Old Main School drawing on display at Fairbanks City Hall
A couple years ago I produced a pen and ink drawing of Old Main School, which is now Fairbanks City Hall. The City purchased the drawing and it is now on display outside the...
Wheelmen pedaled winter trails during Yukon and Alaska gold rushes
Drawing of gold rush-era wheelman based on photo from Selid-Bassoc collection, University of Alaska Fairbanks Archives Many people view winter biking as a recent phenomenon. However, bicycles came north with gold-seekers over 100 years...
The changing fortune of Old Chatanika, Alaska
Old Chatanika cabin in 1994 In 1902 Felix Pedro washed gold out of Cleary Creek about 25 miles northeast of Fairbanks. Relatively few miners worked the creeks near Fairbanks in 1902, and it wasn’t...
Marge Gull painting of Piledriver Roadhouse, 30 miles from Fairbanks
Another painting by Alaska artist, Marguerite “Marge” Gull. This one is of Piledriver Roadhouse, which used to be located along Chena Slough (now Piledriver Slough) south of Fairbanks. This roadhouse was located approximately...
The Northward Building still stands out in downtown Fairbanks
The Northward Building in 2014 In 1950 Fairbanks, Alaska was still a modest little town of small frame houses and log cabins. The city’s business district, fronting on the Chena River, pretty much fit...
Marge Gull painting of Byler’s Roadhouse, 18 miles from Fairbanks
Another painting by Alaska artist, Marguerite “Marge” Gull. This is of Byler’s Roadhouse, which used to be located along the old Valdez-Trail near present-day North Pole. The roadhouse was established in about 1907 by...
Old cabin at Byers Lake is a reminder of Alaska’s trapping heritage
Red and Marydith Beeman’s cabin at Byers Lake in 2011 Just a few minutes walk from Byers Lake campground, which is near Mile 138 of the Parks Highway, lies the picturesque remains of an...
Interior Sketches II books arriving soon!
The launch of my new book, “Interior Sketches II, More ramblings around Interior Alaska historic sites,” is only a few weeks away! This second book in my “Interior Sketches” series will feature an additional...
Patty House in Fairbanks, Alaska is a testament to city’s coming of age
Patty House in 2009 The 1¾ story house at 909 Sixth Ave. is very much a product of its time. Referred to as the Patty House, it was built in 1937, several years...
A modern Alaska artist helps preserve Chitina history
Spirit Mountain Artworks (old tin shop) in the 1990s Emil Goulet moved to Alaska in 1931 looking for work. He stopped in Chitina on his travels, and in his book, Rugged Years on the...
