Palmer resident Kelley Turney was a local antique dealer and collector, known as "The Alaska Picker", and from time to time acquired historical photos of the area. He kindly agreed to make many of those images available to the Museum for our collections and to share with the public.
Airplane 1
Unknown
The "Flying Bull" cargo plane sits parked at an unidentified location.
The image is of a two-engine cargo plane, number N67931, parked on the ground. On the nose is painted an image of a winged bull in flight with partially legible words under it identifying the name of the plane as the "Flying Bull". On the side of the plane neat the tail are the words "Palmer Cold Storage" "Palmer, Alaska". The plane was used during the 1950's to haul beef carcasses from Chirikof Island near Kodiak to Palmer Cold Storage for processing.
Unknown
Bar 1
Cliff Moore
Interior view of the Tropical Gardens Bar in Palmer in 1959
Image is an interior view of the Tropical Gardens Bar in Palmer. Ruby and Bill Miller, proprietors from 1959 until 1962, are standing behind the bar at left.
Palmer, Alaska
Cafe 1
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Interior view of the Frontier Café in Palmer
Image is an interior view of the Frontier Cafe in Palmer as it appeared about 1960.
Palmer, Alaska
Church 11
Unknown
Interior of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Palmer
Image is a view of the interior sanctuary of the log St. Michaels Catholic Church in Palmer as it appeared not long after it was construction in 1937. Statues, pictures and other religious objects are apparent.
Palmer, Alaska
Claiming Their Freight 1
Unknown Journal staff
Colonists claiming their trunks, boxes and barrels of belongings from piles of freight off-loaded from the train and stacked about.
This is a slightly enhanced news photo showing Matanuska Colonists sorting through the boxes, barrels, trunks and crates of possessions off-loaded from the train at Palmer and stacked along the tracks, claiming their own and loading them on a truck to be delivered to their tents. The marks on the photo indicate how it would be cropped for printing in the newspaper.
Palmer, Alaska
Co-op Creamery 4
Unknown
A man in police or army uniform stands at the open door of the Co-op Creamery loading dock apparently talking with someone inside.
A summer view of the Co-op Creamery loading dock area with a man in uniform, possibly Palmer policeman Bill Bouwens, standing on the ground gesturing and apparently talking with someone inside the open door. Numerous milk delivery cans are stacked on the dock, likely empty ones awaiting return to the dairy farmers to be re-filled. A partial view of a late 1940's era car is visible parked at right.
Palmer, Alaska
Co-op Store 2
Unknown
Christmas-time business is being conducted in the drygoods department of the Co-op Store.
This image is an interior view of the Co-op store drygoods department after the store moved into the vacated warehouse building from the Trading Post in 1940. Four women are visible, two shoppers and two employees, including Colonist Irene Benson, Manager, at far right.
Palmer, Alaska
Co-op Store 3
Unknown
People crowd the recently opened Co-op Store in its new location of the old warehouse as they prepare for Christmas.
Christmas ornaments decorate the Drygoods department of the Co-op Store while several men and women and a child shop and two clerks check out the purchases and wrap the presents.
Palmer, Alaska
Co-op Warehouse 1
Unknown
A man pushes a dolly with five sacks of feed to the warehouse loading dock as a rail car stands next to the warehouse deck.
The image is of the front door and deck of the new warehouse showing notices posted on the front door, the decking along the side, the post and rail at the top of the steps leading up to the deck and front door, and a man bringing a dolly loaded with sacks feed forward to the loading dock. A rail car is visible next to the deck at right.
Palmer, Alaska
Co-op Warehouse 2
Unknown
Storage space (empty) and construction details of the Co-op Warehouse are evident.
This view shows the storage area (empty) in the attic of the warehouse and construction details of the building.
Palmer, Alaska
Co-op Warehouse 3
Unknown
This image shows some of the now empty pipe storage bins after the Co-op Warehouse was closed.
This image is of some of the long (deep) wooden storage bins in the Co-op Warehouse used to hold the stock of pipes and other long items.
Palmer, Alaska
Co-op Warehouse 4
Unknown
A large array of wooden parts bins sits empty following closure of the Co-op Warehouse
The image is of an array of empty wooden bins of various sizes in the Co-op Warehouse used to hold small items and parts.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Farm 22
A. Eide
Farmstead of Colonists Ferber & Ruth Bailey, Tract 152
Image is a summer view of a Matanuska Colony house, barn and outbuildings, identified as belonging to Colonists Ferber and Ruth Bailey on tract #152 located on the northern outskirts of Palmer. The foreground is a harvested grain field partially disked. The barn would later be moved forward past the house to allow the Glenn Highway to be straightened by cutting through “Bailey Hill” at the location where the barn is shown in this photo.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Home 23
Jackson
Home and barn of Colonists Virgil and Lillian Eckert
Image is a summer view of the Colony home and barn of Virgil and Lillian Eckert on their farm tract #100 on the north edge of Palmer. The house is of the log “cabin” style as were many of the Colony homes. The round-roofed barn was not typical of the Colony barns and was one of only three or four constructed of that style. A smaller log building is visible behind the house. Scattered birch trees are around the farmstead with heavy birch forest beyond.
Palmer, Alaska
Colony Home 24
Wide World Photos, Inc
Colony Home and family of Joe & Blanche Puhl
This is a press photo exhibiting marks indicating where it was cropped for publication in the newspaper. Image is a summer view of Joe and Blanche Puhl and their two sons at a wood pile next to their Colony tent and their new log home on farm tract #99 on the north side of Palmer. Rolls of barbed wire are stacked by the tent and blocks of birch wood await in the foreground to be split for fire wood.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 37
Unknown
The new Trading Post building in the Community Center is under construction.
This image is a summer view of the north side of the new Trading Post building under construction with the lower portion framed in and framing has begun on the middle section second story. Siding has begin on the eastern portion. Lumber is lain out on the ground and several workers are evident. Scattered trees form the background.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 38
Unknown
Signs on the building initially constructed as the Trading Post indicate that it now functions as the Recreation Center.
This image shows the north side of the Trading Post building after its store function was moved across the street to the vacated first warehouse in 1940. The attached sign indicates that the building had become the Recreation Center (referred to as the "Rec. Hall") and housed a fountain lunch counter and barbershop in addition to some small offices and space for dances, card parties and other small social gatherings. A 1940's era pickup truck is parked in front.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 39
Unknown
This aerial oblique view shows what the Co-op and surrounding area looked like in the early 1960's.
This is a high oblique aerial view of the Palmer Community Center Co-op complex and surrounding area seen from the northwest. The Co-op "Skater Girl" logo is visible on the water tower and the peaked roof om the school addition is not yet in place. Both the grain elevator and the silo are in place.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 40
Unknown
The image shows many of the Community Center buildings constructed by the fall of 1936.
This low oblique shows the new Trading Post in foreground, the school with construction scaffold still in place, the Dorm and Hospital beyond. The faded mountains in background exhibit a definite snow line indicating this is probably an early fall image.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 42
Unknown
The color view of part of the Community Center industrial complex indicates spring is coming to the valley.
A color easterly view from downtown Palmer features the water tower and the Co-op garage in middle ground and portions of other buildings behind. Water puddles in foreground and considerable remnant snow on the background mountains indicate early spring. White clouds frame the mountains with blue sky above. Bulk fuel tanks are partially visible at far left. Two fuel tank rail cars are visible below the water tower. Gas pumps are visible at the right and two trucks and a car are parked next to the garage. A man is walking along the foreground gravel street.
Palmer, Alaska
Community Center 43
Unknown
Business settles in to Palmer's Community Center in the 1940's surrounded by the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.
This color view looking east at the corner of Valley Way and Elmwood Ave. show part of the Co-op garage at left foreground, the post office and parts of the school and other Community Center buildings. Several automobiles are parked along Elmwood (referred to then as "Market Street"). The eastern Chugach Mountains form the background, heavily snow-clad white under a clear blue sky. A woman is visible walking down the street.
Palmer, Alaska
Dorm Living Room 1
Unknown
The Palmer Community Center “Dorm” living room as it appeared in 1969
The Community Center Dormitory was initially built to provide housing for single teachers, nurses and others during the early days of the Colony. It later provided public hotel rooms under private ownership. The accommodations included a community “living room” with a fireplace and space for small gatherings. This image shows how that room was furnished in 1969.
Palmer, Alaska
Farming 28
Hewitts Photo Shop
Colonist Claire Patton and horse “Prince” harrowing a field
Image is of a farmer, identified as Colonist Claire Patton, and a horse, identified as “Prince”, standing in a field of tilled ground, pausing in the process of harrowing. Part of a log building is visible behind the horse. A fringe of forest is in far middle ground and mountains are visible in background. Location is assumed to be on Patton’s Colony tract #49 south of Palmer. The horse, “Prince”, was the youngest stud horse brought to the Colony, and was well known as highly intelligent and capable in any kind of work.
Palmer, Alaska
Fire Hall 1
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Palmer Fire Department headquarters viewed from W. Evergreen Ave. in 1955
Image is a summer street-side view from W. Evergreen Ave. of the Palmer Fire Department Fire Hall as it appeared in 1955.
Palmer, Alaska
Fire Truck 1
Unknown
Old American-LaFrance fire truck, a member of the Palmer Fire Dept. fleet.
Image is of a vintage American-LaFrance fire truck parked on the west side of the Palmer theater building. A child is visible on the seat at the steering wheel, his trusty cap pistol ready at hand on the seat beside him. “ALASKA RAILROAD FIRE DEPARTMENT” is stamped on the engine hood, and a U.S. Federal property decal, visible on the side of the foot rest, is a reminder that at the time this truck was part of the railroad fleet, that railroad was still owned and operated by the federal government. Various information indicates the model year of this truck as 1909 or 1916. Other photos in our collection show this truck at the Lazy Mountain Children’s Home. Further research is needed to identify the truck’s history, age and current status.
Palmer, Alaska
Horton's Roadhouse Fire
Unknown
Smoke rising as Horton’s Roadhouse burned in 1946
Image is a view across the Community Center quad, west toward the commercial center buildings of Palmer as a large column of smoke rises from Horton’s Roadhouse as it burned in 1946. Numerous people and vehicles are visible. Also destroyed besides Horton's Roadhouse, or apartments, were Horton's Cafe, the Frontier Bar and the Frontier Liquor Store.
Palmer, Alaska
Matanuska Townsite 2
Jackson
Stores along Matanuska's main street stand ready for business.
Image is a frontal oblique view of five buildings along Matanuska's main street. Signage identifies O.O. Krogh General Merchandise store and Post Office, and Allen's Liquor Store. A man and a tricycle stand on the boardwalk in front of Krogh's store.
Matanuska, Alaska
Palmer Jail
Jackson
Palmer Jail and office of the U.S. Marshall and the ARRC Police
Image is a view of a shed-roofed building with three nine-pane windows and two small high windows that appear to have bars. A sign at the entrance identifies it as headquarters for the U.S. Marshall and Corporation Police. The photographer’s note on the front of the print indicate it was the Palmer “City Jail”. It appears to be a temporary and hastily constructed facility in the early days of the Matanuska Colony project in Palmer.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 20
Anchorage Times
Bert’s Drugstore street view
Image is an east side street view of the two storied Bert’s Drugstore building exhibiting signs and window advertisements for a variety of businesses therein, including Rexall Drugs, Soda Fountain, Post Office, Barbershop, Bus Depot, Jewelry, Liquor Store and Bar. Two automobiles are parked in front.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 21
Anchorage Times Newspaper
East street view of the Ward building in downtown Palmer in 1958
Image is of the east face street view of the Ward building in downtown Palmer. Signs include advertisement for Reed’s Hardware, Frontier Bar and a café. A car is parked in front.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 22
Anchorage Times Newspaper
East street view of Tost’s Service Station building in downtown Palmer in 1958
Image is of the east face street view of Tost’s Service Station building in downtown Palmer as it appeared in fall of 1958. Signs are evident advertising Standard Oil products and Chevron gasoline. The street in front is newly paved.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 23
Anchorage Times Newspaper
North and west street view of Kirk’s Sales and Service Station building in Palmer in 1958
Image is the street view of the north and west facing sides of Kirk’s Sales & Service Station building in Palmer as it appeared in fall of 1958. Signs are evident advertising Chevrolet and Oldsmobile automobiles and Union Oil products. Gas pumps are visible in front of both sides of the building. Bulk fuel tanks are evident behind the building exhibiting a large “76” sign. The street in front is newly paved.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 24
Anchorage Times Newspaper
: North and west street view of Hartley Motors Sales and Service Station building in Palmer in 1958
Image is the street view of the north and west facing sides of Hartley Motors Sales & Service Station building at the intersection of Old Glenn Highway and South Valley Way in Palmer as it appeared in fall of 1958. Signs are evident advertising Ford automobiles, lubrication services and Chevron Oil products. Gas pumps are visible in front of the building. Automobiles are parked near the building. Snow-clad mountains are partially visible in background. The street in front is newly paved.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 25
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Easterly view at the intersection of South Valley Way and Dahlia Ave. in Palmer in fall 1958 including Co-op buildings and mountains
Image is an easterly view at the intersection of South Valley Way and Dahlia Ave. in Palmer as it appeared in fall of 1958. Buildings of the Co-op are evident at left and signs are visible. Automobiles are evident. Snow-clad mountains are prominent in background. The included streets are newly paved.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 26
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Piggly Wiggly Super Market on South Alaska Street in Palmer in 1955
Image is of the Piggly Wiggly Super Market facing onto South Alaska Street in Palmer as it appeared in 1955. Automobiles are parked in front and signs are evident.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 27
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Piggly Wiggly Super Market on South Alaska Street in Palmer in fall 1958 after the street was paved.
Image is of the Piggly Wiggly Super Market facing onto South Colony Way in Palmer as it appeared in fall of 1958. Automobiles are parked in front and signs are evident. The street is newly paved.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 28
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Thrifty Variety Store on South Alaska Street in Palmer in fall 1958 after the street was paved.
Image is of the Thrifty Variety Store facing onto South Colony Way in Palmer as it appeared in fall of 1958. Automobiles are parked in front and signs are evident. The street is newly paved.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 29
Anchorage Times Newspaper
South view along South Alaska Street in Palmer in fall 1958 after the street was paved.
Image is the south view along South Colony Way in Palmer as it appeared in fall of 1958, viewed from the intersection with W. Evergreen Ave. Automobiles are parallel parked on both sides of the street, signs are evident and tall TV antennas are visible. The street is newly paved.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 30
Anchorage Times Newspaper
North view along South Alaska Street in Palmer in fall 1958 after the street was paved.
Image is the north view along South Alaska Street in Palmer, viewed from the intersection with W. Evergreen Ave., as it appeared in fall of 1958. Automobiles are parked along newly installed curbs and sidewalks on the recently paves street. Signs are evident and snow-clad Talkeetna Mountains are apparent in background.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 31
Anchorage Times Newspaper
South view along South Colony Way in Palmer in fall 1955.
Image is the south view along South Colony Way in Palmer as it appeared in fall of 1955, viewed from near the intersection with W. Evergreen Ave. Automobiles are angle parked on both sides of the street, signs are evident and tall TV antennas are visible on the roofs.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 32
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Koslosky’s store on South Alaska Street in Palmer in fall 1958 after the street was paved.
Image is the east side of Koslosky’s Department Store facing South Alaska Street in Palmer as it appeared in fall of 1958. Automobiles are parked along newly installed curbs and sidewalks on the recently paves street. Signs are prominent
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 33
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Palmer Drugstore on South Alaska Street in Palmer in fall 1958 after the street was paved
Image is of the southwest entry and west side of the Palmer Drug Store on South Alaska Street in Palmer as it appeared in fall of 1958. The new sidewalk associated with the recently paved street is evident. The Palmer Drug Fountain sign is prominent.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 34
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Matanuska Valley Bank windows on S. Colony Way in Palmer as they appeared in fall of 1958
Image is a street-side view from S. Colony Way of the sidewalk and building window advertising the “Matanuska Valley Bank” and partial view of another window advertising “Savings”. Two cars are parallel parked in front at the curb of the newly paved street.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 35
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Pioneer Apartments and Kirk’s Sales & Service buildings at the intersection of Glenn Highway and S. Valley Way. A sign is prominent pointing toward Palmer shopping center
Image is a view of Pioneer Apartments and Kirk’s Sales & Service at the intersection of Glenn Highway and S. Valley Way. A sign is prominent in foreground with an arrow pointing to “Palmer Shopping Center”. New pavement on S. Valley Way is evident as part of the city street paving project of 1958. Three vehicles are evident.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 36
Anchorage Times Newspaper
Betty’s Dress shop exterior on S. Colony Way.
Image is a view of the front of Betty’s Dress Shop on S. Valley Way. A neon sign, “BETTY’S” is prominent under the canopy covering the new sidewalk associated with recent street paving activity carried out by the city in 1958.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 37
Anchorage Times Publishing Co.
Creative parking on S. Colony Way.
Image is a view of numerous automobiles parked in front of businesses along S. Valley Way. A man stands in foreground looking away. Many signs are visible. The railroad depot is evident and two trains are visible nearby.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 51
Unknown
People are gathered in front of two Palmer establishments, apparently on a day of patriotic celebration.
Image is a street scene of people at the front of "Bert's Liquor" store and the "Palmer Cocktail Bar" in Palmer. Three men in dress clothes are in foreground with backs to the camera. A woman stands on the wooden sidewalk facing the camera dressed in a skirt, full length coat and hat. The front fender of a period car is visible in the right foreground. A group of men is gathered in middle ground at right in front of the Bar. U.S. flags are faintly visible at the tops of the buildings suggesting the photo was taken on a day of patriotic celebration.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 52
Unknown
This is a low angle view north along Colony Way in Palmer showing automobiles and businesses facing the street.
This view is from center line ground level of Colony Way at the intersection of Fireweed Avenue looking north. A car traveling north is in foreground at right with Bert's Drug store on the left. Other businesses facing the street are evident with cars parked on both sides of the street. A man and child are walking on the sidewalk in front of the drugstore. The Railroad depot is evident in near background and mountains are visible beyond, all under a cloudy sky.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 53
Unknown
People are parking their cars and gathering in front of businesses along Palmer's main commercial street. Signs are evident on some of the buildings identifying the business inside.
A summer oblique view of numerous business establishments along Palmer's main street. Several automobiles are parked in front of the buildings and numerous people are evident as well.
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer Street 54
Brickley
Automobiles park in front of businesses fronting on the street now identified as S. Colony Way in Palmer.
The image is a low oblique, summer view of the Palmer businesses along Colony Way from Evergreen Ave. to Fireweed Ave. Numerous automobiles are parked in front of the businesses and signs are evident on the fronts of several buildings. A set of rail tracks crosses the photo in foreground with a panel truck about to cross them on the Evergreen Ave. crossing. A forested ridge is in background with mountains partly eviden beyond.
Palmer, Alaska
People 52
Unknown
Women and children appear to be waiting to board the train at the Palmer Depot.
Several rail passenger cars are at left parked in front to the Palmer depot. A crowd of mostly women and children stand next to the train. The south end of the depot is evident. Numerous automobiles are parked at right facing the train. Don Irwin is identified standing next to the train.
Palmer, Alaska
Post Office 2
Unknown
Palmer Post Office circa 1940, water tower and powerhouse smoke stack
Image is a view of the front of the new Post Office building constructed as part of the Matanuska Colony project in front of the powerhouse on what was to become Dahlia Ave. The water tower is prominent and a portion of the powerhouse and its smokestack are visible behind. A cable and post hitching rail is in foreground and two automobiles are partially visible. Postal service moved from Jim Felton’s store to this facility in 1936 where it operated until 1949. This postcard photo is estimated to have been taken about 1940.
Palmer, Alaska
School 3
Unknown
Interior hallway view of Palmer Central School in 1969
Image is a view of the interior hallway of Palmer Central School as it appeared on February 1, 1969 at 1:18pm. Note on the back of the photo refers to the school being evacuated, but gives no indication as to why.
Palmer, Alaska
Signs 1
Unknown
Four men stand next to the "Welcome to Palmer, Alaska" sign at the north entry to the city.
Four unidentified men stand next to a "Welcome to Palmer, Alaska" sign in this color photo. Two smaller signs are attached to the signpost indicating the Lions Club and Future Farmers organizations exist in the community. The sign stands beside the Glenn Highway at the foot of Bailey Hill north of Palmer. Snow covers the ground. Power polls with cross bars are evident. Small regulatory signs at the edge of the highway indicate the speed limit is 25 miles per hour and other rules apply.
Palmer, Alaska
Sorting Potatoes 1
Unknown
Three men are sorting potatoes in a root cellar storage facility.
Three men stand a t a potato sorting table assumed to be in the Co-op root cellar. Two men stand at the table sorting the potatoes as they pass by on the moving surface while one man stands at the end of the table tending to the sacks as they fill.
Palmer, Alaska
Stock Cars 1
Unknown
Labor Day stock car races at the Palmer fairgrounds , 1949
Image is of five stock cars racing on the Palmer Fairgrounds race track, identified as a Labor Day event. Other automobiles and people are visible in middle ground with Palmer city buildings and Talkeetna Mountains beyond.
Palmer, Alaska
Store 1
Unknown
Felton’s store & post office adjacent to a homestead cabin and colony tents
This image shows a man standing on the porch of Felton’s store and post office in foreground. A large log cabin is in near middle ground with several Colony tents visible beyond. Heavy forest is the backdrop with mountains faintly visible in background. Location is the former homestead of Georen O. White. The large log structure constructed by White was a roadhouse and post office serving travelers and the scattered residents of the area who came to connect with the train or pick up their mail. Felton and partner, Ward, acquired the property, moved the store building next to the roadhouse, and operated the Post Office with the community's name of “Warton” until 1935 when the name was changed to “Palmer”. As seen here, the Matanuska Colony “Tent City” temporarily occupied part of the property during the first year of the Colony project's establishment.
Palmer, Alaska
Store 2
International News Photo, Inc.
People standing about in front of Felton’s store & post office
This is a press photo showing people standing at the front of Felton’s store and Post Office. James Felton and partner, Ward, operated the Post Office with the community name of “Warton” until 1935 when the name was changed to “Palmer”. Accompanying information identifies the young man in front as John Walsh, a university graduate, employed as a carpenter, probably as one of the Matanuska Colony project transient labor force.
Palmer, Alaska
Trading Post 7
Unknown
Color view of the Co-op Trading Post in 1956 with automobiles parked in front.
Image is a summer street-side color view from Dahlia Ave. of the Co-op Trading Post and Creamery building with numerous automobiles parked in front. The warehouse behind the store is partially visible.
Palmer, Alaska
