Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

David Reamer

@anchistorian.bsky.social

1.3K followers 200 following 2.5K posts

Historian with daily Alaska history posts & weekly column (https://www.adn.com/author/david-reamer/). Black Lives in Alaska (2022) co-author & 2023 co-Alaska Historian of the Year. Support at Buy Me a Coffee (https://buymeacoffee.com/davidreamer).

www.adn.com

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 5h

1947 pictorial map of Anchorage. Among many things, note the old downtown ballpark, Providence Hospital before it moved to its current location in 1962, downtown ski jump, and proposed spot for a new international airport. #alaskahistory #alaska #anchoragehistory

1 1 12

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 7h

Sunshine Plaza on 4th Ave in Anchorage, opened in 1977 and looked about the same as now. When self-styled McDonalds founder Ray Kroc saw the building, he said "The mayor should be tarred and feathered for allowing that." #alaskahistory #anchoragehistory #alaska

1 10

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 10h

Dying . . . no, salad was never their big thing.

1 1

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 10h

Undated label from a Matanuska Maid "Tossed Salad Bowl." As one does in Alaska. Matanuska Maid closed in 2007. #alaskahistory #alaska

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 13h

1934 Merrill Field at Anchorage. That road is 5th Avenue. This is from the National Archives, an unbelievably massive, free to use repository of material. My latest article walks you through sample of rare Anchorage views (www.adn.com/alaska-l...). #alaskahistory #alaska

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 1d

This Aug 9, 1948 Anchorage area aerial view features Fireweed Lane and the since drained Blueberry Lake in what is now midtown, Barnes & Noble/Walmart area. In my latest article, I share more old Anchorage photographs & where you can find them yourself (www.adn.com/alaska-l...).

1 5

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 1d

This Sep 7, 1948 Anchorage area aerial view features a nascent Spenard, centered between Fireweed and Northern Lights (then the Woronzof Road). In my latest article, I share more midcentury Anchorage photographs and where you can find them yourself (www.adn.com/alaska-l...).

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 1d

In my latest Anchorage Daily News article, I share and discuss one of the most useful historical resources--the National Archives--via ten rare views of midcentury Anchorage, perspectives that you've probably never seen before.

Anchorage as you’ve probably never seen her: 10 midcentury photos from the National Archives, Part I

From Anchorage’s boom in the 1940s to its changing face in the aftermath of the 1964 earthquake, these images help tell the story of the city’s 20th-century development.

www.adn.com

1 9

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 1d

1934 aerial view of Anchorage. Note how 5th Avenue ends in the east. And the downtown baseball field. This is from the National Archives. My article posting later today is about even rarer views of Anchorage and a reminder to exploit resources like this. #alaskahistory #alaska

1 9

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 1d

Halloween time for kids in 1982 Valdez. Via Valdez Museum. #alaskahistory #alaska #halloween

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 2d

A couple of "Wild About Anchorage" production cels are currently up for bid at Heritage Auctions. This campaign began in May 1981 and ran for many years and was infamously played more in Anchorage than out. (comics.ha.com/itm/an...) #alaskahistory #alaska

1 9

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 2d

"Leveling the Hills of Seattle to Put Up Skyscrapers" from the 1907 book, Art Work of Seattle and Alaska.

1 4

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 2d

Ah, not 1970. 1907.

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 2d

"Juneau, Showing Douglas Island in the Distance" from the 1970 book, Art Work of Seattle and Alaska. #alaskahistory #alaska #juneau

1 4 17

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 2d

2002 "Skin Boat, Pt. Barrow, Alaska" by photographer Linda Walsh. Via Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. #alaskahistory #alaska

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 3d

Oh thats so cool!

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 3d

Late 1980s "Vertical Rush" Alaska sweatshirt. Via ebay, not my listing (ebay.us/m/EyjTtX). #alaskahistory #alaska

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 3d

1984 Cal Worthington Ford of Anchorage commercial, this time with a bull as his dog Spot. Like a lot of his later commercials, this one splices together old clips with newer footage of him and the cars. #alaskahistory #alaska #anchoragehistory

1 2 6

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 3d

Oct 1984 NBA hall of famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Bill Walton in action at Anchorage's Sullivan Arena. There were NBA exhibitions here at the Buckner Fieldhouse (1982) & the Sullivan (1983-85). After 1982, the games failed to sellout, even w/ stars playing. #alaskahistory #alaska

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 3d

Did you know oral sex was illegal in Alaska from 1915 to 1971? Officially, it was "unnatural carnal copulation by means of the mouth," and there are a few instances when it was enforced. In 1918, AD Sweet of Anchorage was sentenced to two years in prison. #alaskahistory #alaska

1 1 9

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 3d

Oct 10, 1967, St Louis Hawks played the Seattle Supersonics in Anchorage, the first NBA game here. Locals complained about the $5 ticket price ($50 today), & the game didn't sell out. Several HOFers participated, including Lenny Wilkins. #alaskahistory #anchoragehistory #alaska

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 4d

Color ones are by the late Stephen Cysewski.

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 4d

No dogs, but 1965 and 1977, maybe same one repurposed as an srtmobile.

2 4

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 4d

Late 19th century 4-piece silverware set by Tlingit artist Silver Jim Jacobs (Yéilnaawú, Kichshaak), (1846-1941). Via Hood Museum at Dartmouth. #alaskahistory #alaska

1 10

David Reamer @anchistorian.bsky.social · 4d

Making sure I quote Sir Mix A Lot--and not that one song you're thinking of--in my portion of this event tomorrow. It's an important etymological example.