"Buddies" 1
Manuel P. Nadler
People
Image is of two children, identified as Arleta Goodrich and Davy Harrison, standing in a Palmer gravel street eating ice cream cones. Part of a building, automobiles and mountains are visible behind. Photo was taken by a visiting soldier who failed to get names of the children. Later, wanting to give the photo to their family, he enclosed it in a large envelope with a letter, taped a copy of the photo on the outside to serve as the addressee "in care of Community Center Post Office, Matanuska Valley, Alaska". It was delivered with no problem.
Palmer, Alaska
"Buddies" 2
Capt. Manuel P. Nadler
“Buddies” envelope with photo & address
Envelope used to send the attached picture to the family of the children without knowing their mailing address.
Palmer, Alaska
"Buddies" 3
Capt. Manuel P. Nadler
Transmittal letter associated with the “Buddies” photo.
Transmittal letter associated with the “Buddies” photo. Letter's date of 1944 appears to be a mistake considering its content and the date stamp on the envelope it was delivered in, and should be 1945.
Palmer, Alaska
"Buddies" 4
Manuel P. Nadler
“Buddies” envelope
Image is of the envelope used to send the negative of the “Buddies” picture to the Goodrich family
Palmer, Alaska
"Buddies" 5
Capt. Manuel P. Nadler
Transmittal letter associated with the negative of the "Buddies" photo
Letter to the Goodrich family transmitting the photo negative to them of the “Buddies” photo.
Palmer, Alaska
(01) Bell Street Terminal
Unknown
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.
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.
Seattle, Washington
4-H Club Float 1
Hewitt's Photo Shop, Anchorage
4-H People
Image shows a side view of a pickup truck with several children standing in the back facing the camera. One girl holds a large paper star. A sign on the side of the truck shows the 4-H clover leaf symbol and text: "4H CLUBS-IN-VALLEYS: 5, ENROLLMENT: 85". A spare tire is prominently mounted on the side of the truck. The driver, identified as Howard Estelle, and passenger, identified as Ruth DeArmond, are visible in the truck cab.
Palmer, Alaska
4-H Club Float 2
Hewitts
Children riding in the back of a pick-up truck with a 4-H banner in the July 4th parade
Image shows a group of children in the back of a pick-up truck. A banner on the side of the truck indicates it is a 4-H entry in the July 4th parade.
Palmer, Alaska
4-H Club Girls
Ruth Estelle
People
Image shows a group of young girls standing together in front of a wooden building. The group is identified as "Colony Kids" making up a 4-H Club. A white tent is visible in the background. One adult, identified as Mrs. Ring, is in the back row, center. Some others are identified as: Genevieve Ring, June Lentz, Jean Mae Sandvik, June France Leila Peterson, Lucille Ring, Jean Kindgren, Pat Hemmer, and Pat Ring.
Palmer, Alaska
4-H Club Meeting
Ruth Estelle
People
Image shows a group of young girls and two women seated on logs in a wooden setting. One girl, identified as Genevieve Ring, is standing and appears to be leading the group in some activity. Two women are seated with the group, identified as Ruth Peck on the left and Ruth DeArmond on the right of the photo.
Palmer, Alaska
4-H Sewing Club
Ruth (DeArmond) Estelle
People
Image shows four girls and one women in white dresses sitting on the porch of a log cabin, each appears to be stitching a piece of cloth. The group is collectively identified as the Butte 4-H Sewing Club and individually identified from left as: Barbara Falk, Lila Peterson, Dorothy Newville, Patty Hemmer, and the woman is identified as Lila Newville, the club leader.
Bodenburg Butte Area, Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Alice Mikami & Beatrice McNally 1
Unknown
Alice & Beatrice stand for their picture to be taken in a vacant area of Palmer's "Tent City".
Alice Mikami and Beatrice McNally stand together in a low grass field for their picture to be taken. Alice is dressed in a black dress with a black & white checked over-dress and a full length light brown coat over her shoulders. Beatrice is in a full-length black coat. Temporary "Tent City" frame buildings are partially visible behind, as are piles of material for the Colony project. Heavy forest forms the backdrop with mountains faintly visible in the distance.
Palmer, Alaska
Alice Mikami 1
Unknown
Alice Mikami is standing at the entry of a Colony tent
Miss Alice Mikami, stenographer in the ARRC main office, stands in a black dress in front of a white Colony tent.
Palmer, Alaska
Anchorage Area 004-Depot
Alaska Road Commission
Anchorage residents welcome arriving Matanuska Colonists to the area.
This image shows a large collection of automobiles parked in foreground at the Anchorage train depot, several rail cars in middle ground beyond them, and a large group of people in between. Several people are evident near the depot building at far left with one man on the roof. Several men are standing on the roof of a bus parked among the cars. A dilapidated boardwalk is obvious at the near left and a single auto is parked facing the viewer in near foreground. The occasion is identified as residents of Anchorage welcoming newly arriving Matanuska Colonists on their way to Palmer.
Anchorage, Alaska
Barber Shop at Camp 7
Margaret Miller
People
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.
Camp #7 Northwest of Palmer, Alaska
Baseball 1
Hewitts Photo Shop
A baseball game is in progress, a batter at the plate, the catcher and umpire in position and spectators watching
A baseball game is in progress between Palmer and Anchorage teams at Palmer with a batter at the plate, the catcher and umpire in position, and spectators in the background.
Palmer, Alaska
Baseball 3
Hewitts Photo Shop
During a pause in the action of a baseball game in Palmer, local homesteader John Tully takes up the bat at home plate.
At home plate during a lull in a baseball game on the Palmer community center quad, a local man, identified as homesteader John Tully, stands ready at the plate for the pitch.
Palmer, Alaska
Baseball 5
Hewitts Photo Shop
Spectators are gathered to watch a baseball game in Palmer while the local team takes a break from the action.
Local residents gather on the sidelines of a baseball game in Palmer while their team takes a break from the action.
Palmer, Alaska
Beatrice McNally 1
Unknown
Beatrice McNally, stenographer in the ARRC accounting department, stands for her photograph.
Beatrice stands in this summer scene for her photo in a vacant area of "Tent City" dressed in a white shirt, short black jacket, black high-cuff pants and a black hat. Behind her several colony tents are partially visible and an automobile. Heavy forest forms the backdrop.
Palmer, Alaska
Bert Bingle 1
Don Irwin
Rev. Bert Bingle, Presbyterian minister at Palmer
Image is a close-up of Rev. Bert Bingle, Presbyterian minister at Palmer. Rev. Bingle came to Palmer at the beginning of the Matanuska Colony project to establish the Presbyterian Church and lead construction of “The Church of a Thousand Trees”. He was a hands-on leader of many endeavors to build the new community.
Palmer, Alaska
Betty Hermon 1
Unknown
Miss Betty Hermon stands for her picture to be taken with a kitten on her shoulder
The image is of Miss Betty Hermon, daughter of Colonists John & Hilda Hermon, dressed in a white dress with diamond pattern, and with a kitten on her shoulder, standing in a dirt road with heavy forest behind. Shadows of others standing nearby are apparent.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Boarding the ARRC Bus
Louis Odsather
Bus
Image shows men approaching an ARRC bus. The bus door is open, driver and other riders are visible inside. A tent is partially visible beyond. Since private vehicles were scarce in early days of the colony, the Corporation busses offered a way for people to travel between camps and home sites as they, and the roads, developed.
Palmer, Alaska
Bob's Barber Shop 1
Unknown
Bob Munford Giving Barney Anderson a Haircut
Image is of Bob Munford giving Barney Anderson a haircut in Bob’s Barbershop.
Palmer, Alaska
Boys On The Hay Wagon
Unknown, probably Irv Plitt
Children
Image is a summer scene showing six small boys sitting on a farm hay wagon with shrubs and forest beyond.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Cabinet Shop 1
Hewitts Photo Shop
Five men pause in their work in the colony cabinet shop where they are constructing cabinetry for the new buildings of the colon.
Five men pose in the Colony Cabinet Shop among many tools used to construct the cabinetry for the colony homes and other new buildings. Some cabinets under construction are visible.
Palmer, Alaska
Calvin Culp 1
Unknown
Calvin Culp, dressed in his work coveralls, stands behind the Co-op blacksmith shop where farm machinery is stored.
A man, identified as Calvin Culp, dressed in work coveralls, stands in front of a buck rake with a portion of a building and smokestack behind.
Palmer, Alaska
Camp 7 Girls
Ruth Bailey
The three Miller girls holding Nona Fay Bailey at Colonist Camp 7
Image is a summer view of four girls, identified as Mary Miller holding baby Nona Fay Bailey, Priscilla Miller in center, and Janell Miller at right. Nona Fay was the daughter of Colonists Ferber & Ruth Bailey. The other three were daughters of Colonists Neil and Margaret Miller. They are standing in front of one of the tents located at the temporary Colonist camp #7 north of Palmer, Alaska.
Camp 7 north of Palmer, Alaska
Camp 7 Kids
Margaret Miller
Children of temporary camp 7
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.
Camp 7 north of Palmer, Alaska
Camp 7 Wash Day
Neil Miller
Clothes washing at tent #1, Camp 7
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
Camp 7 north of Palmer, Alaska
Camp 9 Cows 1
Unknown
Colonist Bill Ising visits the cows of Camp 9. Cow at right is being milked.
Colonist Bill Ising visits the cows belonging to residents of Camp 9 at milking time. Cow at right is being milked.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Camp 9 Logging 1
Unknown
Bill Ising skids firewood logs to the tents of Camp 9.
Image is of Colonist Bill Ising skidding firewood logs to Camp 9 tents for firewood with his two-horse team.
Camp 9 south of Palmer
Camp 9 Logging2
Unknown
Colonist Allen Frederick skids a log of firewood to the tents of Camp 9
Allen Frederick skidding firewood logs to Colony Camp 9 with his horse
Camp 9 south of Palmer, Alaska
Camp 9 Tents
Unknown
Colonist's tents at Camp #9 while waiting for their houses to be built.
Image shows the Colonist's tents at Camp #9 with Pioneer Pk. in the background. Initials or names of the occupants have been noted by each tent along with a quote that accompanied the photo.
Tract # 82
Card Game 1
Louis Odsather
Four Men Playing Cards
Image shows four men, identified from left as, unidentified, Norbert Nathe, Louis Odsather, and Cliff Lillethun, playing cards at a table covered with an Indian blanket. The men were employees of the ARRC. The home is identified as that of "Nick" and Fran Nichols in Palmer, also ARRC employees.
Palmer, Alaska
Carnival 1
Unknown
“Miss Matanuska”, Virginia Berg, on a parade float at the Fairbanks Winter Carnival
Image is of a parade float at the 1937 Fairbanks Winter Carnival. Children are walking in the foreground, several women are riding on the float, several automobiles are evident, flags are flying and the Fairview Hotel is identified. Miss Virginia Berg of Palmer is riding on the float as the “Miss Matanuska” entry in the festival Queen contest, seated in the center front.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Carnival 2
Unknown
“Miss Matanuska”, Virginia Berg of Palmer, on a parade float at the Fairbanks Winter Carnival
Image is of a parade float at the 1937 Fairbanks Winter Carnival. Several women and one man are riding on the float. Miss Virginia Berg of Palmer is riding on the float as the “Miss Matanuska” entry in the festival Queen contest, seated in the center front.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Carnival 3
Unknown
“Miss Matanuska”, Virginia Berg of Palmer, entrant in the Queen contest at the Fairbanks Winter Carnival royal court
Image is of the royal court at the 1937 Fairbanks Winter Carnival. Several women and men are gathered. Miss Virginia Berg of Palmer is the “Miss Matanuska” entry in the festival Queen contest and is seen seated in the center left of the image behind the child. The American flag is prominent.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Carnival 4
Unknown
“Miss Matanuska”, Virginia Berg of Palmer, entrant in the Queen contest at the Fairbanks Winter Carnival Royal Court
Image is of the Royal Court at the 1937 Fairbanks Winter Carnival. Several women and men are gathered. Miss Virginia Berg of Palmer is the “Miss Matanuska” entry in the festival Queen contest and is seen standing at left between the men. A military honor guard is present in foreground. The festival queen is seated at center.
Fairbanks, Alaska
Celebration 1
Hewitts Photo Shop
The 1936 Palmer Fourth-of-July parade begins with five mounted horseback riders, followed by marchers carrying the American flag.
Five horseback riders lead the Palmer Fourth-of-July parade marchers along a gravel road. Four marchers in military uniforms carry a large American flag directly behind the horses and they are followed by members of the local fire department.
Palmer, Alaska
Celebration 10
Hewitts Photo Shop
Young "Colony Kid" Darlene Higginbotham waits with the busses for the 1936 4th-of-July parade in Palmer to begin.
A young girl, identified as Darlene Higginbotham, waits with the parked busses in front of the creamery for the Palmer 4th-of-July parade to begin.
Palmer, Alaska
Celebration 11
Hewitts Photo Shop
A crown is gathering near the speakers platform on the quad as two parade floats arrive
A crown is gathered on the quad in front of the speaker's platform as two floats from the Palmer 4th-of July parade arrive. Men of the local fire department are prominent in foreground, the Teachers Dorm is in middle ground behind the crowd.
Palmer, Alaska
Celebration 12
Hewitts Photo Shop
Don Irwin addresses the 4th-of-July crowd gathered on the community center quad in Palmer in 1936.
Don Irwin speaks to the crowd gathered for the 1936 Fourth-of July celebration on the Palmer community center quad in front of the new school building. An open window on the top floor of the school revels a photographer taking photos of events below and responsible for some of the related images in this collection.
Palmer, Alaska
Celebration 13
Hewitts Photo Shop
A crowd gathers at the speaker's platform on the quad during 4th-of-July celebrations in Palmer.
People gather at the speaker's platform on the community center quad during celebration of the 4th-of-July in 1936. Musicians and speakers are on the platform, two cars are parked next to the "Teacher's Dorm" behind the crowd, and the flag pole is erected but without the large concrete slab yet at the base. The photo appears to have been taken from the upper floor window of the school.
Palmer, Alaska
Celebration 17
Hewitts Photo Shop
Children are dancing on the quad during "Palmer Day" celebrations.
A group of children dance holding hands on the community center quad as they celebrate "Palmer Day", May 15-1937.
Palmer, Alaska
Celebration 2
Hewitts Photo Shop
Members of the Colony Volunteer Fire Department are marching in the 1936 Forth-of-July parade in Palmer. Some marchers are carrying a large American flag.
Members of the Colony Volunteer Fire Department march in the 1936 Forth-of-July parade. A large American flag is carried by the second rank of marchers.
Palmer, Alaska
Celebration 26
Hewitts Photo Shop
The American flag is being raised on the community flagpole in Palmer on the 4th-of-July, 1936.
A Navy and Army color guard stand by as two other men begin to raise the American flag on the community flagpole as part of the fourth-of-July celebration in 1936. Two mounted riders, a small boy with a decorated bicycle and other spectators watch from beyond. A parade float vehicle and the Community Gym form the backdrop.
Palmer, Alaska
Celebration 3
Hewitts Photo Shop
Several members of the Colony Volunteer Fire Department, and one youngster, are marching in Palmer's 1936 Fourth-of-July parade.
Members of the Colony Volunteer Fire Department march in Palmer's Fourth-of-July parade. A youngster has joined the group in the first rank.
Palmer, Alaska
Celebration 4
Hewitts Photo Shop
Four men ride on the back of a decorated truck while they play musical instruments, including a tuba, trombone, accordion and drum set, as a float in Palmer's Fourth-of-July parade.
Four men sit on the decorated bed of a truck playing various musical instruments as a float in Palmer's 1936 Fourth-of-July parade.
Palmer, Alaska
Changing a Flat Tire
Louis Odsather
Changing a Flat Car Tire
Image shows a man squatting beside the rear wheel of an old car while three young men look on. Two of the men lean on a wood beam as a lever to raise the car so the tire can be changed. A spare tire is attached to the back of the car. Part of a wooden building and two tents and another small building are visible behind the car with trees beyond. The man in the light sweater is identified as Louis Odsather.
Palmer, Alaska
Claiming Their Freight 1
Unknown Journal staff
Colonists claiming their trunks, boxes and barrels of belongings from piles of freight off-loaded from the train and stacked about.
This is a slightly enhanced news photo showing Matanuska Colonists sorting through the boxes, barrels, trunks and crates of possessions off-loaded from the train at Palmer and stacked along the tracks, claiming their own and loading them on a truck to be delivered to their tents. The marks on the photo indicate how it would be cropped for printing in the newspaper.
Palmer, Alaska
Clarence Sjodin
Unknown
Clarence Sjodin stands in front of his barn and chicken house on his Colony farm.
Image is of Clarence Sjodin standing in front of his barn and chicken house on his Colony farm.
Classy Car
Unknown
Nick Nichols Poses in a Classy Car
Image is of Nick Nichols posing in a “Classy Car”. Contemporary photos in our collection support the assumption that this photo was made on a group outing to the Goose Bay area, and the car may have belonged to Grace Bagoy of Anchorage.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Co-op Store 1
Unknown
The hard goods department of the co-op store thought to be as it was established in the vacated warehouse and moved from the Trading Post across the street.
Image shows the dry goods section of the Co-op Store thought to occupy the vacated warehouse and moved from the Trading Post across the street. Nick Nichols stands at left. A clerk and two other women are also visible. Stairs are seen at left leading to the upper floor. Decorative streamers are strung from the overhead lights, possibly indicating celebration of the recent move.
Palmer, Alaska
Co-op Store 2
Unknown
Christmas-time business is being conducted in the drygoods department of the Co-op Store.
This image is an interior view of the Co-op store drygoods department after the store moved into the vacated warehouse building from the Trading Post in 1940. Four women are visible, two shoppers and two employees, including Colonist Irene Benson, Manager, at far right.
Palmer, Alaska
Co-op Store 3
Unknown
People crowd the recently opened Co-op Store in its new location of the old warehouse as they prepare for Christmas.
Christmas ornaments decorate the Drygoods department of the Co-op Store while several men and women and a child shop and two clerks check out the purchases and wrap the presents.
Palmer, Alaska
Colonist Watering Her Temporary Garden
Associated Press
Colonist Manila Bay Yohn is watering her plants in front of her tent.
Image shows a young woman, identified as Colonist Manila Bay Yohn, watering her small spruce trees and strawberries planted in front of her temporary tent home. Her tent is prominent behind her and another tent is visible beyond.
Camp #10 near the Butte--Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colonist's & Horses
Unnown
Allen Frederick & Bill Ising stand with their new teams of horses harnessed and ready to work
Colonist's Allen Frederick & Bill Ising stand with their new teams of horses
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colonist's Cows Arrive 1
Louis Odsather
Unloading Cows from the Train
Image is a view from atop a rail car and shows a group of men standing in the street, with their waiting trucks, as cows descend a chute from a railroad car. Three trucks with stock racks are in view, as is a pickup truck. Railroad depot buildings, the Post Office and a log storage building are visible beyond.
Palmer, Alaska
Colonist's Cows Arrive 2
Louis Odsather
Unloading Cows from the Train
Image is a view from atop a rail car and shows a group of men standing in the street with their trucks, waiting for cows to descend a chute from a railroad car. Two trucks with stock racks are in view, as is a pickup truck. A two-horse team and wagon are across the street, as is one cow and a boy with a bicycle. The Post Office and a log storage building are visible beyond with a clearing and forest in background.
Palmer, Alaska
Colonists Going Salmon Fishing
Unknown
People in a truck going to catch salmon for subsistence
: Image shows a stake-bed truck with five people in back with barrels and tubs covered with white canvas on their way to gather salmon for the winter. People are unidentified. Forest forms the backdrop
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Family 1
Associated Press
Colonists Vernon & Pearl Olmstead and their two children at their new log home.
Image is of Colonists Vernon and Pearl Olmstead with their children Jane and Gerald, and the family dog, in front of their new log home located on tract #28 near the Matanuska Experiment Farm. They were reported to be the first Colonists to move from their tents into their new home in 1935. The squared logs used in construction were milled at a sawmill set up not far away near Camp 2.
Matanuska, Alaska
Colony Family 2
Unknown
Ferber & Ruth Bailey family
Image is of the Ferber & Ruth Bailey family taken next to their Colony house in summer of 1940. Children are identified as Ferber Gene, Nona Fay, Janice, David and Ardith.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Farm 28
Clarence Sjodin
"Jr." Sjodin and his dog stand in the snow on the Sjodin farmstead with the Colony barn and chicken coop behind.
Image shows "Jr." Sjodin and his dog in a winter scene in the Sjodin farmstead with the barn and chicken coop behind.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Farm 36
Hewitts Photo Shop
Several people stand at left viewing the cold frames and water truck on the Pippel farm.
Image is a springtime view across a cleared field to a low hillside where several cold frames with white covers are installed. A truck, with water barrels evident on the back, is parked nearby. Several people stand at left.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Farm 37
Hewitts Photo Shop
A woman and two young boys standing bent over in a large cabbage field as if harvesting.
Summer overview of a cabbage field with a woman and two young boys working in it bent over as if harvesting.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Fire Crew 1
Palmer Fire Department
Matanuska Colony garage workers and community firemen stand for their photograph .
This image shows the Matanuska Colony Garage workers and community firemen standing in front of a fire truck with the garage building partially visible behind. The men's names and their garage positions are cited below.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Fishing Crew
Unknown
Men associated with the Matanuska Colony pose with salmon they have caught.
Image is a summer view of seven men gathered around the back of a pickup truck. A man at left, identified as Colonist Chris Anderson, is holding two salmon in his hands. Additional salmon are visible in the back of the truck. Rev. Bert Bingle leans against the truck next to Anderson. Young Gene Bailey stands front and center.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Home 17
Hewitts Photo Shop
Colony frame “Cottage” under construction
Image is of a frame house under construction. A man is visible up on scaffolding and a boy is on the ground. Lumber is stacked on the ground and leaning against the building. Cottonwood trees form the backdrop.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Home 24
Wide World Photos, Inc
Colony Home and family of Joe & Blanche Puhl
This is a press photo exhibiting marks indicating where it was cropped for publication in the newspaper. Image is a summer view of Joe and Blanche Puhl and their two sons at a wood pile next to their Colony tent and their new log home on farm tract #99 on the north side of Palmer. Rolls of barbed wire are stacked by the tent and blocks of birch wood await in the foreground to be split for fire wood.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Home 26
Unknown
Two men with a caterpillar tractor readying a Colony house to be moved to a new location
Image is of a log Colony house being readied to be moved. One man, identified as colonist Ferber Bailey, operates a caterpillar tractor while an unidentified man assists in placing transport beams under the house. Over the years since the Matanuska Colony houses were constructed in 1935, many have been moved from their original locations as farms were consolidated and as housing was needed in Palmer or elsewhere throughout the valley.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Home 27
Unknown
Two men on a caterpillar tractor with a Colony house ready to be moved to a new location
Image is of a log Colony house ready to be moved. One man, identified as Ferber Bailey, stands on a caterpillar tractor while an unidentified man sits at the controls. Support beams and wheels are visible under the house. Over the years since the Matanuska Colony houses were constructed in 1935, many have been moved from their original locations as farms were consolidated and as housing was needed in Palmer or elsewhere throughout the valley.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Home 30
Unknown
Four men stand in front of the partially constructed log home of the Charles Sjodin Colony family.
Image shows the Sjodin Colony log home under construction with four men doing the construction standing in front.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Home 35
Unknown
Four men stand in front of a partially completed log house they have been building.
Four men stand in front of a partially completed log house. Colonist Clarence Sjodin is the third man from the left, the others are assumed to be "Transient" workers employed by the ARRC overseeing the Colony project. The Sjodin farm was located on tract #98 north of Palmer.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Home 46
Unknown
A new Matanuska Colony house appears to be complete and two people standing at the front door appear to be moving in.
A white frame house sits in a wooded setting, identified as being the new home of Colonists Bernard and Alice Reitan. Two people stand on the landing at the front door, bed springs are leaning against the wall near the entry.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Home 51
Unknown
Neil Miller visits with a woman visitor in front of the new Miller house.
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.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Kids 1
Louis Odsather
People
Image shows a group of children gathered around a game of marbles in the dirt street between Colony tents. Another child stands at the entry to one of the tents. A rail car is visible on the tracks in the background with forest beyond, This appears to be in the original "Tent City" or Camp #1 in Palmer.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Kids 10
Hewitts Photo Shop
"Colony Kid" Bud Bouwens shows his young horse at the Fair.
"Colony Kid" Bud Bouwens stands next to his young horse as he shows it at the first Matanuska Valley Fair in Palmer. The lumber skeleton of a building is behind which was covered with tarps to provide an animal barn for the fair.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Kids 12
Hewitts Photo Shop
A youngster waits on a white horse for "Palmer Days" activities to begin.
A youngster sits astride a white horse in Palmer's community center with two buildings behind. The rear part of another horse is visiblw at left.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Kids 13
Hewitts Photo Shop
A young boy shows his 4-H project calf at the fair.
"Colony Kid" Adelbert "Bubs" Ring shows his 4-H project calf at the first Matanuska Valley Fair in Palmer. A white blanket over the calf's back identifies them as part of the "Midnight Sun 4-H Club".
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Kids 14
Hewitts Photo Shop
"Colony Kids", Jim and Bob Pippel, pose with their shaggy dog in front of a white house.
Young boys, Jim and Bob Pippel, stand in front of a white house with a shaggy dog in front of them.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Kids 15
Hewitts Photo Shop
Children of the Ring and Bouwens Matanuska Colony families are seated in an open patch of woods with buckets of wild red current berries they have picked
A group of seven children are seated on a grassy slope with buckets of current berries they have picked. Trees and brush are behind.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Kids 16
Hewitts Photo Shop
Young girl is showing the small pail full of berries she has picked as she stands next to a large bucket full of berries
A young girl, identified as Delores Bouwens, is showing her small bucket full of berries as she stands next to a large bucket of berries picked by the older children she is with on their outing seen in photo "Colony Kids 15".
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Kids 17
Hewitts Photo Shop
Two colonist's sons, Jim and Bob Pippel, stand in a field of head-high grain in the Matanuska Valley.
Two young boys stand in a field of head-high grain in the Matanuska Valley.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Kids 18
Hewitts Photo Shop
A group on children riding in the back of a pickup truck are part of a float in the 1936 Palmer 4th-of-July parade.
A black pickup truck with several children riding in the back and a sign on the side identifying a 4-H club forms a float for the 1936 4th-of-July parade in Palmer. Two other automobiles are visible behind.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Kids 2
Hewitt's Photo Shop, Anchorage
People
Image shows a group of small children sitting on a rail in front of a rail car. Trees and mountains are visible in background.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Kids 20
Hewitts Photo Shop
A group of young children are gathered together in a grassy field to have their picture taken.
Children who had lived temporarily in tent camp #3 at Palmer are gathered later to have their picture taken. Visible behind them are a stand of trees, the Palmer water tower and mountains east of town.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Kids 3
Ruth Bailey
Gene Bailey & Jerry Yohn show white snowshoe rabbits they brought home from hunting
Image is of Colonist children Gene Bailey (left) and Jerry Yohn exhibiting snowshoe rabbits (varying hares) that their hunting will contribute to the family dinner tables.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Kids 4
Unknown
Colony kid, "Jr." Sjodin , sits on the porch of the tent serving as temporary family home while waiting for their permanent log home to be built on their land tract #98.
"Jr." Sjodin, sits on the porch of the tent that was the family home while waiting for their new home to be constructed on their land tract.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Kids 6
Unknown
Marian Frederick and pets, Colony barn in backround
Marian Frederick plays with pets, Frederick barn in background
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Kids 7
Unknown
Marian Frederick stands with her accordion
Marian Frederick stands with her accordion
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Kids 8
Unknown
A large group of small children stand with two adults
Two adults and a large group of small children
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Kids 9
Unknown
Three young boys, two holding a rifle and dead Hoary Marmot each.
Two young boys, one identified as Clarence Frederick, each hold a rifle and a dead Hoary Marmot. A third boy in middle ground looks on. The setting appears to be alpine country assumed to be the Hatcher Pass area north of Palmer.
Talkeetna Mountains north of the Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Colony Warehouse Fire 2
Unknown
The Colony warehouse in “Tent City” is burning
Image shows heavy white smoke rising from fire consuming the Colony warehouse in “Tent City”. Men are standing and observing. As well as goods stored in the warehouse, many important records and documents were lost to the fire, causing difficulty for many Colony families in establishing their true indebtedness to the corporation managing the project.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony kids home school
Associated Press
Teacher and Colony children doing school work at home
This is a slightly enhanced press photo. Image shows teacher Lorinda Ward seated at a kitchen table piled with books and two small boys seated next to her doing their school work. The boys are not identified. The setting is in a newly-constructed Colony log home.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Commissary Delivery Truck Driver
Louis Odsather
Commissary Truck & Driver
Image shows a man, identified as Bill Curtis, standing beside what is identified as the delivery truck for the Colony Commissary. An unidentified woman looks through the far window of the truck. Another woman is seen walking away to the right. The truck is parked in front of the Commissary building in Palmer.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 16
Hewitts Photo Shop
A man and woman sit reading newspapers in the community center dormitory living room
Image shows furniture and layout of the community center dormitory living room. A woman and a man sit reading newspapers.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 24
Hewitts Photo Shop
Ground is being filled and graded to begin construction of the Creamery and Cannery buildings.
A man on a Cat tractor and a man with a shovel backfill and grade the ground at the east end of Warehouse #1 in preparation for construction to begin on the Co-op Cannery and Creamery buildings. The rail spur tracks are visible beyond and several tents are apparent beyond that at the edge of the forest. One tent has a sign indicating it is storing gasoline. Three men and a truck are in front of three other tents
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 28
Des Moines Sunday Register
Women shoppers are walking from the Co-op store past parked cars with the store and Cannery building behind them.
Image is a view of the front of the Co-op Trading Post and west side of the Cannery building in 1945 with automobiles parked in the lot and women shoppers walking from the store.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 44
Ordway
Mechanics are working on automobile engines and parts in the east bay of the Co-op Garage.
Inside the Co-op Garage in Palmer's Community Center, mechanics overhaul and maintain the ARRC's fleet of automobiles and equipment as well as machines of the Colony members and others. This view shows mechanics attending to auto engines and parts on the work bench in the east bay of the garage.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 6
Unknown
Two people standing in front of a ARRC staff house, Manager's house and the Dorm under construction
Image shows a fall view of a ARRC Staff house, Manager's House, Dorm under construction and two people standing in foreground.
Palmer, Alaska
