David Reamer

Historian David Reamer answers readers’ questions.

Alaska history: Rotting, underpowered and crewed by novices, the Eliza Anderson is likely the least capable ship to ever sail the open waters around Alaska.

Histories of Anchorage: In 1947, two ordinances that governed voter requirements led to a string of legal challenges that put an end to registration on polling day.

Histories of Anchorage: As usual the Joes duked it out with Cobra, keeping the evil organization from installing puppet Gerky Potemkin as the leader of the new occupied state renamed Gerkyland.

Historian David Reamer answers readers’ questions, including a submission on a notable building along Anchorage’s Park Strip.

From Peril Strait and Murder Cove to Refuge Rock and Massacre Bay, the names are representative of a dark time in history.

Histories of Anchorage: Although a number of major acts like Fleetwood Mac and the Grateful Dead played in Alaska during Alaska’s boom in the late 20th century, many shows were plagued by sound and venue issues.

Alaska history: Hammond, who defeated Wally Hickel by 98 votes in the 1978 gubernatorial primary, penned “Nip and Tuck” to commemorate the victory.

Histories of Anchorage: “She was brave, yet tender; keen in business; yet generous to a fault. She ministered the afflicted, cared for the sick, aided the needy, cheered the downhearted, gave good counsel to those who came to her for advice, and was indeed a ‘mother’ during her long and useful life, to the inhabitants of this remote region.”

History: By the time of Albert Bierstadt’s adventure aboard the steamer Ancon, his public appeal had declined. He hoped the experience would revive his career.

Eli Smith won the $10,000 bet, and fame and adoration along the way of the 15-month journey to the nation’s capital.

History: Despite the jokes and cost, the idea of mushing poodles did not fail on its own accord. John Suter’s career as a poodle musher was legislated out of existence.

Alaska history: Baldy started out a lean and hungry mutt, with little love for people and similarly scant promise as a sled dog. Everyone was likely surprised when Baldy took well to training.

History: Guns aside, the presentation leaned toward the ludicrous, and several people in the bank assumed it was a sort of prank.

History: Alaska’s settler population was highly fluid, and few residents gave it much thought when some transplants seemed to disappear. It was the perfect backdrop for a serial killer.