Anchorage Area 1930-1939

Anchorage Area 1930-1939. . , In the early 1930's, Anchorage was accessible by rail or air, but any travel outside the city was expensive and slow. The only roads out of the city were the rough road to Spenard Lake and a 22 mile loop north of town. After the first light snows, most cars were stored for the winter. Snow removal often consisted of pushing the snow from the sidewalks into the streets, where it remained until break-up. At break-up the streets would often be closed for 2 weeks or until the mud had dried enough to make driving possible., In May 1935, as part of FDR's New Deal, the first Matanuska Valley colonists arrived in Anchorage. These experienced farmers and their families had journeyed by train from the mid-west, steamer from Seattle to Seward and train from Seward to Anchorage. They were met at the train station by Anchorage citizens, feted at dinners and parties before they continued their train journey to their new homes., Air transportation improved. Star Airways, later to become Alaska Airlines, owned 15 of the 39 planes in Anchorage. Anchorage residential neighborhoods were expanding south, past the airstrip at 9th Avenue. A new airfield was needed. Planning for Merrill Field, east of the city, began in 1929. When completed, it included a beacon and a landing tower. Merrill Field became one of the busiest airports for civilian air traffic in the country. Even after Merrill Field was completed, the landing strip between 9th and 10th Avenues was used. Planes and local golf enthusiasts competed for it's use.., The 4th Avenue business district expanded. A new Federal Building was completed in 1937, a new post office, 2 banks, many small shops, restaurants, movie theaters and grocery stores formed the core of the business district. In 1939, the population was about 3500 people., Military build-up began in the late 1930's. Anchorage was chosen as a major operational base because of it's strategic location. Merrill Field was used by the military until Elmendorf Army Air Base was completed in 1940. Fort Richardson was completed a few years later., [Photo captions, clockwise from bottom left, read] , A. Late 1930's. The road from Anchorage to Palmer, B. Late 1930's. Colonists farm the Matanuska Valley, C. Winter hunting near Anchorage, D. Late 1930's. 4th Avenue, E. Airfield and golf course. 9th Avenue and E Street, looking south, F. Freight service from the original airfield at 9th Avenue, G. Late 1930's. Passenger service from Merrill Field, H. Early 1930's. Merrill Field, I. Dog taxi., J. Late 1930's. Winter travel south of Anchorage, K. Alaska State flag designed by Benny Benson, L. Fishing tender and cannery at the mouth of Ship Creek