#5 Welcome to Anchorage...Yet Unforgotten!

The Boar Tide had been spectacular as the train of Minnesota Colonists neared half way down Turnagain Arm. Just as Tony had predicted. As the awesome power of Mother Nature was demonstrated as a prelude of what to expect, everyone took in the beauty of snow covered mountains, rivers and streams gushing into the tidal waters, Mountain Goats and Sheep as white dots high up on the rocks, the occasional black bear with cubs, the moose with as many calves as three, fox, and all sorts of small game in plain view. The hunters in the group took keen notice. Most knew the Second Amendment of their Constitution, and had brought their favorite rifles with them. Tony had several.

Now thoughts of what would be in Anchorage, founded when the Alaska Railroad was built from Seward to Fairbanks. It ran more than 800 miles across the wilderness, connecting a deep water port with temperate weather, and not much winter ice, with the Interior of Alaska. A sure buffer, rich in resources, delaying any invaders of the USA from Europe or Asia.

Leaders, both commercial and political, from the Territory of Alaska, states on the West Coast, and the Federal Government were pushing for economic development in the Far North in the tradition of "Manifest Destiny" & "Go west young man!" And come they did. The influx of the Gold Rushes, the homesteaders, merchants, camp followers, teachers, preachers, newsmen, lumber mill operators, commercial fishing interests, fur traders, and the usual scallywag among many others. The rules were those of survival, and sharing knowledge to help each other. Not much in law enforcement. Not many laws. No permitting required. You want it, you build it.
Done.

As the train pulled to a stop at the station in Anchorage, Tony and Alys could see the town was up a hill on a ridge overlooking Cook Inlet with a view of Mt Susitna, known as the sleeping lady, as its outline suggested. Later they would be able to see Mt McKinley when they visited the city mostly for business and trade. But it had to be a clear day. It was raining now.

The community of Anchorage was well organized and treated all to a large dinner of locally harvested foods from their gardens and stored all winter. Wild game was the source of meat and many families got there first taste of deer, bear, moose, goat, sheep, canned salmon, smoked salmon, brine cured salmon, Rainbow, Dolly Var den, Steel head and Sea trout. Halibut, King Crab, Shrimp, and even some local beef!

Both groups were taking careful measure of each other. Would these "Cheechakos" (newcomers) last, and can they help our city grow? Will these "Sourdoughs" (old timers) "play fair" and trade with us? Competition is good, and with handshakes and bear hugs all around the Vickaryous family boarded the train to Palmer.

Tony had already made friends with Koslosky, Emard, Atwood, Col Olson, and promised he would be in touch with them soon. Fourth Avenue, the main street of Anchorage, was already peppered with bars. Years later, Bob Hope would joke that "this Avenue is the longest bar in the World" while visiting Troops at the two Bases yet to be built.

Tony had made himself welcome in a few by accepting a drink as patrons would call out: "Set 'em Joe, for my new Cheechako friend Tony!" "He is up here to cut a fat hog in the ass!" Alys had taken the girls for a walk down Fourth to window shop knowing that in the short time available he would make lasting friendships and not get more than a warm glow on. She would learn soon enough that he had been hired by Mr. Emard to start fishing for salmon!

She had entered a few stores and was welcomed warmly. She dressed very stylishly.Her girls were neat and clean. She was sure that her family was welcome here. She had enjoyed learning what Tony would have to do to become a Sourdough. The word describes a pancake batter with a yeast base. If you use it up and yeast is hard to come by you are out of Sourdough pancakes. So, you keep a small crock of the batter near the stove to be warm so the yeast grows for the next batch. Leave some starter. When your friend needs some, share. Real Sourdough has a heritage as old as man passed down like their genes! To become an Alaskan Sourdough, a Cheechako has to shoot a bear, piss across the Yukon river, and sleep with a Native "Squaw" woman. Good luck getting all that done in quick time!

As the train snaked its way into the Matanuska Valley along the foothills of the Chugach mountain range they could see Pioneer Peak, the Three Sisters, The Butte, the Eklutna Flats,
and the streams and rivers. Lots of them. Then they crossed the Knik river. It was raging with that silty looking roiling water. "Oh! Dear Jesus, Mary, and Joseph" came from under Alys' breath. Then in a short distance they crossed over The Matanuska river as they both join the head of Cook Inlet very near to each other. This namesake for their new home was even larger than the Knik, and more silty looking, and very swift with whole trees, stem to stern floating with the flow. "Oh! Dear Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!" again.

Where will our farm be? Next to these behemoths? Not in between them. Not on my Life!
Tony calmed her fears by promising he would only choose a safe place for their new home.

"Matanuska Junction just passed by. Matanuska Colony Tent City next!" The town of Palmer had not yet been named for its first business man. The Conductor's booming announcement brought everyone to a window to peer out. Anticipation was at its peak, weeks of fame and acclaim was about to end. Soon it would be sink or swim. Hustle or go hungry. Many surprises were in store. A Colony? It was sinking in. "Is that so?"