History of Fairbanks, Alaska, USA

1906 - ALASKA TOWN IS DESTROYED. ONE WOMAN IS BURNED TO DEATH AT FAIRBANKS. Meager Report Leaves It to Be Inferred That Main Business Houses Are in Ashes.
Alameda, Cal. - The Northern Commercial company Wednesday received the following from its agents at Fairbanks: The entire town from Turner to Lacey street and back to Third, except, the Fairbanks Banking company's building and warehouse, has been destroyed. One woman, LOTTA TALBOT, was burned to death.

Fairbanks is situated on the Chena river, a tributary of the Tanana, and, although but three years old, is now the largest and most important city on the Pacific coast north of Vancouver, B. C., having a population of about 7,000.

The gold output in 1905 was $7,000,000, and during the present year it will reach $12,000,000 to $15,000,000.

The burned district covers three and a half square blocks. The First National bank, the Washington Banking company, and the court house, located in the burned district, probably were destroyed, as were many of the retail stores and saloons and possibly one or two hotels. The most important of the financial institutions in the city, the... Read MORE...

1913 - Former Woodstock Man Elected Mayor of Fairbanks, Alaska
The voters of Fairbanks have selected the men who shall guide the course of the municipal bark during the coming term of one year. At 9 o'clock yesterday morning, the battle of ballots started and until 8 o'clock in the evening the skirmishing continued. The counting of the votes occupied until midnight, and the final result was awaited with interest by the residents of the city.

Murray C. Smith received the largest number of votes, leading the nearest man by 64 votes.

On him undoubtedly, will fall the mantle of mayor, for that honor is annually conferred on the person - with the highest number of votes to his credit.

The Citizens' ticket elected all of its men with the exception of Harry E. St. George and W. F. Whitely. The Non-Partisan ticket elected one of its men, William Baltuff and Dan Callahan, running indepently, secured a berth well above the tailenders.

Murray C. Smith is a native of Carleton County, and a brother of Louis Smith.
Carleton Sentinel
Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada
June 6, 1913

1916
Fairbanks, a mining camp and district on the Tanana River, Alaska, in about Lon. 147° 55' W.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1947 - THREE SOLDIERS DIE IN FIRE AT LADD FIELD.
Fairbanks, Alaska, April 13 (AP) - Three soldiers burned to death and one was injured seriously late Saturday when fire destroyed the one story non-commissioned officers club at nearby Ladd Field Army air base.
Witnesses told an official investigating board that the blaze apparently was caused by an explosion, the nature of which has not been determined. Flames spread rapidly throughout the frame structure.
One survivor who crawled through the dense smoke from a room at the rear of the building said two of the victims were overcome as they attempted to make their way to safety.

Names of the dead and injured were withheld pending notification of next of kin.
News
Frederick, Maryland
April 14, 1947

1955 - February 17 - KTVF TV channel 11 in Fairbanks, AK (CBS/ABC) begins broadcasting

historyorb.com

1963 - December 24 - Caribou, Muktuk Head Menu at Eskimo Christmas Table
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - Children all over the world, in some small corner of their hearts, must secretly envy the children of Barrow.

For how much close can one get to Santa and his workshop?

Barrow children are quite familiar with reindeer, except the flying kind, and the bright red-nosed variety.

Only a few of the oldest people in the village remember the coming of the missionaries. Around 1900 these missionaries brought with them the story of Christ and Christmas. They also told of the three wise men and the Christmas Star.

But the Eskimos knew of this star long before the coming of the missionaries. The old people say that long ago it was noticed at this time of year that an exceptionally large, bright star appeared above the horizon. It was accompanied by a smaller star. During the time of the longest darkness, in the latter part of December, those stars would line up together.

Then celebrations would begin in small villages across the Arctic. Families and friends ... Read MORE...

1966 - Sacred Heart Cathedral established in Fairbanks

www.gcatholic.org

1967 - Chena River flooded Fairbanks

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1978 - Policeman Tells Cover-Up Story
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - Policeman John L. Lee's tale of how he was wounded touched off a widespread search for a motorcyclist and his gun-slinging blonde companion, who Lee said shot him. Now Lee admits his story was a fantasy.

The 32-year-old North Pole policeman said Wednesday he fabricated the story to cover up the fact that he shot himself in the upper left arm accidentally. His boss, Chief Phil Ensley, said Lee would be dismissed upon completion of a state police investigation. It was unclear how Lee wounded himself, Ensley said.
Indiana Evening Gazette
Indiana, Pennsylvania
July 13, 1978

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Fairbanks:
Aurora Borealis Viewing:

Fairbanks is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights. Head to spots like Cleary Summit or Chena Hot Springs for optimal viewing conditions.

Pioneer Park:

This historical park offers a glimpse into Fairbanks' past. With museums, historical buildings, and a riverboat, it's a great place to spend an afternoon.

University of Alaska Museum of the North:

Explore the natural and cultural history of Alaska. The museum houses a fascinating collection of exhibits, including indigenous art, wildlife displays, and artifacts.

Chena Hot Springs Resort:

Relax in the natural outdoor hot springs. It's a perfect place to unwind, especially during the colder months.

Riverboat Discovery:

Take a cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers aboard an authentic sternwheeler. Learn about Alaska's history, culture, and witness a sled dog demonstration.

Running Reindeer Ranch:

Experience a unique opportunity to walk and interact with... Read MORE...