Creator
Don Irwin
Time Period
1901-1936
Entries
75

Irwin Collection

Richard Estelle
Palmer Museum of History and Art
Open Finding Aid
About the​​​ 
Irwin Collection

Don Irwin was the Director of the Matanuska Experiment Station when the Matanuska Colony arrived at Palmer. He became the first Manager of the Colony and later served in that position a second time. He continued to live in the Valley for many years. The Irwin collection includes over 2,500 photo prints, slides, negatives, lantern slides and documents relating to the Colony project and activity at the Matanuska Experiment Farm.

Thumbnails
List
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.
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.
Image shows the front and south side of the log community hall constructed soon afer the Matanuska Colonists settled the area around the Bodenburg Butte. A portion of the Butte is visible behind the building as is one of the typical colony tents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Image is a winter view of the United Protestant Church in Palmer under construction. Several men are visible applying roof boards on the log structure. Birch trees are in foreground with snow on the ground.
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.
Image is a summer view of the Matanuska Valley Farmer’s Co-op Creamery building in Palmer with three vehicles in front. The water tower is visible behind and the powerhouse is partially visible at left.
Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. A bus is apparent in foreground with two passengers visible inside, two other men are nearby. A power pole is in foreground and the American flag flies on a tall pole over the building. Tents are partially visible. Heavy forest forms a backdrop behind.
Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. The American flag flies on a tall pole over the building. A low log fence encloses the yard. Tents are apparent on both sides of the building. Heavy forest forms a backdrop behind.
Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. A low log fence encloses the front yard. A tent is partially visible at right.
Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. The American flag flies above the building on a high mast. A tent is partially visible at left and a man is standing nearby.
Image is a late summer view of a colony barn, well house and house with heavy cottonwood and birch forest beyond. A field of vegetables is at right with evidence that some crops have been harvested. The front of a truck is visible next to the barn. A horse is lying on the ground at right foreground. The farmstead is identified as that of Colonists Walt and Melva Pippel on tract #106 near Palmer, Alaska.
Image is a late summer view of a Colony log home, a barn under construction, and harvested hay stacked on stakes to dry in foreground. Scattered birch and cottonwood trees are in foreground and middle ground with heavy forest as the backdrop.
Image is of a Colony farmstead showing the house, barn and outbuildings in middle ground with a fence and numerous haystacks in foreground. Birch and spruce forest forms the backdrop.
Image is a summer view of a colony house, barn and well house. The barn roof is under construction. A field of cabbage is in foreground. The farmstead is identified as that of Colonists Walt and Melva Pippel on tract #106 near Palmer, Alaska.
Image is a summer view of a colony house with a colony barn beyond. A field of cabbage is in foreground. The farmstead is identified as that of Colonists Walt and Melva Pippel on tract #106 near Palmer, Alaska.
Image shows a Colony home under construction. Homes not built of logs were referred to by the government as “cottages”. Two men are visible working on scaffolding on the outside of the house. Considerable debris is apparent in the yard.
Image shows a Colony home under construction. Homes not built of logs were referred to by the government as “cottages”. Three men are visible with scaffolding on the outside of the house. Lumber and considerable debris are apparent in the yard. Heavy forest is the backdrop.
Image is of a completed Colony “Cottage with heavy birch forest as the backdrio.
Image is of a completed Colony “Cottage”. A grindstone and washing hanging on a line are visible at right. Birch forest is the backdrop.
Image is a heavily wooded setting with a rough access roadway through stump piles leading to a partially visible vertical-log house with smoke coming from the chimney. In front of the house is a partially constructed log structure and to the right is a tent. Scattered snow on the ground may indicate the image was made in early winter.
Image is a view across a field of row crops to a log house in middle ground. An automobile is parked next to the house. At right in background, two buildings which appear to be a house and a tent, are partially visible on an adjacent farm. Mountains are faintly visible in background with Lazy Mountain appearing beyond the adjacent farm
Image is of a log home with two men on scaffolding conducting finish work on the outside.
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.
Image shows an old log cabin in foreground with a tent behind and a portion of a new colony house at right. A grindstone is visible near the tent. Heavy forest is the backdrop.
Image shows an old log cabin in middle ground with a new colony house just behind and at right. Lumber and other wood is in foreground. Heavy forest is the backdrop.
Image is of the log home of Colonists Joseph and Blanche Puhl located a half mile north of Palmer on tract #99. Exterior is complete. Lumber, wood, stumps and brush in the yard. Birch trees behind.
Image is of the log home of Colonists Joseph and Blanche Puhl located a half mile north of Palmer on tract #99. Exterior is complete. Lumber and stumps in the yard. Birch trees behind.
Image is of a log house, identified as belonging to John and Magdalene Lake on tract #73. Two men are standing in front. Exterior construction appears to be complete with the yard largely cleaned up. A grindstone is visible behind the house. Trees are behind at left and Lazy Mountain is faintly visible in background at the right
Image is of a log house, identified as cabin #137. Exterior construction appears to be complete with many stumps, lumber and barrels in the yard. Heavy birch forest is a close backdrop.
Image is of a log house, identified as cabin #137. Exterior construction appears to be complete with many stumps and lumber in the yard. Laundry hangs on a clothes line. A man is visible at left. Heavy birch forest is a close backdrop
Image is of a log house, identified as cabin #100. Exterior construction appears to be complete with a small pile of lumber in a mostly clear yard. Scattered birch trees surround the house.
Image is of a log Colonist home, identified as cabin #19. Exterior is complete, yard still to be cleaned up. A man stands on the steps outside the door. Birch trees and a hillside are behind.
Image shows heavy dark smoke rising from fire consuming the Colony warehouse in “Tent City”. Men are walking past and observing.
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.
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.
Image is of a man, identified as trapper Ed Ueeck, wearing wolverine mittens and holding a rifle. Mr. Ueeck was a resident of Palmer for many years and trapped around the Sheep Mountain area at the head of Matanuska River. He is the subject of a book, “The Man From Sheep Mountain”, by his nephew Kim A. Ueeck.
Image shows wind-deposited soil exposed in a cut bank along the Glenn Highway about 1-1/2 miles north of Palmer. Once exposed by the road cut, the wind has eroded the soil, exposing tree trunks and roots that were buried when the fine soil was originally deposited by the Matanuska River wind years before.
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.
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.
Image depicts a man riding a grain binder pulled by a two horse team with grain shocks in the foreground, buildings of the Matanuska Experiment Farm in near background, with Pioneer Peak & other Chugach Mountains beyond.
This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots are in the foreground. The barn, silo & other buildings of the farm are beyond.
This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots are on level ground. The photo is taken from Trunk Road with the roadside fence and gate to the plots in the foreground. Trunk road is shown ascending the hill above the plots.
This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots of corn in the foreground.
This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots and newly cleared land beyond.
This image shows two unidentified women and Father Merrill Sulzman, Palmer Catholic priest, standing in a bean field in front of the barn and other buildings of the Matanuska Experiment Farm near Matanuska, Alaska. They appear to be in the process of picking beans.
Image shows a team of two white horses hitched to a mower in a field of hay in the process of being mowed. Sitting on the mower is a woman in a dress and sweater, holding the reins.
Image shows a large three story wooden building identified as the “Fishhook Inn” with a gravel road in front, a small building behind and a mountain in background. The first Roadhouse/ Inn at this site on the road up to the Hatcher Pass gold mines is thought to have been constructed in 1916. It apparently burned or was torn down in fall of 1937 when it was re-built and operated as the “Little Su Roadhouse” until 1942. Burning again in 1943, it was re-built and expanded, operating as the “Mother Load Lodge” until several years prior to 2015 when the empty structure was destroyed by fire once more.
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.
Photo is a color image of a man, identified as homesteader “Ty” Wilson standing in a gravel area with trees behind.
Photo is a color image of a woman, identified as homesteader Ann Wilson standing among bushes and flowers, a blue vehicle is partially visible behind and trees beyond. Ann and her husband “Ty” homesteaded on Fairview Loop south of Wasilla, Alaska.
Photo is a color image of two men, identified as homesteaders “Ty” Wilson and “Mac” McHenry at the front of a black automobile. Both men homesteaded in the Fairview Loop area south of Wasilla, Alaska. The photo was taken at Fish Creek near Knik, Alaska. Wet socks and boots in the photo may indicate they had been fishing.
Photo is a color image of four people, identified as homesteader “Mac” McHenry, Estella Irwin, Louis Odsather and homesteader Ann Wilson. A black automobile is behind and fishing gear is evident. The photo was taken at Fish Creek near Knik, Alaska.
Image is of three young boys hanging around the front of a wood frame building. A sign on the front of the building reads: “ISOLATION WARD KEEP OUT”. Two bed spring frames lean against the front of the building and a tent is partially visible at right.
Image shows a summer view of men operating a pile driver placing timbers for construction of a highway bridge over the Knik River to connect the road between Palmer and Anchorage.
Image shows a winter view of men operating a pile driver placing timbers for construction of a highway bridge over the Knik River to connect the road between Palmer and Anchorage
Image is a summer view of a panel truck with MATANUSKA MAID lettered on the side, parked next to a building with Lazy Mountain visible in background.
Image is a winter view down into the creek bottom showing cabins and other buildings associated with the Premier coal mine on Moose Creek about ten miles north of Palmer. Foot trails are visible descending the far stream bank from flat land above.
Image shows a woman, identified as Miss Pearl Williams, Red Cross Nurse, in a cart pulled by a white horse. Cottonwood and spruce forest is the backdrop.
Image is of Mr. & Mrs. O.O. Krogh, merchants of the community of Matanuska, standing in the doorway of their store. The front of the frame store is prominent with large glass display windows capped with smaller decorative windows, and “O.O. KROGH.” painted above.
Image is a winter view of the Palmer Railroad Depot under construction with the wall framing in place and long boards leaning up against the walls on both sides. Portions of other buildings are visible.
Image is a winter view of the Palmer Railroad Depot under construction with the wall framing in place and long boards leaning up against the walls on both sides. A pile of lumber is in foreground, a rail car is in foreground at left, the co-op garage is visible at right.
Image is a summer view of the west side of the Palmer Railroad Depot. Construction is continuing on expanding the warehouse at the north end of the building and on the small addition at the south end. The water tower is evident as are portions of other Co-op buildings. Lazy Mt. and other mountains are in background.
Image is a winter scene of the south end of the Palmer railroad depot. A train engine is at the left and the Co-op garage building is partially visible at right.
Image shows people gathered on the main commercial street of Palmer in what appears to be a 4th of July celebration in 1938. Koslosky’s first store is advertised and other buildings are prominent. Bunting is displayed and automobiles are parked on the street.
Image is of automobiles, tents and other buildings of “Tent City” in the earliest days of the Colony establishment at Palmer. A man is seen walking on the street. Power poles are evident.
Image is a winter easterly view from Bugge’s Hill across John Bugge’s homestead field with a frozen melt-water pond in foreground and several children skating. Bugge’s homestead buildings and Palmer buildings are in middle ground with snow-clad mountains in background.
Image prominently shows the water tower under construction in middle ground. At least two people are visible on the tower and additional tower parts are visible on the ground. A tent is in foreground who’s function is undetermined. The wood door holds a sign proclaiming “Beans, Rice, Hominy, Salt, Peas, and R-Oats”. Above the door is an “OFFICE” sign. A window space next to the door, and an outside shelf suggest items may have been dispensed here. A slotted box below the shelf had an unknown function.
Two men, identified as transient laborers associated with the Matanuska Colony project, pause in their job of clearing land of trees to make way for construction of Colony development. One man holds a bow saw, also called as “Swede Saw”, the other holds an ax.
Image shows a row of horse-drawn grain binder machines in Palmer waiting to be made available to colony farmers when they became needed for harvesting as the Colonists produced grain crops. Tents and other buildings of the “Tent City” are visible behind the binders.
Image is of a tent with signs on the front indicating it held offices of “Mr. Carr, U.S. Commissioner” and “Mr. Sheely, U.S. Marshal”. A portion of an automobile is visible beside the tent to the right.
Image is of a man perched atop tent poles at the ridge pole while he wires the chimney pipe to the ridge pole to secure it.
No items found.
No items found.
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.
Title

4-H Club Float 2

Creator

Hewitts

Subject

Children riding in the back of a pick-up truck with a 4-H banner in the July 4th parade

Description

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.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

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.
Title

Bert Bingle 1

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Rev. Bert Bingle, Presbyterian minister at Palmer

Description

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.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows the front and south side of the log community hall constructed soon afer the Matanuska Colonists settled the area around the Bodenburg Butte. A portion of the Butte is visible behind the building as is one of the typical colony tents.
Title

Butte Community Hall 1

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Community hall near Bodenburg Butte

Description

Image shows the front and south side of the log community hall constructed soon afer the Matanuska Colonists settled the area around the Bodenburg Butte. A portion of the Butte is visible behind the building as is one of the typical colony tents.

Location

Beside Bodenburg Butte Lp near Bodenburg Butte in the Matanuska Valley, Alaska

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.
Title

Carnival 1

Creator

Unknown

Subject

“Miss Matanuska”, Virginia Berg, on a parade float at the Fairbanks Winter Carnival

Description

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.

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

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.
Title

Carnival 2

Creator

Unknown

Subject

“Miss Matanuska”, Virginia Berg of Palmer, on a parade float at the Fairbanks Winter Carnival

Description

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.

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

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.
Title

Carnival 3

Creator

Unknown

Subject

“Miss Matanuska”, Virginia Berg of Palmer, entrant in the Queen contest at the Fairbanks Winter Carnival royal court

Description

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.

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

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.
Title

Carnival 4

Creator

Unknown

Subject

“Miss Matanuska”, Virginia Berg of Palmer, entrant in the Queen contest at the Fairbanks Winter Carnival Royal Court

Description

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.

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

Image is a winter view of the United Protestant Church in Palmer under construction. Several men are visible applying roof boards on the log structure. Birch trees are in foreground with snow on the ground.
Title

Church Construction 2

Creator

Unknown

Subject

United Protestant Church under construction in Palmer

Description

Image is a winter view of the United Protestant Church in Palmer under construction. Several men are visible applying roof boards on the log structure. Birch trees are in foreground with snow on the ground.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

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.
Title

Co-op Creamery 2

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Matanuska Valley Co-op Creamery Building with ARRC Car in front and Water Tower behind.

Description

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.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a summer view of the Matanuska Valley Farmer’s Co-op Creamery building in Palmer with three vehicles in front. The water tower is visible behind and the powerhouse is partially visible at left.
Title

Co-op Creamery 3

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Matanuska Valley Co-op Creamery Building

Description

Image is a summer view of the Matanuska Valley Farmer’s Co-op Creamery building in Palmer with three vehicles in front. The water tower is visible behind and the powerhouse is partially visible at left.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. A bus is apparent in foreground with two passengers visible inside, two other men are nearby. A power pole is in foreground and the American flag flies on a tall pole over the building. Tents are partially visible. Heavy forest forms a backdrop behind.
Title

Colony Construction Headquarters 1

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Matanuska Colony construction headquarters building

Description

Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. A bus is apparent in foreground with two passengers visible inside, two other men are nearby. A power pole is in foreground and the American flag flies on a tall pole over the building. Tents are partially visible. Heavy forest forms a backdrop behind.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. The American flag flies on a tall pole over the building. A low log fence encloses the yard. Tents are apparent on both sides of the building. Heavy forest forms a backdrop behind.
Title

Colony Construction Headquarters 2

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Matanuska Colony construction headquarters building

Description

Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. The American flag flies on a tall pole over the building. A low log fence encloses the yard. Tents are apparent on both sides of the building. Heavy forest forms a backdrop behind.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. A low log fence encloses the front yard. A tent is partially visible at right.
Title

Colony Construction Headquarters 3

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Matanuska Colony construction headquarters building

Description

Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. A low log fence encloses the front yard. A tent is partially visible at right.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. The American flag flies above the building on a high mast. A tent is partially visible at left and a man is standing nearby.
Title

Colony Construction Headquarters 4

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Matanuska Colony construction headquarters building

Description

Image shows the first log building constructed by the transient workers employed to build the new buildings associated with the Matanuska Colony. The building was thought to have been disassembled and reassembled as a training exercise for the workers, and then served as the headquarters for the rest of the construction activities. The American flag flies above the building on a high mast. A tent is partially visible at left and a man is standing nearby.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a late summer view of a colony barn, well house and house with heavy cottonwood and birch forest beyond. A field of vegetables is at right with evidence that some crops have been harvested. The front of a truck is visible next to the barn. A horse is lying on the ground at right foreground. The farmstead is identified as that of Colonists Walt and Melva Pippel on tract #106 near Palmer, Alaska.
Title

Colony Farm 10

Creator

Thomas Kodagraph

Subject

Pippel Colony Farm

Description

Image is a late summer view of a colony barn, well house and house with heavy cottonwood and birch forest beyond. A field of vegetables is at right with evidence that some crops have been harvested. The front of a truck is visible next to the barn. A horse is lying on the ground at right foreground. The farmstead is identified as that of Colonists Walt and Melva Pippel on tract #106 near Palmer, Alaska.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a late summer view of a Colony log home, a barn under construction, and harvested hay stacked on stakes to dry in foreground. Scattered birch and cottonwood trees are in foreground and middle ground with heavy forest as the backdrop.
Title

Colony Farm 16

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Colony farm of Joe & Blanche Puhl

Description

Image is a late summer view of a Colony log home, a barn under construction, and harvested hay stacked on stakes to dry in foreground. Scattered birch and cottonwood trees are in foreground and middle ground with heavy forest as the backdrop.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of a Colony farmstead showing the house, barn and outbuildings in middle ground with a fence and numerous haystacks in foreground. Birch and spruce forest forms the backdrop.
Title

Colony Farm 18

Creator

Thomas Kodagraph

Subject

A Colony farmstead house, barn and outbuildings with haystacks and fence in foreground

Description

Image is of a Colony farmstead showing the house, barn and outbuildings in middle ground with a fence and numerous haystacks in foreground. Birch and spruce forest forms the backdrop.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is a summer view of a colony house, barn and well house. The barn roof is under construction. A field of cabbage is in foreground. The farmstead is identified as that of Colonists Walt and Melva Pippel on tract #106 near Palmer, Alaska.
Title

Colony Farm 8

Creator

Thomas Kodagraph

Subject

Pippel Colony farm

Description

Image is a summer view of a colony house, barn and well house. The barn roof is under construction. A field of cabbage is in foreground. The farmstead is identified as that of Colonists Walt and Melva Pippel on tract #106 near Palmer, Alaska.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a summer view of a colony house with a colony barn beyond. A field of cabbage is in foreground. The farmstead is identified as that of Colonists Walt and Melva Pippel on tract #106 near Palmer, Alaska.
Title

Colony Farm 9

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Pippel Colony Farm

Description

Image is a summer view of a colony house with a colony barn beyond. A field of cabbage is in foreground. The farmstead is identified as that of Colonists Walt and Melva Pippel on tract #106 near Palmer, Alaska.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a Colony home under construction. Homes not built of logs were referred to by the government as “cottages”. Two men are visible working on scaffolding on the outside of the house. Considerable debris is apparent in the yard.
Title

Colony Home 10

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Colony “cottage” home under construction

Description

Image shows a Colony home under construction. Homes not built of logs were referred to by the government as “cottages”. Two men are visible working on scaffolding on the outside of the house. Considerable debris is apparent in the yard.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows a Colony home under construction. Homes not built of logs were referred to by the government as “cottages”. Three men are visible with scaffolding on the outside of the house. Lumber and considerable debris are apparent in the yard. Heavy forest is the backdrop.
Title

Colony Home 11

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Colony “cottage” home under construction

Description

Image shows a Colony home under construction. Homes not built of logs were referred to by the government as “cottages”. Three men are visible with scaffolding on the outside of the house. Lumber and considerable debris are apparent in the yard. Heavy forest is the backdrop.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is of a completed Colony “Cottage with heavy birch forest as the backdrio.
Title

Colony Home 12

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Matanuska Colony "Cottage"

Description

Image is of a completed Colony “Cottage with heavy birch forest as the backdrio.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is of a completed Colony “Cottage”. A grindstone and washing hanging on a line are visible at right. Birch forest is the backdrop.
Title

Colony Home 13

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Matanuska Colony “Cottage” home

Description

Image is of a completed Colony “Cottage”. A grindstone and washing hanging on a line are visible at right. Birch forest is the backdrop.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is a heavily wooded setting with a rough access roadway through stump piles leading to a partially visible vertical-log house with smoke coming from the chimney. In front of the house is a partially constructed log structure and to the right is a tent. Scattered snow on the ground may indicate the image was made in early winter.
Title

Colony Home 14

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Colonist home under construction

Description

Image is a heavily wooded setting with a rough access roadway through stump piles leading to a partially visible vertical-log house with smoke coming from the chimney. In front of the house is a partially constructed log structure and to the right is a tent. Scattered snow on the ground may indicate the image was made in early winter.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is a view across a field of row crops to a log house in middle ground. An automobile is parked next to the house. At right in background, two buildings which appear to be a house and a tent, are partially visible on an adjacent farm. Mountains are faintly visible in background with Lazy Mountain appearing beyond the adjacent farm
Title

Colony Home 15

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Colonist home and vegetable field

Description

Image is a view across a field of row crops to a log house in middle ground. An automobile is parked next to the house. At right in background, two buildings which appear to be a house and a tent, are partially visible on an adjacent farm. Mountains are faintly visible in background with Lazy Mountain appearing beyond the adjacent farm

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is of a log home with two men on scaffolding conducting finish work on the outside.
Title

Colony Home 16

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Colony log home under construction

Description

Image is of a log home with two men on scaffolding conducting finish work on the outside.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

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.
Title

Colony Home 17

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Colony frame “Cottage” under construction

Description

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.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows an old log cabin in foreground with a tent behind and a portion of a new colony house at right. A grindstone is visible near the tent. Heavy forest is the backdrop.
Title

Colony Home 18

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Old cabin at a new colony house site

Description

Image shows an old log cabin in foreground with a tent behind and a portion of a new colony house at right. A grindstone is visible near the tent. Heavy forest is the backdrop.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows an old log cabin in middle ground with a new colony house just behind and at right. Lumber and other wood is in foreground. Heavy forest is the backdrop.
Title

Colony Home 19

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

A new colony log house on an old log cabin site

Description

Image shows an old log cabin in middle ground with a new colony house just behind and at right. Lumber and other wood is in foreground. Heavy forest is the backdrop.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is of the log home of Colonists Joseph and Blanche Puhl located a half mile north of Palmer on tract #99. Exterior is complete. Lumber, wood, stumps and brush in the yard. Birch trees behind.
Title

Colony Home 2

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Colonist’s log home

Description

Image is of the log home of Colonists Joseph and Blanche Puhl located a half mile north of Palmer on tract #99. Exterior is complete. Lumber, wood, stumps and brush in the yard. Birch trees behind.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of the log home of Colonists Joseph and Blanche Puhl located a half mile north of Palmer on tract #99. Exterior is complete. Lumber and stumps in the yard. Birch trees behind.
Title

Colony Home 3

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Colonist’s log home

Description

Image is of the log home of Colonists Joseph and Blanche Puhl located a half mile north of Palmer on tract #99. Exterior is complete. Lumber and stumps in the yard. Birch trees behind.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of a log house, identified as belonging to John and Magdalene Lake on tract #73. Two men are standing in front. Exterior construction appears to be complete with the yard largely cleaned up. A grindstone is visible behind the house. Trees are behind at left and Lazy Mountain is faintly visible in background at the right
Title

Colony Home 5

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Colonist’s Log Home

Description

Image is of a log house, identified as belonging to John and Magdalene Lake on tract #73. Two men are standing in front. Exterior construction appears to be complete with the yard largely cleaned up. A grindstone is visible behind the house. Trees are behind at left and Lazy Mountain is faintly visible in background at the right

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is of a log house, identified as cabin #137. Exterior construction appears to be complete with many stumps, lumber and barrels in the yard. Heavy birch forest is a close backdrop.
Title

Colony Home 6

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Colonist’s Log Home

Description

Image is of a log house, identified as cabin #137. Exterior construction appears to be complete with many stumps, lumber and barrels in the yard. Heavy birch forest is a close backdrop.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is of a log house, identified as cabin #137. Exterior construction appears to be complete with many stumps and lumber in the yard. Laundry hangs on a clothes line. A man is visible at left. Heavy birch forest is a close backdrop
Title

Colony Home 7

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Colonist’s Log Home

Description

Image is of a log house, identified as cabin #137. Exterior construction appears to be complete with many stumps and lumber in the yard. Laundry hangs on a clothes line. A man is visible at left. Heavy birch forest is a close backdrop

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is of a log house, identified as cabin #100. Exterior construction appears to be complete with a small pile of lumber in a mostly clear yard. Scattered birch trees surround the house.
Title

Colony Home 8

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Colonist’s Log Home

Description

Image is of a log house, identified as cabin #100. Exterior construction appears to be complete with a small pile of lumber in a mostly clear yard. Scattered birch trees surround the house.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is of a log Colonist home, identified as cabin #19. Exterior is complete, yard still to be cleaned up. A man stands on the steps outside the door. Birch trees and a hillside are behind.
Title

Colony Home 9

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Colonist's Log Home

Description

Image is of a log Colonist home, identified as cabin #19. Exterior is complete, yard still to be cleaned up. A man stands on the steps outside the door. Birch trees and a hillside are behind.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows heavy dark smoke rising from fire consuming the Colony warehouse in “Tent City”. Men are walking past and observing.
Title

Colony Warehouse Fire 1

Creator

Unknown

Subject

The Colony warehouse in “Tent City” is burning

Description

Image shows heavy dark smoke rising from fire consuming the Colony warehouse in “Tent City”. Men are walking past and observing.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

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.
Title

Colony Warehouse Fire 2

Creator

Unknown

Subject

The Colony warehouse in “Tent City” is burning

Description

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.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

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.
Title

Dr. C. Earl Albrecht

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Dr. Albrecht, Colony physician, writes a prescription for a Valley resident at a woodpile amid Colonist tents at Palmer.

Description

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.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of a man, identified as trapper Ed Ueeck, wearing wolverine mittens and holding a rifle. Mr. Ueeck was a resident of Palmer for many years and trapped around the Sheep Mountain area at the head of Matanuska River. He is the subject of a book, “The Man From Sheep Mountain”, by his nephew Kim A. Ueeck.
Title

Ed Ueeck 4

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Ed Ueeck , Alaska Trapper

Description

Image is of a man, identified as trapper Ed Ueeck, wearing wolverine mittens and holding a rifle. Mr. Ueeck was a resident of Palmer for many years and trapped around the Sheep Mountain area at the head of Matanuska River. He is the subject of a book, “The Man From Sheep Mountain”, by his nephew Kim A. Ueeck.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows wind-deposited soil exposed in a cut bank along the Glenn Highway about 1-1/2 miles north of Palmer. Once exposed by the road cut, the wind has eroded the soil, exposing tree trunks and roots that were buried when the fine soil was originally deposited by the Matanuska River wind years before.
Title

Erosion 2

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Wind erosion on a cut bank of the Glenn Highway north of Palmer

Description

Image shows wind-deposited soil exposed in a cut bank along the Glenn Highway about 1-1/2 miles north of Palmer. Once exposed by the road cut, the wind has eroded the soil, exposing tree trunks and roots that were buried when the fine soil was originally deposited by the Matanuska River wind years before.

Location

Palmer, 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.
Title

Eska 1

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Community of Eska, Alaska

Description

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.

Location

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.
Title

Eska 2

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Community of Eska, Alaska

Description

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.

Location

Eska, Alaska

Image depicts a man riding a grain binder pulled by a two horse team with grain shocks in the foreground, buildings of the Matanuska Experiment Farm in near background, with Pioneer Peak & other Chugach Mountains beyond.
Title

Experiment Farm 19

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Harvesting grain with a grain binder & two-horse team

Description

Image depicts a man riding a grain binder pulled by a two horse team with grain shocks in the foreground, buildings of the Matanuska Experiment Farm in near background, with Pioneer Peak & other Chugach Mountains beyond.

Location

Matanuska, Alaska

This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots are in the foreground. The barn, silo & other buildings of the farm are beyond.
Title

Experiment Farm 24

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Fall harvest of berries from test plots at the Experiment Farm

Description

This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots are in the foreground. The barn, silo & other buildings of the farm are beyond.

Location

Matanuska, Alaska

This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots are on level ground. The photo is taken from Trunk Road with the roadside fence and gate to the plots in the foreground. Trunk road is shown ascending the hill above the plots.
Title

Experiment Farm 25

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Fall harvest of berries from the test plots at the Experiment Farm

Description

This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots are on level ground. The photo is taken from Trunk Road with the roadside fence and gate to the plots in the foreground. Trunk road is shown ascending the hill above the plots.

Location

Matanuska, Alaska

This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots of corn in the foreground.
Title

Experiment Farm 26

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Fall harvest of berries from from test plots at the Matanuska Experiment Farm

Description

This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots of corn in the foreground.

Location

Matanuska, Alaska

This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots and newly cleared land beyond.
Title

Experiment Farm 27

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Fall harvest of berries from test plots at the Experiment Farm

Description

This image shows hillside test plots of various types of berries at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and numerous women in the act of harvesting the berries. Additional test plots and newly cleared land beyond.

Location

Matanuska, Alaska

This image shows two unidentified women and Father Merrill Sulzman, Palmer Catholic priest, standing in a bean field in front of the barn and other buildings of the Matanuska Experiment Farm near Matanuska, Alaska. They appear to be in the process of picking beans.
Title

Experiment Farm 34

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

People in a field at Matanuska Experiment Farm.

Description

This image shows two unidentified women and Father Merrill Sulzman, Palmer Catholic priest, standing in a bean field in front of the barn and other buildings of the Matanuska Experiment Farm near Matanuska, Alaska. They appear to be in the process of picking beans.

Location

Matanuska, Alaska

Image shows a team of two white horses hitched to a mower in a field of hay in the process of being mowed. Sitting on the mower is a woman in a dress and sweater, holding the reins.
Title

Experiment Farm 7

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Woman mowing hay with a two horse team

Description

Image shows a team of two white horses hitched to a mower in a field of hay in the process of being mowed. Sitting on the mower is a woman in a dress and sweater, holding the reins.

Location

Matanuska Experiment Farm near Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a large three story wooden building identified as the “Fishhook Inn” with a gravel road in front, a small building behind and a mountain in background. The first Roadhouse/ Inn at this site on the road up to the Hatcher Pass gold mines is thought to have been constructed in 1916. It apparently burned or was torn down in fall of 1937 when it was re-built and operated as the “Little Su Roadhouse” until 1942. Burning again in 1943, it was re-built and expanded, operating as the “Mother Load Lodge” until several years prior to 2015 when the empty structure was destroyed by fire once more.
Title

Fishhook Inn 3

Creator

Bob Rasley

Subject

The old Fishhook Inn

Description

Image shows a large three story wooden building identified as the “Fishhook Inn” with a gravel road in front, a small building behind and a mountain in background. The first Roadhouse/ Inn at this site on the road up to the Hatcher Pass gold mines is thought to have been constructed in 1916. It apparently burned or was torn down in fall of 1937 when it was re-built and operated as the “Little Su Roadhouse” until 1942. Burning again in 1943, it was re-built and expanded, operating as the “Mother Load Lodge” until several years prior to 2015 when the empty structure was destroyed by fire once more.

Location

On Fishhook Road in the Hatcher Pass area of the Talkeetna Mountains north of Palmer, Alaska

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.
Title

Hitching Rail on “Market Street”

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Horses stand at the hitching rail on “Market Street” (Now Dahlia Ave.) across from the Co-op garage in Palmer.

Description

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.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Photo is a color image of a man, identified as homesteader “Ty” Wilson standing in a gravel area with trees behind.
Title

Homesteaders 2

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Homesteader “Ty” Wilson

Description

Photo is a color image of a man, identified as homesteader “Ty” Wilson standing in a gravel area with trees behind.

Location

Near Knik, Alaska

Photo is a color image of a woman, identified as homesteader Ann Wilson standing among bushes and flowers, a blue vehicle is partially visible behind and trees beyond. Ann and her husband “Ty” homesteaded on Fairview Loop south of Wasilla, Alaska.
Title

Homesteaders 3

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Homesteader Ann Wilson

Description

Photo is a color image of a woman, identified as homesteader Ann Wilson standing among bushes and flowers, a blue vehicle is partially visible behind and trees beyond. Ann and her husband “Ty” homesteaded on Fairview Loop south of Wasilla, Alaska.

Location

Near Knik, Alaska

Photo is a color image of two men, identified as homesteaders “Ty” Wilson and “Mac” McHenry at the front of a black automobile. Both men homesteaded in the Fairview Loop area south of Wasilla, Alaska. The photo was taken at Fish Creek near Knik, Alaska. Wet socks and boots in the photo may indicate they had been fishing.
Title

Homesteaders 4

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

: Homesteaders “Ty” Wilson and “Mac” McHenry

Description

Photo is a color image of two men, identified as homesteaders “Ty” Wilson and “Mac” McHenry at the front of a black automobile. Both men homesteaded in the Fairview Loop area south of Wasilla, Alaska. The photo was taken at Fish Creek near Knik, Alaska. Wet socks and boots in the photo may indicate they had been fishing.

Location

Near Knik, Alaska

Photo is a color image of four people, identified as homesteader “Mac” McHenry, Estella Irwin, Louis Odsather and homesteader Ann Wilson. A black automobile is behind and fishing gear is evident. The photo was taken at Fish Creek near Knik, Alaska.
Title

Homesteaders 5

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Homesteader “Mac” McHenry, Estella Irwin, Louis Odsather, and homesteader Ann Wilson

Description

Photo is a color image of four people, identified as homesteader “Mac” McHenry, Estella Irwin, Louis Odsather and homesteader Ann Wilson. A black automobile is behind and fishing gear is evident. The photo was taken at Fish Creek near Knik, Alaska.

Location

Near Knik, Alaska

Image is of three young boys hanging around the front of a wood frame building. A sign on the front of the building reads: “ISOLATION WARD KEEP OUT”. Two bed spring frames lean against the front of the building and a tent is partially visible at right.
Title

Hospital Isolation Ward

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Three boys hang around the front of Palmer’s hospital isolation ward building

Description

Image is of three young boys hanging around the front of a wood frame building. A sign on the front of the building reads: “ISOLATION WARD KEEP OUT”. Two bed spring frames lean against the front of the building and a tent is partially visible at right.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a summer view of men operating a pile driver placing timbers for construction of a highway bridge over the Knik River to connect the road between Palmer and Anchorage.
Title

Knik Bridge Pile Driver 2

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

“Piledriver on Knik River Highway Bridge—Summer 1935”

Description

Image shows a summer view of men operating a pile driver placing timbers for construction of a highway bridge over the Knik River to connect the road between Palmer and Anchorage.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows a winter view of men operating a pile driver placing timbers for construction of a highway bridge over the Knik River to connect the road between Palmer and Anchorage
Title

Knik Bridge pile driver 1

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Driving piles for the bridge over Knik River

Description

Image shows a winter view of men operating a pile driver placing timbers for construction of a highway bridge over the Knik River to connect the road between Palmer and Anchorage

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a summer view of a panel truck with MATANUSKA MAID lettered on the side, parked next to a building with Lazy Mountain visible in background.
Title

Matanuska Maid Truck 1

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Matanuska Maid Delivery Panel Truck

Description

Image is a summer view of a panel truck with MATANUSKA MAID lettered on the side, parked next to a building with Lazy Mountain visible in background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a winter view down into the creek bottom showing cabins and other buildings associated with the Premier coal mine on Moose Creek about ten miles north of Palmer. Foot trails are visible descending the far stream bank from flat land above.
Title

Mine 12, Premier

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Premier coal mine and buildings on Moose Creek

Description

Image is a winter view down into the creek bottom showing cabins and other buildings associated with the Premier coal mine on Moose Creek about ten miles north of Palmer. Foot trails are visible descending the far stream bank from flat land above.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows a woman, identified as Miss Pearl Williams, Red Cross Nurse, in a cart pulled by a white horse. Cottonwood and spruce forest is the backdrop.
Title

Nurse 5

Creator

Ruth DeArmond

Subject

Red Cross nurse Miss Pearl Williams making her rounds in the Matanuska Valley by horse cart

Description

Image shows a woman, identified as Miss Pearl Williams, Red Cross Nurse, in a cart pulled by a white horse. Cottonwood and spruce forest is the backdrop.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image is of Mr. & Mrs. O.O. Krogh, merchants of the community of Matanuska, standing in the doorway of their store. The front of the frame store is prominent with large glass display windows capped with smaller decorative windows, and “O.O. KROGH.” painted above.
Title

O.O. Krogh Building

Creator

Unknown

Subject

O.O. Krogh building

Description

Image is of Mr. & Mrs. O.O. Krogh, merchants of the community of Matanuska, standing in the doorway of their store. The front of the frame store is prominent with large glass display windows capped with smaller decorative windows, and “O.O. KROGH.” painted above.

Location

Matanuska, Alaska

Image is a winter view of the Palmer Railroad Depot under construction with the wall framing in place and long boards leaning up against the walls on both sides. Portions of other buildings are visible.
Title

Palmer Depot 1

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Palmer Railroad Depot Under Construction

Description

Image is a winter view of the Palmer Railroad Depot under construction with the wall framing in place and long boards leaning up against the walls on both sides. Portions of other buildings are visible.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a winter view of the Palmer Railroad Depot under construction with the wall framing in place and long boards leaning up against the walls on both sides. A pile of lumber is in foreground, a rail car is in foreground at left, the co-op garage is visible at right.
Title

Palmer Depot 2

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

Palmer Railroad Depot Under Construction

Description

Image is a winter view of the Palmer Railroad Depot under construction with the wall framing in place and long boards leaning up against the walls on both sides. A pile of lumber is in foreground, a rail car is in foreground at left, the co-op garage is visible at right.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a summer view of the west side of the Palmer Railroad Depot. Construction is continuing on expanding the warehouse at the north end of the building and on the small addition at the south end. The water tower is evident as are portions of other Co-op buildings. Lazy Mt. and other mountains are in background.
Title

Palmer Depot 4

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Palmer Railroad Depot

Description

Image is a summer view of the west side of the Palmer Railroad Depot. Construction is continuing on expanding the warehouse at the north end of the building and on the small addition at the south end. The water tower is evident as are portions of other Co-op buildings. Lazy Mt. and other mountains are in background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a winter scene of the south end of the Palmer railroad depot. A train engine is at the left and the Co-op garage building is partially visible at right.
Title

Palmer Depot 5

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Alaska Railroad depot at Palmer

Description

Image is a winter scene of the south end of the Palmer railroad depot. A train engine is at the left and the Co-op garage building is partially visible at right.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image shows people gathered on the main commercial street of Palmer in what appears to be a 4th of July celebration in 1938. Koslosky’s first store is advertised and other buildings are prominent. Bunting is displayed and automobiles are parked on the street.
Title

Palmer Street 15

Creator

Unknown

Subject

People gathered on Palmer main street during what appears to be 4th of July celebration 1938

Description

Image shows people gathered on the main commercial street of Palmer in what appears to be a 4th of July celebration in 1938. Koslosky’s first store is advertised and other buildings are prominent. Bunting is displayed and automobiles are parked on the street.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of automobiles, tents and other buildings of “Tent City” in the earliest days of the Colony establishment at Palmer. A man is seen walking on the street. Power poles are evident.
Title

Palmer Tent City 4

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Cars and tents of Palmer “Tent City”

Description

Image is of automobiles, tents and other buildings of “Tent City” in the earliest days of the Colony establishment at Palmer. A man is seen walking on the street. Power poles are evident.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a winter easterly view from Bugge’s Hill across John Bugge’s homestead field with a frozen melt-water pond in foreground and several children skating. Bugge’s homestead buildings and Palmer buildings are in middle ground with snow-clad mountains in background.
Title

Palmer View From Bugge’s Hill 5

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Winter view of Palmer, viewed from Bugge’s Hill with skaters on frozen pond below

Description

Image is a winter easterly view from Bugge’s Hill across John Bugge’s homestead field with a frozen melt-water pond in foreground and several children skating. Bugge’s homestead buildings and Palmer buildings are in middle ground with snow-clad mountains in background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image prominently shows the water tower under construction in middle ground. At least two people are visible on the tower and additional tower parts are visible on the ground. A tent is in foreground who’s function is undetermined. The wood door holds a sign proclaiming “Beans, Rice, Hominy, Salt, Peas, and R-Oats”. Above the door is an “OFFICE” sign. A window space next to the door, and an outside shelf suggest items may have been dispensed here. A slotted box below the shelf had an unknown function.
Title

Palmer Water Tower

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Palmer water tower under construction

Description

Image prominently shows the water tower under construction in middle ground. At least two people are visible on the tower and additional tower parts are visible on the ground. A tent is in foreground who’s function is undetermined. The wood door holds a sign proclaiming “Beans, Rice, Hominy, Salt, Peas, and R-Oats”. Above the door is an “OFFICE” sign. A window space next to the door, and an outside shelf suggest items may have been dispensed here. A slotted box below the shelf had an unknown function.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Two men, identified as transient laborers associated with the Matanuska Colony project, pause in their job of clearing land of trees to make way for construction of Colony development. One man holds a bow saw, also called as “Swede Saw”, the other holds an ax.
Title

People 11

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Two men, identified as transient laborers associated with the Matanuska Colony project, pause in their job of clearing land of trees to make way for construction of Colony development

Description

Two men, identified as transient laborers associated with the Matanuska Colony project, pause in their job of clearing land of trees to make way for construction of Colony development. One man holds a bow saw, also called as “Swede Saw”, the other holds an ax.

Location

Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Image shows a row of horse-drawn grain binder machines in Palmer waiting to be made available to colony farmers when they became needed for harvesting as the Colonists produced grain crops. Tents and other buildings of the “Tent City” are visible behind the binders.
Title

Supplies for the Colonists 6

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Grain binders awaiting distribution for use by Colony farmers

Description

Image shows a row of horse-drawn grain binder machines in Palmer waiting to be made available to colony farmers when they became needed for harvesting as the Colonists produced grain crops. Tents and other buildings of the “Tent City” are visible behind the binders.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of a tent with signs on the front indicating it held offices of “Mr. Carr, U.S. Commissioner” and “Mr. Sheely, U.S. Marshal”. A portion of an automobile is visible beside the tent to the right.
Title

Tent City Offices 1

Creator

Hewitts Photo Shop

Subject

Tent offices of the U.S. Commissioner and the U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Matanuska Colony “Tent City” at Palmer

Description

Image is of a tent with signs on the front indicating it held offices of “Mr. Carr, U.S. Commissioner” and “Mr. Sheely, U.S. Marshal”. A portion of an automobile is visible beside the tent to the right.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of a man perched atop tent poles at the ridge pole while he wires the chimney pipe to the ridge pole to secure it.
Title

Tent City Set-Up

Creator

Don Irwin

Subject

A worker clings to a tent ridge pole as he secures the stove pipe

Description

Image is of a man perched atop tent poles at the ridge pole while he wires the chimney pipe to the ridge pole to secure it.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

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