent City 2

Creator

Berts

Subject

Palmer "Tent City" activity

Description

Image is a northwesterly view taken from atop a railroad car showing considerable "Tent City" activity. A truck is parked alongside the road in foreground with men loading lumber from a large pile. Other men and automobiles are evident as is a horse-drawn wagon with people in the wagon. A tent is in foreground at left and a large frame building is at center in near middle ground. Piles of tarp-draped material are scattered about. Many tents are visible in background with heavy forest and mountains beyond.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

This view of Palmer is taken from the "Wasilla Road" where it made the bend to climb Bugge's Hill. The early summer image shows trees in leaf, part of Bugge's field in foreground is tilled, the water tower is up with "Palmer" painted on it. Snow is gone from the valley but considerable remains at higher elevation on Lazy Mountain which occupies most of the background center of the image. Bugge's barn and other buildings are evident as is the Hyland Hotel.

Title

Palmer View From Bugge's Hill 11

Creator

Unknown

Subject

The north part of Palmer and part of John Bugge's homestead are seen in spring of 1936.

Description

This view of Palmer is taken from the "Wasilla Road" where it made the bend to climb Bugge's Hill. The early summer image shows trees in leaf, part of Bugge's field in foreground is tilled, the water tower is up with "Palmer" painted on it. Snow is gone from the valley but considerable remains at higher elevation on Lazy Mountain which occupies most of the background center of the image. Bugge's barn and other buildings are evident as is the Hyland Hotel.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a woman, identified as colonist Ruth Bailey, sitting on a blanket with her daughter, Nona Faye, in front of a colony tent, identified as tent #2 at temporary camp 7.

Title

People 2

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

Colonist Ruth Bailey and daughter Nona Faye

Description

Image shows a woman, identified as colonist Ruth Bailey, sitting on a blanket with her daughter, Nona Faye, in front of a colony tent, identified as tent #2 at temporary camp 7.

Location

Camp 7 north of Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a woman, identified as colonist Allda ("Lida") Green, standing next to a railroad "speeder" car.

Title

People 3

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

Colonist "Lida" Green is standing next to a railroad "speeder" car.

Description

Image shows a woman, identified as colonist Allda ("Lida") Green, standing next to a railroad "speeder" car.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows two women, identified as Margaret Cope (left), Palmer school typing teacher, and Margaret Miller, Palmer 6th grade teacher, ready to begin berry picking with berry buckets at hand. A log chicken coop is behind them in middle ground with forest beyond. A road and power line appear faintly among the trees.

Title

People 4

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Two women stand ready to pick berries

Description

Image shows two women, identified as Margaret Cope (left), Palmer school typing teacher, and Margaret Miller, Palmer 6th grade teacher, ready to begin berry picking with berry buckets at hand. A log chicken coop is behind them in middle ground with forest beyond. A road and power line appear faintly among the trees.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows Colonists Neil and Margaret Miller with a horse excavating gravel within the foundation of their new house under construction. Foundation beams are evident. Heavy birch forest forms the backdrop.

Title

People 5

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Colonists using a horse to excavate gravel at their new house under construction.

Description

Image shows Colonists Neil and Margaret Miller with a horse excavating gravel within the foundation of their new house under construction. Foundation beams are evident. Heavy birch forest forms the backdrop.

Location

Tract #155 North of Palmer, Alaska

This photo shows Margaret Miller seated in foreground on the rock retaining wall below her new house on Tract #155. The wall, partly visible in foreground right, is composed of the larger rocks excavated before the house was built. Additional excavated gravel is visible at right above the wall. A portion of the back porch of the house is visible at upper left. Trees behind the hill are partially visible in middle ground at upper right.

Title

People 58

Creator

Neil & Margaret Miller

Subject

Margaret Miller rests on the rock wall she built to anchor the excavated gravel from her new house construction.

Description

This photo shows Margaret Miller seated in foreground on the rock retaining wall below her new house on Tract #155. The wall, partly visible in foreground right, is composed of the larger rocks excavated before the house was built. Additional excavated gravel is visible at right above the wall. A portion of the back porch of the house is visible at upper left. Trees behind the hill are partially visible in middle ground at upper right.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

This photo shows Colonist Margaret Miller seated in foreground next to a large pile of split firewood. She is dressed in white pants and shirt with rolled up sleeves, apparently enjoying a warm spring day. Next to her at right is a double bit axe imbedded in a wood block. Visible in middle ground at right are low rolling hills cleared of trees and covered with dead grass, burned stumps and fallen snags. A portion of raised level bench land appears in background covered with standing heavy forest and defined by a thin strip of remaining spring snow.

Title

People 59

Creator

Neil & Margaret Miller

Subject

Margaret Miller rests on the pile of split stove wood she no doubt contributed to building.

Description

This photo shows Colonist Margaret Miller seated in foreground next to a large pile of split firewood. She is dressed in white pants and shirt with rolled up sleeves, apparently enjoying a warm spring day. Next to her at right is a double bit axe imbedded in a wood block. Visible in middle ground at right are low rolling hills cleared of trees and covered with dead grass, burned stumps and fallen snags. A portion of raised level bench land appears in background covered with standing heavy forest and defined by a thin strip of remaining spring snow.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows the three Miller girls astride a working horse. Their mother watches at right. The horse appears resigned. Birch and spruce trees form the backdrop.

Title

People 6

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Three Colony girls astride a working horse while mother looks on

Description

Image shows the three Miller girls astride a working horse. Their mother watches at right. The horse appears resigned. Birch and spruce trees form the backdrop.

Location

Tract #155 North of Palmer, Alaska

Matanuska Colonists Fannie Johnson from Michigan and her son, Jackie, sit in the sun on a pile of lumber in the foreground front of their tent in Camp 7 while they wait for their new home to be constructed on their land tract. Another tent is partially visible at left with a clothesline and washing hanging between the two tents in middle ground. Heavy forest is visible beyond.

Title

People 60

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Colonist Fannie Johnson and her son pose in camp 7

Description

Matanuska Colonists Fannie Johnson from Michigan and her son, Jackie, sit in the sun on a pile of lumber in the foreground front of their tent in Camp 7 while they wait for their new home to be constructed on their land tract. Another tent is partially visible at left with a clothesline and washing hanging between the two tents in middle ground. Heavy forest is visible beyond.

Location

Camp 7 north of Palmer, Alaska

Colonists from Michigan, Alida and Clarence Green, stand on a sidewalk facing the camera in their best attire with tall brick buildings behind them. They were treated as guests by Seattle Chamber of Commerce while waiting to board the "St. Mihiel" and sail to Alaska. Alida holds a bouquet of flowers, and both exhibit the ribbons on their lapels that allowed them special privilege and access to venues and activities during their stay in Seattle from May 16 to the 18th.

Title

People 61

Creator

Millers

Subject

Matanuska Colonists take in the sights of Seattle while waiting to board the "St. Mihiel" for the cruise to Alaska.

Description

Colonists from Michigan, Alida and Clarence Green, stand on a sidewalk facing the camera in their best attire with tall brick buildings behind them. They were treated as guests by Seattle Chamber of Commerce while waiting to board the "St. Mihiel" and sail to Alaska. Alida holds a bouquet of flowers, and both exhibit the ribbons on their lapels that allowed them special privilege and access to venues and activities during their stay in Seattle from May 16 to the 18th.

Location

Seattle, Washington

Matanuska Colonists Alida Green (left), Fannie Johnson and young Jackie Johnson, stand in immediate foreground facing the camera on a visit to the Miller homesite on tract 155. Alida holds a small box camera in her hand. All are dressed in heavy coats and hats. Miller's house, under construction, is vaguely visible in middle ground on the hill behind and between the two women. The rear of an automobile is visible at left in middle ground.

Title

People 62

Creator

Millers

Subject

Matanuska Colonist women from neighboring tracts visit the Miller's.

Description

Matanuska Colonists Alida Green (left), Fannie Johnson and young Jackie Johnson, stand in immediate foreground facing the camera on a visit to the Miller homesite on tract 155. Alida holds a small box camera in her hand. All are dressed in heavy coats and hats. Miller's house, under construction, is vaguely visible in middle ground on the hill behind and between the two women. The rear of an automobile is visible at left in middle ground.

Location

Tract #155 north of Palmer, Alaska

In this photo two Michigan families on their way to the Matanuska Colony stand in foreground facing the camera. At left are Harold and Fannie Johnson with their young son, Jackie. To their right are Alida and Clarence Green. Part of a large unidentified building (perhaps a train station) is apparent directly behind them. An automobile is also partially visible at left. Alida is seen holding her pith hat and box camera also visible in other pictures of her in our collection.

Title

People 63

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Matanuska Colony families come together at railroad stations as they board trains for the trip to the coast on their way to Alaska.

Description

In this photo two Michigan families on their way to the Matanuska Colony stand in foreground facing the camera. At left are Harold and Fannie Johnson with their young son, Jackie. To their right are Alida and Clarence Green. Part of a large unidentified building (perhaps a train station) is apparent directly behind them. An automobile is also partially visible at left. Alida is seen holding her pith hat and box camera also visible in other pictures of her in our collection.

Location

Unknown

Three Matanuska Colony women, identified as Alida Green, left; Leona Fitzpatrick, center; and Margaret Miller, right, stand in foreground before many silver cans stacked head-high against the wall behind them. The cans are filled with salmon the women have packed for future consumption by their families. The canning activity was conducted at facilities located at the Matanuska Experiment Station under supervision of Extension Service personnel as explained by a poster on the wall behind Mrs. Green.

Title

People 64

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Women of the Colony show off the cans of salmon they have prepared for future consumption.

Description

Three Matanuska Colony women, identified as Alida Green, left; Leona Fitzpatrick, center; and Margaret Miller, right, stand in foreground before many silver cans stacked head-high against the wall behind them. The cans are filled with salmon the women have packed for future consumption by their families. The canning activity was conducted at facilities located at the Matanuska Experiment Station under supervision of Extension Service personnel as explained by a poster on the wall behind Mrs. Green.

Location

Matanuska, Alaska

Image is of Lieutenant Colonel LeRoy P. Hunt, U.S. Marine Corps, who was in charge of the Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation after July 24, 1935. He stands, facing the camera in his high laced boots, bloused trousers, leather jacket over a dark sweater, shirt and white tie, with a campaign hat on his head.

Title

People 65

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Lt. Col. LeRoy P. Hunt, head of the ARRC, stands for his portrait

Description

Image is of Lieutenant Colonel LeRoy P. Hunt, U.S. Marine Corps, who was in charge of the Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation after July 24, 1935. He stands, facing the camera in his high laced boots, bloused trousers, leather jacket over a dark sweater, shirt and white tie, with a campaign hat on his head.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Neil Miller was a teacher in the Palmer school while also farming the Colony farm on tract #155. After they left the Colony in 1941, they moved to Palmer, and he continued teaching. This photo of him standing in foreground in front of different house than that on the farm may be where they lived until 1946. Snow on the ground and skies propped against the wall at right, as well as the heavy coat he is wearing, indicate a winter day.

Title

People 66

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Neil Miller stands for a portrait in a heavy coat on a winter day.

Description

Neil Miller was a teacher in the Palmer school while also farming the Colony farm on tract #155. After they left the Colony in 1941, they moved to Palmer, and he continued teaching. This photo of him standing in foreground in front of different house than that on the farm may be where they lived until 1946. Snow on the ground and skies propped against the wall at right, as well as the heavy coat he is wearing, indicate a winter day.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Margaret Miller stands in foreground in front of the exterior door of a house, probably located in Palmer. Snow on the ground and skis leaning against the wall next to her indicate a winter day despite the low top shoes and light dress with short sleeves she wears.

Title

People 67

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Margaret Miller stands outdoors for a portrait in a light fashionable dress on a winter day.

Description

Margaret Miller stands in foreground in front of the exterior door of a house, probably located in Palmer. Snow on the ground and skis leaning against the wall next to her indicate a winter day despite the low top shoes and light dress with short sleeves she wears.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Young Tim Miller, about three years old, stands facing the photographer at left center foreground with his kid-sized wheelbarrow at his feet. The foreground is cleared exposed gravel with a thin line of birch trees in upper right. Behind Tim in middle ground are a rather small wood frame building in center and a larger structure apparently covered with white canvas. This foreground and near middle ground area appears to be higher than a field visible beyond in far middle ground. The brush-covered slope of an upper bench is visible in background with a line of heavy forest beyond.

Title

People 68

Creator

Millers

Subject

Three year old Tim Miller enjoys a summer day playing in the developing farmstead of the Miller Colony home.

Description

Young Tim Miller, about three years old, stands facing the photographer at left center foreground with his kid-sized wheelbarrow at his feet. The foreground is cleared exposed gravel with a thin line of birch trees in upper right. Behind Tim in middle ground are a rather small wood frame building in center and a larger structure apparently covered with white canvas. This foreground and near middle ground area appears to be higher than a field visible beyond in far middle ground. The brush-covered slope of an upper bench is visible in background with a line of heavy forest beyond.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

This photo shows the front and south side of the Post Office/Store that stood in the area prior to the Matanuska Colony establishment in 1935. The building is wood frame with a peaked roof and the end wall being the front with a door flanked by two tall windows. A white sign board with dark letters over the door proclaims it to be the "Post Office and Gen. Merchandise" store. Two small windows are apparent in the back part of the south side wall. A small wooden step and entry platform covers the ground before the white trimmed door. A pack board is propped against the wall beside the door, indicating there may be a patron inside. At left is a wheelbarrow filled with dirt, a mangled length of hog wire fencing, and a couple of planks lying on the ground.

Title

Post Office 4

Creator

Hewitts

Subject

Prior to the arrival of the Colony this Post Office/Store was a gathering place for the surrounding settlers.

Description

This photo shows the front and south side of the Post Office/Store that stood in the area prior to the Matanuska Colony establishment in 1935. The building is wood frame with a peaked roof and the end wall being the front with a door flanked by two tall windows. A white sign board with dark letters over the door proclaims it to be the "Post Office and Gen. Merchandise" store. Two small windows are apparent in the back part of the south side wall. A small wooden step and entry platform covers the ground before the white trimmed door. A pack board is propped against the wall beside the door, indicating there may be a patron inside. At left is a wheelbarrow filled with dirt, a mangled length of hog wire fencing, and a couple of planks lying on the ground.

Location

Warton, (Palmer) Alaska

Image shows a group of men in a small forest clearing working around a portable sawmill. One man is visible driving a two-horse team dragging logs to the mill. This mill was set up near Camp 5 north of Palmer.

Title

Sawmill 4

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Gathering houselogs to a portable sawmill

Description

Image shows a group of men in a small forest clearing working around a portable sawmill. One man is visible driving a two-horse team dragging logs to the mill. This mill was set up near Camp 5 north of Palmer.

Location

Camp 5 north of Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a group of men in a small clearing of a forest setting working around a portable sawmill. A two-horse team is visible used to drag logs to the sawmill.

Title

Sawmill 5

Creator

Neil Miller

Subject

Men working ariund a portable sawmill

Description

Image shows a group of men in a small clearing of a forest setting working around a portable sawmill. A two-horse team is visible used to drag logs to the sawmill.

Location

Colony Camp 5 north of Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a frozen impoundment as a community skating rink in foreground with two children and a dog on the ice. “The Dorm” building is prominent directly beyond. In the background are buildings of the Palmer.

Title

Skating Rink

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Palmer community skating rink between the school building and the “Dorm”

Description

Image shows a frozen impoundment as a community skating rink in foreground with two children and a dog on the ice. “The Dorm” building is prominent directly beyond. In the background are buildings of the Palmer.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

This photo of the ship "St. Mihiel" shows the starboard side of the vessel with the bow to the right, loaded with Matanuska Colonists visible lining the rails, likely arriving at the Alaska port of Seward.

Title

St. Mihiel 2

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Matanuska Colonists arrive in Alaska on the ship "St. Mihiel".

Description

This photo of the ship "St. Mihiel" shows the starboard side of the vessel with the bow to the right, loaded with Matanuska Colonists visible lining the rails, likely arriving at the Alaska port of Seward.

Location

Likely Seward, Alaska

Image is of the Colony Community Trading Post building under construction and nearing completion. View is of the north and west side. Two men are visible working on the building. Trees are behind the building.

Title

Trading Post 3

Creator

Hewitt's Photo Shop, Anchorage

Subject

Building

Description

Image is of the Colony Community Trading Post building under construction and nearing completion. View is of the north and west side. Two men are visible working on the building. Trees are behind the building.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a winter view of a two-horse team hitched to a four-wheel wagon on a graded dirt road. In the wagon stands an unidentified man with wooden barrels or boxes covered by a tarp. A small white crock is also visible at the man’s feet. Scattered forest forms the backdrop in middle ground.

Title

Water Wagon

Creator

Unknown

Subject

A man on a wagon with a two-horse team delivering barrels or boxes

Description

Image is a winter view of a two-horse team hitched to a four-wheel wagon on a graded dirt road. In the wagon stands an unidentified man with wooden barrels or boxes covered by a tarp. A small white crock is also visible at the man’s feet. Scattered forest forms the backdrop in middle ground.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

A free-standing hand operated well pump stands on a temporary wood platform in foreground over the well drilled in January. Planks providing foot access to the platform over empty space below the platform indicate unfinished installation. Miller's white house is partially visible in background at left with mixed spruce and birch trees as the backdrop.

Title

Water Well 5

Creator

Margaret Miller

Subject

Finally, the well has been drilled and the pump installed so water no longer must be hauled from the far away creek.

Description

A free-standing hand operated well pump stands on a temporary wood platform in foreground over the well drilled in January. Planks providing foot access to the platform over empty space below the platform indicate unfinished installation. Miller's white house is partially visible in background at left with mixed spruce and birch trees as the backdrop.

Location

Tract #155 north of Palmer, Alaska

Explore the Rich History of the Matanuska Valley

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