Creator
Bob Munford
Time Period
1960's
Entries
28

Munford Collection

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

Bob Munford operated a barber shop in the Neal Wright building in downtown Palmer for several years through the 1960's. He took photos of many of his patrons, especially young children after he cut their hair. He also photographed many of the local citizens of note who stopped by for a haircut or to just socialize. The collection is composed of approximately 636 black & white 35mm negatives.

Image is of “Wild Bill” Nelson at Bob’s Barber Shop in Palmer.  Nelson grew up near Wasilla, Alaska and lived most of his life in the Valley.  He was a heavy equipment operator and contractor.  He was a very out-spoken and loudly opinionated character, known throughout the area for his low regard for attorneys and for his piloting stunts in small aircraft.  Many long-term Valley residents have “Wild Bill” Nelson stories they love to share.
Image is of Bob Munford giving Barney Anderson a haircut in Bob’s Barbershop.
Image is of Bob Munford giving one of the Ingalls boys, thought to be David, a haircut in Bob’s Barbershop.
Johnny Reed appears to be giving Al Ose a haircut in Bob’s Barber Shop
Marvin Slaughter sits reading a newspaper as he awaits his turn in the barber chair for a haircut.  Bob Munford can be seen in the mirror above taking this picture.
“Barber Bob” Munford is seen giving a haircut to local young man, Don Benson, in Bob’s Barber shop.  The cash register shows a value of $2.50 rung up with the last transaction which might give an indication of the price of a haircut at the time.
Image is of Warren “Buddy” Woods sitting for a haircut in Bob’s Barber Shop.  Buddy was a well-known local bush pilot flying out of Palmer. The Palmer airport is named in his honor.
Image is a summer view of a pickup loaded with giant cabbages parked in downtown Palmer.  Location is at the corner of S. Alaska St. and W. Dogwood Ave. in front of a sign indicating occupants of the building out of sight to the left.  The cabbages were grown by Colonist Ray Rebarchek on his farm south of Palmer.  For several years Rebarchek and Max Sherrod competed actively to see who could grow the biggest cabbage for display at the Valley Fair in September.
Image is of Delbert (Deb) Anderson, manager of the pharmacy in Bert’s Drugstore in Palmer.  He is seen here taking a coffee break at the Drugstore soda fountain/lunch counter.  “Lunch” service generally focused on the “Campbell’s Soup Counter Top Kitchen” visible over Deb’s shoulder.  The customer would select from a variety of Campbell soups available and the can would be emptied into a stainless steel mug with electric heating coils in its walls.  The heating element projecting from the side of the mug would be plugged into the counter-top cabinet seen here, the timer would be set, and in due course hot soup would be served for lunch.
Image is of Delbert (Deb) Anderson, manager of the pharmacy in Bert’s Drugstore in Palmer.
Image is of local old-time sourdough, dog musher and trapper Ed Ueeck.  Ed lived for many years in Palmer and trapped around Sheep Mountain and the head of Matanuska River drainage.  In years when Ed sported a full beard he was voted “Mr. Fur Face” at the Anchorage winter Fur Rendezvous and also served as a model for some of painter Fred Machetanz’s well-known paintings.   (1898-1990)
Image is of old-time sourdough “Frenchy” Bellefontaine.  (Sept. 8, 1882-Dec. 24, 1967)
Image is of Glen Cope sitting in the barber chair of Bob’s Barber Shop awaiting a haircut and shave.
Image is of a horse and rider jumping over a hurdle bar at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer.  Other horses and riders are behind in middle ground.  Lazy Mountain, capped with snow, is in background.
Image is of a horse and rider jumping over a hurdle bar at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer.  Talkeetna Mountains, capped with snow, are in background.
Image is of horses with two riders in the arena at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer.  People, horses and vehicles are evident outside the arena fence.  Chugach Mountains, capped with snow, are in background.  Rider facing forward on the horse at left is identified as Deana Benson.
Image is of a horse and two riders in the arena at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer.  People, horses and vehicles are evident outside the arena fence.  Chugach Mountains, capped with snow, are in background.
Image is of a horse and rider jumping a hurdle in the arena at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer.  People, horses and vehicles are evident outside the arena fence.  Chugach Mountains, capped with snow, are in background.
Image is a summer street view of the entrance to Center Theater and the Palmer Laundry Center.  A pickup truck with a MEA logo on the door is in front of the buildings.  "The Center" and "Palmer Laundry Center" signs are evident.
Image is a summer street view of the entrance to Bob’s Barber Shop located in the Wright Building facing W. Elmwood Ave.  The shop sign is painted on the window and an electric barber pole is evident.  The Center Theater and Palmer Laundry across the street are reflected in the window.
Image is a summer street view on South Bailey Street looking north from the Post Office at the Severns Building in middle ground, the First Baptist Church in far middle ground, and snow-capped mountains in background.
Image is a summer street view on South Colony Way looking north from the sidewalk in front of the Matanuska Valley Bank.  The bank clock is apparent in foreground and other business signs are evident.  Cars are parked at the curb, people are on the sidewalk in middle ground.  The depot is visible and Talkeetns Mountains form the background.
Image is a summer street view on South Colony Way looking to the east.  The view includes the Palmer Visitor Center, School, Dorm, MEA Building, and Houses, with Mountains in background.  Automobiles are parked in foreground.
Image is of Gerrit “Heinie” Snider seated in Bob’s Barber Shop in the Wright building in Palmer.  Bob Munford is seen in a mirror on the wall as he cuts the hair of a patron.  An ad posted on the shop door advertises an up-coming basketball game of the “Harlem Clowns”.
Image is of Gerrit “Heinie” Snider seated in Bob’s Barber Shop in Palmer.
Image is of Gerrit “Heinie” Snider seated in Bob’s Barber Shop in Palmer.
Image is of Steve Vonwagoner, pharmacist at Bert’s Drugstore, working at the counter in the pharmacy.  Visible through the doorway behind, an unidentified woman walks past the drugstore soda counter.
Image is of Vern Betts, pharmacist at Bert’s Drugstore, taking a coffee break at the drugstore soda counter.  The hallway behind leads to the front door on S. Colony Way past shelves and display counters filled to overflowing with about anything a Valley resident might be tempted to buy.
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Image is of “Wild Bill” Nelson at Bob’s Barber Shop in Palmer.  Nelson grew up near Wasilla, Alaska and lived most of his life in the Valley.  He was a heavy equipment operator and contractor.  He was a very out-spoken and loudly opinionated character, known throughout the area for his low regard for attorneys and for his piloting stunts in small aircraft.  Many long-term Valley residents have “Wild Bill” Nelson stories they love to share.
Title

Bill Nelson 1

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

“Wild Bill” Nelson

Description

Image is of “Wild Bill” Nelson at Bob’s Barber Shop in Palmer. Nelson grew up near Wasilla, Alaska and lived most of his life in the Valley. He was a heavy equipment operator and contractor. He was a very out-spoken and loudly opinionated character, known throughout the area for his low regard for attorneys and for his piloting stunts in small aircraft. Many long-term Valley residents have “Wild Bill” Nelson stories they love to share.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Bob Munford giving Barney Anderson a haircut in Bob’s Barbershop.
Title

Bob's Barber Shop 1

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Bob Munford Giving Barney Anderson a Haircut

Description

Image is of Bob Munford giving Barney Anderson a haircut in Bob’s Barbershop.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Bob Munford giving one of the Ingalls boys, thought to be David, a haircut in Bob’s Barbershop.
Title

Bob's Barber Shop 2

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Bob Munford Giving one of the Ingalls boys a Haircut

Description

Image is of Bob Munford giving one of the Ingalls boys, thought to be David, a haircut in Bob’s Barbershop.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Johnny Reed appears to be giving Al Ose a haircut in Bob’s Barber Shop
Title

Bob's Barber Shop 3

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Johnny Reed is giving Al Ose a haircut in Bob’s Barber Shop.

Description

Johnny Reed appears to be giving Al Ose a haircut in Bob’s Barber Shop

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Marvin Slaughter sits reading a newspaper as he awaits his turn in the barber chair for a haircut.  Bob Munford can be seen in the mirror above taking this picture.
Title

Bob's Barber Shop 4

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Marvin Slaughter awaits his turn in the barber chair as “Barber Bob” is seen in the mirror taking the picture

Description

Marvin Slaughter sits reading a newspaper as he awaits his turn in the barber chair for a haircut. Bob Munford can be seen in the mirror above taking this picture.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

“Barber Bob” Munford is seen giving a haircut to local young man, Don Benson, in Bob’s Barber shop.  The cash register shows a value of $2.50 rung up with the last transaction which might give an indication of the price of a haircut at the time.
Title

Bob's Barber Shop 5

Creator

Unknown

Subject

“Barber Bob” Munford is seen giving a haircut to local young man, Don Benson

Description

“Barber Bob” Munford is seen giving a haircut to local young man, Don Benson, in Bob’s Barber shop. The cash register shows a value of $2.50 rung up with the last transaction which might give an indication of the price of a haircut at the time.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Warren “Buddy” Woods sitting for a haircut in Bob’s Barber Shop.  Buddy was a well-known local bush pilot flying out of Palmer. The Palmer airport is named in his honor.
Title

Buddy Woods 1

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Warren “Buddy” Woods sits for a haircut in Bob’s Barber Shop

Description

Image is of Warren “Buddy” Woods sitting for a haircut in Bob’s Barber Shop. Buddy was a well-known local bush pilot flying out of Palmer. The Palmer airport is named in his honor.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a summer view of a pickup loaded with giant cabbages parked in downtown Palmer.  Location is at the corner of S. Alaska St. and W. Dogwood Ave. in front of a sign indicating occupants of the building out of sight to the left.  The cabbages were grown by Colonist Ray Rebarchek on his farm south of Palmer.  For several years Rebarchek and Max Sherrod competed actively to see who could grow the biggest cabbage for display at the Valley Fair in September.
Title

Cabbages 3

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

A truckload of giant cabbages grown by Colonist Ray Rebarchek sits on display in downtown Palmer

Description

Image is a summer view of a pickup loaded with giant cabbages parked in downtown Palmer. Location is at the corner of S. Alaska St. and W. Dogwood Ave. in front of a sign indicating occupants of the building out of sight to the left. The cabbages were grown by Colonist Ray Rebarchek on his farm south of Palmer. For several years Rebarchek and Max Sherrod competed actively to see who could grow the biggest cabbage for display at the Valley Fair in September.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Delbert (Deb) Anderson, manager of the pharmacy in Bert’s Drugstore in Palmer.  He is seen here taking a coffee break at the Drugstore soda fountain/lunch counter.  “Lunch” service generally focused on the “Campbell’s Soup Counter Top Kitchen” visible over Deb’s shoulder.  The customer would select from a variety of Campbell soups available and the can would be emptied into a stainless steel mug with electric heating coils in its walls.  The heating element projecting from the side of the mug would be plugged into the counter-top cabinet seen here, the timer would be set, and in due course hot soup would be served for lunch.
Title

Deb Anderson 1

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Delbert (Deb) Anderson taking a coffee break at the drugstore soda fountain

Description

Image is of Delbert (Deb) Anderson, manager of the pharmacy in Bert’s Drugstore in Palmer. He is seen here taking a coffee break at the Drugstore soda fountain/lunch counter. “Lunch” service generally focused on the “Campbell’s Soup Counter Top Kitchen” visible over Deb’s shoulder. The customer would select from a variety of Campbell soups available and the can would be emptied into a stainless steel mug with electric heating coils in its walls. The heating element projecting from the side of the mug would be plugged into the counter-top cabinet seen here, the timer would be set, and in due course hot soup would be served for lunch.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Delbert (Deb) Anderson, manager of the pharmacy in Bert’s Drugstore in Palmer.
Title

Deb Anderson 2

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Delbert (Deb) Anderson working in the pharmacy in Bert’s Drugstore

Description

Image is of Delbert (Deb) Anderson, manager of the pharmacy in Bert’s Drugstore in Palmer.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of local old-time sourdough, dog musher and trapper Ed Ueeck.  Ed lived for many years in Palmer and trapped around Sheep Mountain and the head of Matanuska River drainage.  In years when Ed sported a full beard he was voted “Mr. Fur Face” at the Anchorage winter Fur Rendezvous and also served as a model for some of painter Fred Machetanz’s well-known paintings.   (1898-1990)
Title

Ed Ueeck 7

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Ed Ueeck in Bob Munford’s barbershop

Description

Image is of local old-time sourdough, dog musher and trapper Ed Ueeck. Ed lived for many years in Palmer and trapped around Sheep Mountain and the head of Matanuska River drainage. In years when Ed sported a full beard he was voted “Mr. Fur Face” at the Anchorage winter Fur Rendezvous and also served as a model for some of painter Fred Machetanz’s well-known paintings. (1898-1990)

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of old-time sourdough “Frenchy” Bellefontaine.  (Sept. 8, 1882-Dec. 24, 1967)
Title

Frenchy 1

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

George “Frenchy” Bellefontaine

Description

Image is of old-time sourdough “Frenchy” Bellefontaine. (Sept. 8, 1882-Dec. 24, 1967)

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Glen Cope sitting in the barber chair of Bob’s Barber Shop awaiting a haircut and shave.
Title

Glen Cope 1

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Glen Cope sits in the barber chair of Bob’s Barber Shop

Description

Image is of Glen Cope sitting in the barber chair of Bob’s Barber Shop awaiting a haircut and shave.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of a horse and rider jumping over a hurdle bar at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer.  Other horses and riders are behind in middle ground.  Lazy Mountain, capped with snow, is in background.
Title

Horse Show 1

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

An equestrian event at the state fairgrounds has a horse and rider jumping a hurdle bar

Description

Image is of a horse and rider jumping over a hurdle bar at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer. Other horses and riders are behind in middle ground. Lazy Mountain, capped with snow, is in background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of a horse and rider jumping over a hurdle bar at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer.  Talkeetna Mountains, capped with snow, are in background.
Title

Horse Show 2

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

An equestrian event at the state fairgrounds has a horse and rider jumping a hurdle bar

Description

Image is of a horse and rider jumping over a hurdle bar at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer. Talkeetna Mountains, capped with snow, are in background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of horses with two riders in the arena at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer.  People, horses and vehicles are evident outside the arena fence.  Chugach Mountains, capped with snow, are in background.  Rider facing forward on the horse at left is identified as Deana Benson.
Title

Horse Show 3

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

An equestrian event at the state fairgrounds has horses with two riders in the arena

Description

Image is of horses with two riders in the arena at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer. People, horses and vehicles are evident outside the arena fence. Chugach Mountains, capped with snow, are in background. Rider facing forward on the horse at left is identified as Deana Benson.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of a horse and two riders in the arena at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer.  People, horses and vehicles are evident outside the arena fence.  Chugach Mountains, capped with snow, are in background.
Title

Horse Show 4

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

An equestrian event at the state fairgrounds has a horse with two riders in the arena.

Description

Image is of a horse and two riders in the arena at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer. People, horses and vehicles are evident outside the arena fence. Chugach Mountains, capped with snow, are in background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of a horse and rider jumping a hurdle in the arena at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer.  People, horses and vehicles are evident outside the arena fence.  Chugach Mountains, capped with snow, are in background.
Title

Horse Show 5

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

An equestrian event at the state fairgrounds has a horse and rider jumping a hurdle

Description

Image is of a horse and rider jumping a hurdle in the arena at the State Fairgrounds in Palmer. People, horses and vehicles are evident outside the arena fence. Chugach Mountains, capped with snow, are in background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a summer street view of the entrance to Center Theater and the Palmer Laundry Center.  A pickup truck with a MEA logo on the door is in front of the buildings.  "The Center" and "Palmer Laundry Center" signs are evident.
Title

Palmer Street 40

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Center Theater & Palmer Laundry Center

Description

Image is a summer street view of the entrance to Center Theater and the Palmer Laundry Center. A pickup truck with a MEA logo on the door is in front of the buildings. "The Center" and "Palmer Laundry Center" signs are evident.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a summer street view of the entrance to Bob’s Barber Shop located in the Wright Building facing W. Elmwood Ave.  The shop sign is painted on the window and an electric barber pole is evident.  The Center Theater and Palmer Laundry across the street are reflected in the window.
Title

Palmer Street 41

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Bob’s Barber Shop

Description

Image is a summer street view of the entrance to Bob’s Barber Shop located in the Wright Building facing W. Elmwood Ave. The shop sign is painted on the window and an electric barber pole is evident. The Center Theater and Palmer Laundry across the street are reflected in the window.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a summer street view on South Bailey Street looking north from the Post Office at the Severns Building in middle ground, the First Baptist Church in far middle ground, and snow-capped mountains in background.
Title

Palmer Street 42

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

North View on S. Bailey Street showing the Severns Building and others

Description

Image is a summer street view on South Bailey Street looking north from the Post Office at the Severns Building in middle ground, the First Baptist Church in far middle ground, and snow-capped mountains in background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a summer street view on South Colony Way looking north from the sidewalk in front of the Matanuska Valley Bank.  The bank clock is apparent in foreground and other business signs are evident.  Cars are parked at the curb, people are on the sidewalk in middle ground.  The depot is visible and Talkeetns Mountains form the background.
Title

Palmer Street 43

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

North View on S. Colony Way showing the sidewalk, parked cars, the depot and Talkeetna Mts.

Description

Image is a summer street view on South Colony Way looking north from the sidewalk in front of the Matanuska Valley Bank. The bank clock is apparent in foreground and other business signs are evident. Cars are parked at the curb, people are on the sidewalk in middle ground. The depot is visible and Talkeetns Mountains form the background.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is a summer street view on South Colony Way looking to the east.  The view includes the Palmer Visitor Center, School, Dorm, MEA Building, and Houses, with Mountains in background.  Automobiles are parked in foreground.
Title

Palmer Street 44

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Easterly view from South Colony Way showing the Visitor Center, School, Dorm, Houses and Mountains beyond

Description

Image is a summer street view on South Colony Way looking to the east. The view includes the Palmer Visitor Center, School, Dorm, MEA Building, and Houses, with Mountains in background. Automobiles are parked in foreground.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Gerrit “Heinie” Snider seated in Bob’s Barber Shop in the Wright building in Palmer.  Bob Munford is seen in a mirror on the wall as he cuts the hair of a patron.  An ad posted on the shop door advertises an up-coming basketball game of the “Harlem Clowns”.
Title

Snider 2

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Gerrit “Heinie” Snider in Bob’s Barber shop

Description

Image is of Gerrit “Heinie” Snider seated in Bob’s Barber Shop in the Wright building in Palmer. Bob Munford is seen in a mirror on the wall as he cuts the hair of a patron. An ad posted on the shop door advertises an up-coming basketball game of the “Harlem Clowns”.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Gerrit “Heinie” Snider seated in Bob’s Barber Shop in Palmer.
Title

Snider 3

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Gerrit “Heinie” Snider in Bob’s Barber shop

Description

Image is of Gerrit “Heinie” Snider seated in Bob’s Barber Shop in Palmer.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Gerrit “Heinie” Snider seated in Bob’s Barber Shop in Palmer.
Title

Snider 4

Creator

Unknown

Subject

Gerrit “Heinie” Snider in Bob’s Barber shop

Description

Image is of Gerrit “Heinie” Snider seated in Bob’s Barber Shop in Palmer.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Steve Vonwagoner, pharmacist at Bert’s Drugstore, working at the counter in the pharmacy.  Visible through the doorway behind, an unidentified woman walks past the drugstore soda counter.
Title

Steve Vonwagoner 1

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Steve Vonwagoner, pharmacist at Bert’s Drugstore, working in the pharmacy

Description

Image is of Steve Vonwagoner, pharmacist at Bert’s Drugstore, working at the counter in the pharmacy. Visible through the doorway behind, an unidentified woman walks past the drugstore soda counter.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

Image is of Vern Betts, pharmacist at Bert’s Drugstore, taking a coffee break at the drugstore soda counter.  The hallway behind leads to the front door on S. Colony Way past shelves and display counters filled to overflowing with about anything a Valley resident might be tempted to buy.
Title

Vern Betts 1

Creator

Bob Munford

Subject

Vern Betts, pharmacist at Bert’s Drugstore, taking a coffee break at the drugstore soda counter

Description

Image is of Vern Betts, pharmacist at Bert’s Drugstore, taking a coffee break at the drugstore soda counter. The hallway behind leads to the front door on S. Colony Way past shelves and display counters filled to overflowing with about anything a Valley resident might be tempted to buy.

Location

Palmer, Alaska

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