2 Aug 2026
Anchorage Sights, Sounds, Tastes, and Smells
Photo above, circa 1950s, courtesy Michael Nore
We all share something in common about Anchorage.
Each of us carries fond memories of sights, sounds, tastes, and smells that happily remind us of our days in the Anchorage we love.
Walking down the 4th Avenue sidewalk across from the visitors log cabin and seeing the delicious-looking roast hanging in the window under amber heat lamps at the Hofbrau. Yum.
Going into the 4th Avenue theatre after you purchased your ticket, and being delighted by the smell of fresh popped popcorn.
On a cold winter day, when Jack Frost was nipping at your nose, remember how good it felt to open the door to a shop and step into the waiting warmth. If you wore glasses, they immediately fogged up.
Being bussed to the Spa swimming pool from your school during gym for swimming lessons. As you walked into the building, you could smell the chlorine. And afterward, the girls had to deal with the feeling of wet hair out in the cold weather as they headed for the waiting bus.
When Gilman’s Bakery had a store on 4th Avenue, remember the wonderful smell of fresh bread and pastries?
Young boys and girls selling newspapers downtown could be heard singing, “Get your Anchorage Daily Newspaper, get your Anchorage Daily Newspaper.”
Warming up with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa at the Woolworths lunch counter.
The sound of those beautiful downtown chimes telling you the time.
Do you recall the incredible smell of hamburgers as you walked by or into the White Spot? And oh, how good they tasted.
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Standing in line at Benny’s Taco wagon, waiting to place your order. Then you stepped up into the wagon, and it was finally your turn. What a heavenly aroma.
The smell of sun tan lotion at Goose Lake and the sound of rock n roll music from a local radio station playing over the loudspeakers. And do you remember the DJ ringing a bell and telling everyone at Goose Lake to roll over so they didn’t get a sunburn?
The amazing vistas and the sensation of skiing down Alyeska or Arctic Valley.
Remember the roar of the engines as modified stock cars raced around Anchorage tracks?
The taste of fresh strawberries grown in your own Anchorage garden.
Sounds of Ice skates gliding over a crisp Anchorage ice rink.
The crack of a bat and the roar of the crowd at an Anchorage baseball game.
The distinctive sound of a ball rolling down the lane and striking the pins at Center Bowl.
Trickling water and the sun on your face as you floated down Campbell Creek.
The happy sights and sounds of a circus on the Park Strip.
Tasting those wonderful burgers and fries as you sat in your car at the Bun Drive-In listening to Ron Moore and the Coke Show.
What are some Anchorage sights, sounds, tastes, and smells you fondly remember?
BONUS
What were some of your Anchorage Firsts?
The first place you lived, your first school, favorite teachers, and your first Anchorage driving test.
Take a look at Your Anchorage, Alaska Firsts (https://www.anchoragememories.com/your-anchorage-alaska-firsts.html) and remember to comment.
Connect with Mike and Mary Jane
You’re probably enjoying a flood of fond Anchorage memories right now. Mary Jane and I sure are.
Be sure to share your memories with us.
You can also connect with us by replying to this email.
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary Jane
The Anchorage Memories Club
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