Anchorage Air View 1
USDA Soil Conservation Service
Anchorage, Alaska
Image shows an oblique view of Anchorage looking west from above the Pine Street intersection with the Glenn Highway.
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage Air View 2
USDA Soil Conservation Service
Anchorage, Alaska
Image shows an oblique view of Anchorage looking west from above 3rd Avenue at about the intersection with Reeve Boulevard.
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage Air View 3
Unknown
Air view of Anchorage, Alaska
Image is an aerial view of Anchorage, Alaska taken from above Cook Inlet looking east over the Ship Creek valley and the city to snow-clad Chugach Mountains beyond. The photo appears to have been take sometime between 1953 and 1964.
Anchorage, 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
Buses 1
Hewitts Photo Shop
Eight buses of the Palmer school bus fleet are parked in a row in front of the Co-op creamery in Palmer.
Image is of the Palmer school bus fleet of eight buses parked in front of the creamery building across the street from the Palmer school. Part of the creamery building, the post office and the powerhouse smoke stack are visible behind. Two men stand near the far bus and children are visible in the near bus.
Palmer, Alaska
Cafe 1
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Interior view of the Frontier Café in Palmer
Image is an interior view of the Frontier Cafe in Palmer as it appeared about 1960.
Palmer, 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 16
Hewitts Photo Shop
People are gathered at a booth advertising "KING DODO" at the corner of what are now Evergreen Ave. and Alaska Street in Palmer during the 4th-of-July celebration in 1936. Several buildings are evident and people and cars are on the street.
People are gathering at the corner of what is now Alaska Street and Evergreen Ave. in Palmer during the 1936 Fourth-of-July celebration. Some people are walking on the gravel streets, a decorated car is on Alaska Street in front of the buildings. Many of the people appear to be watching some activity in a booth with a sign advertising "KING DODO" at the north end of the building along Evergreen Ave. A water tower structure is evident behind the corner building.
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 21
Hewitts Photo Shop
Young boys are preparing to run foot races during "Palmer Day" celebrations.
Young boys are gathered on the ball field east of the school building in preparation for foot races to be held as part of "Palmer Day" celebrations. Adults look on from behind and the east side of the school building and other building to the south form the background.
Palmer, Alaska
Celebration 28
Hewitts Photo Shop
Koslosky's store float participates in the Palmer 4th-of-July parade.
This image is of a 4th-of-July parade float consisting of a small flat-bed truck decked out with bunting and with five children visible on the back bed, two of whom are young maidens in bathing suits holding American flags. A banner arching overhead says "KOSLOSKY'S". Two unidentified people are in the truck cab.
Palmer, Alaska
Church 13
Mac's Photo Shop
Eklutna Russian Orothodox Church
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.
Eklutna, Alaska
Church 2
Unknown
Palmer First Church of God near completion in 1949
Image shows the First Church of God in Palmer with construction essentially complete.
Palmer, Alaska
Church 20
Elsie Havens
This old log St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox church, reputed to have been erected here in 1897, stands ready in this photo to continue accommodating services until the new church would be constructed nearby in 1962. The old church continues to be maintained as historically important.
This spring image features a foreground view of the west (front entrance) and south sides of the old St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church at Eklutna Native village. The building sits in a cleared area with heavy leafless birch and cottonwood forest in middle ground behind. A dark rounded mountain forms the near background beyond the trees with a snow-clad peak above in far background.
Eklutna, Alaska
Co-op Creamery 2
Unknown
Matanuska Valley Co-op Creamery Building with ARRC Car in front and Water Tower behind.
Image is a summer view of the Matanuska Valley Farmer’s Co-op Creamery building in Palmer with exterior construction essentially complete but with foundation work still under way. The water tower is visible behind and an ARRC car is in front. A man is visible working on a retaining wall.
Palmer, Alaska
Co-op Garage 3
Unknown
Community Center garage, to become known as the Co-op Garage, is nearing exterior completion
Palmer Community Center garage nearing exterior completion showing west side and south end
Palmer, Alaska
Co-op Garage 4
Unknown
Co-op Garage as it evolved into the 1940's. Several automobiles are parked adjacent, signs are evident, and the water tower is prominent.
The Co-op Garage as it evolved into the 1940's, including a gas station, signage and parking. Several automobiles are present as is the water tower evident behind.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Warehouse Fire 6
Unknown
The Matanuska Colony warehouse is being completely consumed by an early morning fire.
This is a westerly view of the early morning warehouse fire across the railroad tracks apparent in foreground. Men can be seen hurrying from left toward the fire. A tent is apparent at left. The fire has progressed to where most of the smoke is no longer dark and the structure is reduced to a skeleton of its timbers viewed against the light of the fire. Utility poles are apparent in middle ground.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 42
Unknown
The color view of part of the Community Center industrial complex indicates spring is coming to the valley.
A color easterly view from downtown Palmer features the water tower and the Co-op garage in middle ground and portions of other buildings behind. Water puddles in foreground and considerable remnant snow on the background mountains indicate early spring. White clouds frame the mountains with blue sky above. Bulk fuel tanks are partially visible at far left. Two fuel tank rail cars are visible below the water tower. Gas pumps are visible at the right and two trucks and a car are parked next to the garage. A man is walking along the foreground gravel street.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 43
Unknown
Business settles in to Palmer's Community Center in the 1940's surrounded by the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
This color view looking east at the corner of Valley Way and Elmwood Ave. show part of the Co-op garage at left foreground, the post office and parts of the school and other Community Center buildings. Several automobiles are parked along Elmwood (referred to then as "Market Street"). The eastern Chugach Mountains form the background, heavily snow-clad white under a clear blue sky. A woman is visible walking down the street.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 10
Unknown
Winter view of Palmer school and the dorm with major exterior construction largely complete but still proceeding plete and
Winter scene of the school and dorm with major construction apparently complete but finish work still proceeding
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 14
Hewitts Photo Shop
View from the Palmer water tower looking south over buildings of the community center and homestead clearings beyond.
Image is a southerly view from the water tower with the powerhouse smokestack in foreground, several buildings in middle ground and the future Chugach Street clearing through homestead fields and trees in background.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 19
Hewitts Photo Shop
An early spring view of the community center including the school, gym, dorm and some staff houses
An early spring easterly view of the Palmer community center including the school, gym, dorm, and some staff houses. Snow is still on the mountains in background but clear of the foreground.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 2
Anton Anderson
Southeasterly view over the Co-op warehouse and creamery, including the new schoolhouse and gym. Preparations for celebrating the first Matanuska Valley Fair are evident with streetside booths, a baseball field and livestock barns visible.
Oblique view looking southeast over the Co-op warehouse, creamery, the schoolhouse and gym. Preparations for celebrating the first Matanuska Valley Fair are evident with streetside booths, baseball field and livestock barns erected across the road at left. Homestead clearing and hay field in background.
Palmer, Alasaka
Community Center 3
Anton Anderson
The south rail spur into the industrial section of the community center is shown leading toward the warehouse and powerhouse, both with construction scaffolding in place.
Image shows the south rail spur into the industrial section of the community center, the warehouse and powerhouse still with construction scaffolding in place. The water tower is not yet under construction.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 30
Unknown
The view is of several Community Center buildings still under construction in fall of 1935.
This is a northeast view across a stubble field at Palmer Community Center buildings under construction, including the school, staff houses and the hospital. Lazy Mountain is prominent, and Byers Peak (Matanuska Peak) is visible in background.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 31
Unknown
The Community Center garage appears complete with several vehicles parked nearby, including two "cat" tractors. Foreground surface is roughly graded and no formal street is in place. The Powerhouse and Warehouse are partially visible.
A northerly view of the Community Center garage showing the south and west walls in fall of 1935. Several vehicles are evident including two "cat" tractors. Considerable disturbed ground is in foreground with no formal street established. Parts of the Warehouse and the Powerhouse are visible.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 39
Unknown
This aerial oblique view shows what the Co-op and surrounding area looked like in the early 1960's.
This is a high oblique aerial view of the Palmer Community Center Co-op complex and surrounding area seen from the northwest. The Co-op "Skater Girl" logo is visible on the water tower and the peaked roof om the school addition is not yet in place. Both the grain elevator and the silo are in place.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 4
Anton Anderson
Oblique south view from the water tower showing the new hospital school, Chugach street, a Colony staff house and smoke from the powerhouse smoke stack in foreground.
Image is a south view taken in summer 1936 from the newly-installed water tower. View includes the hospital, school, Chugach street, a Colony staff house and smoke from the powerhouse.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 40
Unknown
The image shows many of the Community Center buildings constructed by the fall of 1936.
This low oblique shows the new Trading Post in foreground, the school with construction scaffold still in place, the Dorm and Hospital beyond. The faded mountains in background exhibit a definite snow line indicating this is probably an early fall image.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 47
Unknown
A suprising amount of the industrial infrastructure necessary for the Colony's success is shown to be in place by the first winter.
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.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 48
Ordway
A two-horse team gives winter sleigh rides to people in Palmer's Community Center quad
This winter image looks east across the Palmer Community Center quad with a two-horse team pulling a sleigh with people aboard toward the camera in foreground. Two dogs and a boy are apparent near the sleigh. The new school building is visible in middle ground appearing to have the exterior construction largely complete but with scaffolding still in place. A man is visible standing at the peak of the school roof. At extreme left the gymnasium is partially visible through a cluster of trees. A small shed stands next to the trees. Two spruce trees and a lone birch tree stand isolated near the center of the quad with heavy forest in background beyond. The "Teacher's Dorm" building is partially visible at extreme right with heavy forest behind in middle ground. Snow-covered mountains dominate the background, looming over the view.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 5
Anton Anderson
Brush field and forest scene of the Colony Community Center in 1935 prior to any buildings being constructed
Image is of an east view across a brush field clearing with hand-written notation indicating the scene is the location of the Community Center in 1935 prior to any buildings being constructed.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 7
Unknown
Teacher Lucinda Ward stands in front of the temporary rail car school room and other Community Center buildings in fall 1935.
Teacher Lucinda Ward stands in front of Community Center buildings, including the warehouse at left, temporary rail car school room at center, and other buildings at right.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 8
Allen Frederick
Winter 1935-36, Marian & Charles stand in front of Palmer's new Post Office.
Marian and Charles Frederick stand in front of the new Post Office in Palmer's Community Center, winter of 1935-36.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 9
Unknown
Homestead clearing to soon be occupied by Matanuska Colony Community Center buildings
View of the homestead brush field that would soon be occupied by Matanuska Colony Community Center buildings.
Palmer, Alaska
Dr. C. Earl Albrecht
Unknown
Dr. Albrecht, Colony physician, writes a prescription for a Valley resident at a woodpile amid Colonist tents at Palmer.
Image is a winter scene showing Dr. C. Earl Albrecht, Matanuska Valley physician, standing beside a woodpile writing a prescription for a woman nearby. At his feet are two medical bags, one opened and exhibiting its contents while perched on the piled wood. Tents are in middle ground and a truck is partially visible behind the woman with a man standing next to it. Snow-clad Pioneer Peak is in background.
Palmer, Alaska
Drawing 3
Unknown
Colonists gather at the Headquarters tent in Palmer's "Tent City" to draw lots for a milk cow to add to their new farms.
Colonists assemble in Palmer's "Tent City" to draw lots for a milk cow furnished by the Corporation to be added to the new Colony farms.
Palmer, Alaska
Eska 1
Unknown
Community of Eska, Alaska
Image is a winter view of the coal-mining community of Eska located in the Matanuska River Valley north of Palmer, Alaska. A large residential or office building and several houses are visible. Power poles are evident. The land is cleared around the buildings with heavy forest beyond. Mountains are faintly visible in background.
Eska, Alaska
Eska 2
Unknown
Community of Eska, Alaska
Image is a winter view of the coal-mining community of Eska located in the Matanuska River Valley north of Palmer, Alaska. Numerous houses are visible. Power poles are evident. Many stumps are apparent in cleared land around the buildings with heavy forest beyond. Mountains are faintly visible in background.
Eska, Alaska
Fire Hall 1
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Palmer Fire Department headquarters viewed from W. Evergreen Ave. in 1955
Image is a summer street-side view from W. Evergreen Ave. of the Palmer Fire Department Fire Hall as it appeared in 1955.
Palmer, Alaska
Hatchery Incubators
Nichols
Workers unload incubators for installation in the new hatchery building
Image shows a winter scene of workers uncrating incubators for installation in the new poultry hatchery building in the community center of the Matanuska Colony Project in Palmer. The Colony warehouse and water tower are visible in background. Overhead electric lines are evident, dense forest is apparent at right and a truck is partially visible at left.
Palmer, Alaska
Hitching Rail on “Market Street”
Unknown
Horses stand at the hitching rail on “Market Street” (Now Dahlia Ave.) across from the Co-op garage in Palmer.
Image is a summer view of horses standing at the hitching rail on the street in Palmer originally referred to a “Market Street”, later designated as Dahlia Ave. The image shows the hitching rail was constructed from posts with a cable run through and between them. The area served as parking for automobiles as well as horses across from the Co-op garage, post office and trading post. Town buildings are visible beyond and power poles and lines are prominent.
Palmer, Alaska
Horton's Roadhouse Fire
Unknown
Smoke rising as Horton’s Roadhouse burned in 1946
Image is a view across the Community Center quad, west toward the commercial center buildings of Palmer as a large column of smoke rises from Horton’s Roadhouse as it burned in 1946. Numerous people and vehicles are visible. Also destroyed besides Horton's Roadhouse, or apartments, were Horton's Cafe, the Frontier Bar and the Frontier Liquor Store.
Palmer, Alaska
Hospital 6
Unknown
Fall view of the new Palmer hospital with the exterior largely complete
Image is a fall view of the new Palmer hospital showing the exterior largely complete
Palmer, Alaska
Hospital 8
Unknown
The photo shows exterior construction of Palmer's new hospital is essentially complete.
View is of the west side of the new Palmer Hospital showing that exterior construction is largely complete but with some scaffold still up, the entry steps are not yet in place, and gravel piles are still in the yard. A man stands at the entry at the top of the access ramp.
Palmer, Alaska
Hospital Tents 1
Nick Nichols
Tent City
Image is a view down a dirt street showing tents and two frame structures on the right in foreground and tents at left in middle ground. Large tents in center are medical facilities. The colony ambulance and “nurses car” is visible in front of one of the hospital tents. The American flag is visible on a pole over the complex.
Palmer, Alaska
Hospital Tents 2
Hewitts Photo Shop
Colony Hospital Tents
Image is a view of four tents with an American flag and a Red Cross flag flying on a pole overhead, identified as the Colony hospital tent complex.
Palmer, Alaska
Hotel 1
Trachers (Frachers ?) Photos
The Hyland Hotel in Palmer stands as it appeared circa the 1940's.
Image is of the south and east sides of Hyland's Hotel in Palmer. Painted white with dark trim, it stands next to another building behind to the west. A free-standing sign in front identifies it as "Hyland's Hotel". A 1940 era four-door car is parked near the front door.
Palmer, Alaska
Knik 1
Unknown
A family appears to be having an outing among the interesting old buildings of Knik.
This photo shows some buildings of the old, mostly abandoned community of Knik. The immediate foreground is covered with short grass and the main feature is a house of sorts at right foreground composed of an array of building materials and styles. Combining horizontal logs, wide vertical and horizontal planks, vertical boards of varying width, roof shakes and support posts, a two-roomed structure with a front porch stands on the bluff above the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet. Another more conventional wooden house is partially visible at right and behind the foreground structure. The roof of another house is partially visible over the bluff at extreme left and another dilapidated building is visible over the bluff at center left. Close inspection reveals a couple of adults and several children apparently having a picnic next to this structure. The mud flats and water of Knik Arm are indistinctly visible in middle ground and background with the south shore of the inlet visible in far background.
Knik, Alaska
Matanuska Railroad Station 1
Unknown (Possibly Plitt)
Matanuska Railroad Station
Image shows the track-side view of the Matanuska depot building looking south, with a semaphore signal pole on the left, both wood and concrete dock in foreground, a baggage cart, and a flower box with strings attached to the wall to support climbing flowers. No flowers are evident.
Matanuska, Alaska
Matanuska Railroad Station 2
Hewitts Photo Shop
Train engine and station house at Matanuska, Alaska
Image shows railroad tracks in foreground with a steam engine and the Matanuska depot in middle ground. Two automobiles are evident. A man is visible walking into the building and another man is evident in the cab of the engine. A water tower is visible in the background with trees beyond.
Matanuska, Alaska
Matanuska Townsite 1
Matanuska townsite buildings
Image is a northeast view of Matanuska townsite. Railroad tracks are in immediate foreground, numerous tents and buildings are in middle ground with trees and mountains beyond. Numerous signs are visible on buildings and several people are evident.
Matanuska, Alaska
Matanuska Townsite 2
Jackson
Stores along Matanuska's main street stand ready for business.
Image is a frontal oblique view of five buildings along Matanuska's main street. Signage identifies O.O. Krogh General Merchandise store and Post Office, and Allen's Liquor Store. A man and a tricycle stand on the boardwalk in front of Krogh's store.
Matanuska, Alaska
Matanuska Valley Air View 2
Johnston
Aerial oblique view across farm land southwest of Palmer, including Matanuska and the Matanuska Experiment Farm, across the Matanuska River to the mountains beyond
Image is an easterly low oblique aerial view across farm land southwest of Palmer, including Matanuska and the Matanuska Experiment Farm, across the Matanuska River to the mountains beyond. Bodenburg Butte is visible. Farms and forest clearing patterns, stump rows and roads are apparent.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Matanuska Valley Air View 3
Robinson
Aerial oblique view across farm land south of Palmer, including the City of Palmer, the Matanuska River and the Talkeetna Mountains in background.
Image is a northerly low oblique aerial view across farm land south of Palmer, including the City of Palmer and the Matanuska River to the Talkeetna Mountains beyond. Farms and forest clearing patterns, crop patterns and roads are apparent.
Matanuska Valley, Alaska
Matanuska Valley Air View 5
T.H. Day, USDA Soil Conservation Service
Matanuska Valley
Image is an oblique aerial view looking northwest across the Matanuska Valley with the braided channel of Matanuska River in foreground. The City of Palmer, Palmer Airport, and surrounding farms are evident beyond the river. Land clearing patterns are apparent. Talkeetna Mountains are in background.
Palmer, Alaska
Misc.-Coal Washery-002
Alaska Road Commission
The concrete foundation remains are all that are left of the large building in Sutton used to clean coal from the Chickaloon mines until its closure in 1922.
Railroad tracks of the Matanuska branch of the Alaska Railroad cross the foreground of this summer image. In middle ground stand the concrete ruins of the Sutton Coal Washery including low walls paralleling the tracks with a slightly elevated platform with concrete steps at far left. The upper story and roof of a building are partially visible above the wall at right middle ground and tall power poles are apparent in front of thick cottonwood forest forming the backdrop in near background.
Sutton, Alaska
Palmer Air View 10
Unknown
Color northerly aerial view of east Palmer to the Matanuska River
Image is a color aerial oblique view looking north across the east part of Palmer showing buildings, roads and farm land to the Matanuska River in background.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 11
Unknown
Northwesterly aerial view of Palmer and surrounding farm lands and forest
Image is an aerial oblique view looking northwesterly across the Community Center of Palmer showing buildings, roads and surrounding farm land and forest.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 12
Jackson
Northerly aerial view of Palmer and surrounding farm lands, forest and the Matanuska River
Image is an aerial oblique view looking northerly across Palmer showing buildings, roads and surrounding farm land, forest and Matanuska River.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 13
Unknown
Northerly aerial view of the Matanuska Colony “Tent City” at Palmer and surrounding farm lands, forest, Matanuska River and Talkeetna Mountains
Image is an aerial oblique view looking northerly across the Matanuska Colony “Tent City” at Palmer showing buildings, tents, roads, surrounding farm land, forest, Matanuska River and Talkeetna Mountains in background.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 14
Unknown
Aerial view of Palmer in the 1940’s
Image is a high oblique summer view of Palmer, Alaska looking northeast across the town to the Matanuska River and the base of Lazy Mountain. Local homesteads and other clearings within heavy forest are apparent as are roads, streets and community buildings.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 15
Hewitts Photo Shop
Aerial view of Palmer in the summer of 1935 with many of the colonist’s tents still present
Image is a high oblique view of Palmer in the summer of 1935 when it was often called “Tent City” because of all the tents in place housing the Colonists and others associated with the Matanuska Colony project. The numbers in evidence on the photo identify: #3-Trading Post; #4-Isolation Hospital; #5-General & Maternity Hospital; #6-Manager Don Irwin’s Residence. Homesteader John Bugge’s fields are in the lower right and other homestead clearings within the heavy forest are apparent.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 16
Hewitt's Photo Shop
Aerial view of Palmer, August 1935
Image is a black & white high oblique view including much of John Bugge’s homestead, the “Tent City” of Palmer, patches of cleared land and uncut forest. The “Wasilla road” is apparent to Bugge’s hill.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 17
Unknown
Aerial oblique view looking south over Palmer showing the city and surrounding area
Image is an oblique aerial summer view from above the Matanuska River looking south over Palmer and the surrounding area to the Matanuska River and the Chugach Mountains beyond.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 18
Unknown
Aerial oblique view looking northwest over Palmer showing part of the city and surrounding area
Image is an oblique aerial summer view looking northwest showing the Experiment Station research buildings in foreground, community center buildings, some of the Palmer commercial district and farm clearings beyond.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 19
Jim Balog
High oblique summer view of Palmer and the surrounding area
Image is a color summer aerial oblique view of Palmer and the surrounding area, including farm clearings, a portion of Matanuska River and north up the Matanuska River valley to Talkeetna Mountains in the background.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 20
Hewitts Photo Shop
A high oblique air view of Palmer taken in August, 1936 showing the the community center, commercial district and closely surrounding homesteads.
Image is a high oblique air view of Palmer in August 1936. The community center, west side commercial district and closely surrounding homesteads are shown.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 21
Hewitts Photo Shop
This vertical areal view of the commercial district of Palmer shows conditions as they appeared at a point about 1936.
This is a vertical aerial view of the commercial district of Palmer on the west side of the railroad tracks as it appeared about 1936. The street running from left to right near the bottom is currently named Colony Way and it intersects with Evergreen Ave. and the Palmer-Wasilla Highway running to the top of the picture. The photographer notated the photo upside down.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 22
Irvin Plitt
This air view shows the location of the proposed Palmer Drugstore building at the extreme right in front of the existing Kosloosky's store and the hotel.
This low oblique air view of Palmer, taken in early spring of 1949, looks west from over a portion of the community center and shows buildings and roads and conditions of a portion of the town at that time.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 23
Irvin Plitt
This air view shows the buildings, streets and conditions of the central area of Palmer, Alaska in spring of 1949.
This air view shows the Co-op complex and the Community Center quad in the lower portion of the photo. The fairgrounds are visible in upper left and the commercial district west of the railroad tracks is apparent at upper right. Site of the future Palmer Drugstore is partially visible at extreme right.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 24
Irvin Plitt
This air view shows the buildings, streets and conditions of the central area of Palmer, Alaska in spring of 1949.
This air photo is a northerly view across the Palmer community showing the railroad tracks and parallel street running from lower right to upper left. The fairgrounds are apparent at center right of the tracks with the Community Center and Co-op complex above. The Ketchikan Spruce Mills lumber yard is visible at lower left of the tracks with the business district above. Extensive scattered patches of snow are evident.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 25
Hewitts Photo Shop
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.
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.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 4
Associated Press
Aerial view of Palmer's "Tent City"
Image is a southerly oblique aerial view showing a cluster of tents at the Palmer townsite adjacent to the railroad line with patches of forest and fields in the foreground. Dense forest and the Matanuska River are in middle ground and snow-clad mountains are beyond.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 5
Unknown
Aerial view of Palmer
Image is an east-facing aerial oblique of Palmer and surrounding area including John Bugge’s homestead, the Palmer airport, Matanuska River and mountains beyond, including Lazy Mountain.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 6
Jack B. Anderson
Color aerial oblique view across Palmer and Matanuska River to Knik Glacier and mountains.
Image is an oblique southeasterly summer view across Palmer and the Matanuska River to Knik Glacier and snow-clad mountains beyond.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 7
Arville Schaleben
Oblique aerial view of Palmer “Tent City”
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.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 8
T.H. Day, USDA Soil Conservation Service
Matanuska Valley
Image is an oblique aerial view looking northwest across the Matanuska Valley with the City of Palmer in foreground. The fairgrounds and surrounding farms are evident. The Glenn Highway passing through Palmer, and the Palmer-Wasilla Road are evident. Land clearing patterns are apparent. Talkeetna Mountains are in background.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Air View 9
Unknown
Color southerly aerial view of Palmer and the Springer System to the Matanuska River and Bodenburg Butte beyond
Image is a color aerial oblique view looking south across part of Palmer to the Springer System farm land, the Matanuska River and Bodenburg Butte.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Buildings 1
Unknown
Palmer West View
Image is a west-facing view of tents and small buildings, some that served the Matanuska Colonists at Palmer during the early summer of 1935, some part of John Bugge’s homestead and other adjacent homesteads. The “Wasilla Road”, as it was called in Palmer, is prominent in foreground. A pole barn is evident in foreground, Bugge’s hay barn is visible in middle ground. Bugge’s fields are evident in background with forest beyond.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Buildings 2
Hewitts Photo Shop
This is the view of Palmer one would have in early summer of 1936 coming from the west on the "Wasilla road".
This image was taken on the "Wasilla road" looking east to the new school building nearing completion and the mountains beyond which still exhibit snow in sheltered areas. Buildings are apparent on both sides of the gravel road, Structures on the left were constructed in support of the early Matanuska Colony needs while buildings and water tower on the right are part of Palmer's growing private commercial district.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Business Section 1
Hewitts Photo Shop
Palmer Southwest Oblique View
Image is a summer low oblique view across the Co-op garage and storage yard, including the Railroad depot, the south end of Palmer business district, fields, hill and forest beyond.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Business Section 2
Hewitts Photo Shop
Palmer Southwest Oblique View
Image is a summer low oblique view across the Co-op garage, including the Railroad depot at center with a railroad car adjacent, the south end of Palmer business district, buses in foreground, numerous small buildings, fields, hill and forest beyond. Companion photo with “Palmer Business Section #1”.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Business Section 3
Hewitts Photo Shop
The new community is developing rapidly on both sides of the tracks.
View from the water tower looking southwest with the Co-op warehouse in foreground, the railroad depot in middle ground, the commercial business district and various cabins and tents across the tracks with forested hills beyond. Numerous cars and trucks are visible. Ties are laid for a rail extension at the right of the depot.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Depot 7
Unknown-Possibly Irv Plitt
Palmer Railroad Depot & Koslosky’s Store
Image shows the south end of the Palmer railroad depot and Koslosky’s department store across the street beyond. Automobiles parked in front of Koslosky’s are partly visible. The Valley Hotel under construction next to the store is partially visible. The hotel was constructed in 1946-47 & opened in 1948. Evidence of its partial completion identifies the photo date as probably 1947.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 001
Irvin Plitt
The basement hole for the Palmer Drug store is being excavated by a cat tractor.
This image looks across a gravel street in foreground at a large hole being excavated by a man on a cat tractor. The hole at the left and the dirt pile is at the right with the cat on the pile. Another man stands at center on the near side of the hole. A stake bed truck and two dump trucks are partially visible beyond the dirt pile. Koslosky"s Department Store, with attached Matanuska Valley Bank, is partially visible in middle ground across the street at left. The Valley Hotel is also visible in middle ground across the street. Two cars are parked on the street, one in front of the store and one in front of the bank. At extreme right in far middle ground is a Quonset hut.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 002
Irvin Plitt
The concrete block basement is complete and ready for construction of the wood frame Palmer Drug building on top.
The concrete block basement of the new Palmer Drug store is seen as complete in foreground with the brick chimney in place. Floor joists are in place ready for construction of the wood frame building on top. A temporary tool shed stands at extreme right near the end of the basement and a portable cement mixer is partially visible between the shed and basement. The north end of Koslosky's store containing the Matanuska Valley Bank is visible across the street at left and the Valley Hotel is across the street in center middle ground. Two cars are parked in front of the bank and a pickup truck is parked in front of the hotel. A Quonset Hut is partially visible to the right of the hotel. Scattered lumber and trash lie visible in near foreground.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 003
Irvin Plitt
The concrete block basement is complete and ready for construction of the wood frame Palmer Drug building on top.
The completed concrete block basement and brick chimney of the new Palmer Drug building are seen in foreground. A man stands next to the block wall apparently finishing the floor joists. Lumber and gravel piles cover the immediate foreground. A concrete mixer and a tool shed with a radial arm saw under the roof extension are near the basement at right center. The hotel is prominent in left and center middle ground. Two cars are parked across the street at far left and two men are visible near them. Mountains, some snow-covered, and white clouds are partially visible at right background.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 004
Irvin Plitt
The Palmer Drug building stands with exterior shiplap cladding apparently complete but with doors and windows yet to be added.
This summer view across a gravel street and parking area in foreground shows the south and east sides of the new Palmer Drug building in near middle ground, framed in shiplap with door and window openings framed but vacant. Koslosky's Store is partially visible in far middle ground across the street at left with two automobiles obviously parked in front.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 005
Irvin Plitt
The Palmer Drug building stands with exterior shiplap cladding apparently complete but with doors and windows yet to be added.
This summer view of the new Palmer Drug building across the gravel street in immediate foreground shows the south and west sides of the shiplap-clad structure. Holes for future doors and windows are evident with the corner cutout for the main entrance most apparent in the image center. Interior framing is partially visible through the wall openings.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 006
Irvin Plitt
The Palmer Drug building stands with exterior shiplap cladding apparently complete but with doors and windows yet to be added.
This view looks across the gravel main street of Palmer to the west side of the new Palmer Drug building under construction in foreground. Shiplap siding with large openings for future doors and windows allow views into interior wall studs. Portions of the railroad depot are visible in middle ground beyond, in addition to a boxcar and flatcar with a small building and a car on board at right. Pioneer Peak is partially visible at right in the background. A tall power pole is apparent at right middle ground as well as a short telephone pole beside the rail line.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 007
Irvin Plitt
The Palmer Drug store is open for business after dark and patron's cars are parked along the south side near the entrance.
This summer image is a nighttime view of the south and west sides of the Palmer Drug building. The interior lights are illuminated so the interior is partially visible. The "Palmer Drug" sign above the corner entrance is lit and prominent. Five sedan automobiles are parked in foreground next to the south wall.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 008
Irvin Plitt
The Palmer Drug store and Smiley's Mens Wear are open for business after dark and patron's cars are parked along the south side of the building near the drugstore entrance.
This summer night view shows the west side of the Palmer Drug building with the main street in foreground. Two businesses occupying the building are identified with electronic overhead signs. "Smiley's Mens Wear" occupies the left part of the building and "Palmer Drug" is housed in the right side. Interior lights are illuminated so merchandise is visible. Three cars parked near the drugstore entrance are visible at right.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 009
Irvin Plitt
"Smiley's Mens Wear" displays a comprehensive selection of clothing for men.
This image shows some of the merchandise displayed in "Smiley' Mens Wear" shop located in the north portion of the Palmer Drug building. A large selection of men's clothing is apparent.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 010
Irvin Plitt
The interior of the drugstore is fully stocked and ready for business.
This interior view of the Palmer Drug store shows the soda fountain with the large south-side window behind. The back door is visible at left. Considerable merchandise is displayed on small shelves in foreground.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 011
Irvin Plitt
The interior of the Palmer Drug store displays a vast array of merchandise.
This interior view of the Palmer Drug shows merchandise on display and the soda fountain at right. The back door on the south wall is at left center.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 012
Irvin Plitt
The interior of the Palmer Drug store displays a vast array of merchandise.
This view of the interior of the Palmer Drug looks across a fully stocked merchandise display toward the double front doors at left. Every surface appears to support objects for sale.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Drug 013
Irvin Plitt
The interior of the Palmer Drug store displays a vast array of merchandise.
This view of the interior of the Palmer Drug store looks from the soda fountain in the front to the photo counter in the back. A vast array of merchandise crowds the display counters and shelves.
Palmer, Alaska
