Fairbanks Photo Gallery by Henk Binnendijk at pbase.com

Fairbanks

No fancy stores, no pretty sidewalks. Fairbanks is not a scenic town.
The 'capital of cracked wind shields' is wild and surrounded by subarctic bush on all sides. Ice fog in winter and mosquitoes in summer.
It's the heart of Alaska's great interior and the gateway to the 'last frontier'. No city in the North is closer to the edge than Fairbanks.
It's easy to love and hate Fairbanks at the same time. The city has a hospitable hominess that grows on a person, although downtown is plain and basic,
with no remarkable sights or big attractions. The climate is tough. Fairbanks has one of the widest temperature ranges of any city in the world.
It can be really cold, like -66 F in January (record low). And it can be quite warm, like 99 F in July (record high).
Winters are long and dark. Summers are short but the days have over 20 hours of sunlight.
Fairbanks is not close to any other city. And the wild frontier is still out there.
Of course there's always Pioneer Park, the UAF campus, Creamer's Field, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline or the number one pastime in Fairbanks: shopping at Fred Meyer.
Fairbanks is the second-largest city in Alaska. Currently, 30.000 people live in the city of Fairbanks according to the
Fairbanks North Star Borough Community Research Center. About 100.000 people live in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
Fairbanks was founded as a gold mining town and gold still plays an important role in the area's economy.
Mining and other natural resource-related activities provide about 1.000 jobs for the area.

Alaska Highway milepost	Cushman Street Bridge	Cushman Street Bridge	Immaculate Conception Church	Immaculate Conception Church
Daily News-Miner	Fairbanks	Fairbanks	Fairbanks	Fairbanks
2nd Avenue	2nd Avenue	Co-op Plaza	Co-op diner	Co-op diner
Co-op diner	Fairbanks	Fairbanks	Cushman Street	Fairbanks
Fairbanks	Fairbanks	Fairbanks	Northward Building	Northward Building
Northward Building	US Post Office	Prospector	Third Street	Mitchell Expressway
Fairbanks	Fairbanks	Airport Way	Airport Way	Airport Way
Airport Way	University Avenue	Paw Rondy	Paw Rondy	Chena River bank
Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park	Pioneer Park exit
UAF Fairbanks	UAF Fairbanks	UAF Fairbanks	UAF Museum	UAF Museum
UAF Museum	Creamer's Field	Creamer's Field	Creamer's Field	Creamer's Field
George Parks Highway	Elliot Highway

comment

Rick Martin		15-May-2017 15:07
My Dad, TSGT Richard Martin was stationed at Eielson AFB from 1960-1966. It was great growing up there, wouldn't trade it for anything. I went to Pennell School and Taylor Jr HS. We lived In Fairbanks when we first got there. I remember going to Immaculate Conception Church. Great pictures and brings back memories!

Kelly Mason		22-Mar-2017 20:07
Oh, yeah -- and dad, Maj. Richard Mason, was a Nurse Anesthetist at Bassett Army Hospital there.

Kelly Mason		22-Mar-2017 20:04
My father, Maj. Richard W. Mason, was stationed there from 1965-67. He my mother Rita, my older brother Mike, baby sister Julie, and me were all there with him. Our stint in Ft. Wainwright ended with the floods and earthquakes of 1967. I was 12 years old when we left. I have tremendously fond memories of life there, my friends, etc. -- life was much easier then (of course I was just a kid). I would love to go back and tour the base - I remember it vividly, as me and my friends walked and rode bikes absolutely everywhere on the base. An old friend, David Henry, and I, used to walk down to the Chena River and fish (and smoke cigarette butts we picked up by the movie theater). Fantastic place for a kid, in spite of the floods and earthquakes.

Dave Cameron		05-Feb-2017 03:06
I was stationed at Fort Wainwright from Aug65-Feb 67 with Charlie Airborne. Returned to base during 2011. I remember several names Hobart, Duncan, Waller, Sgt Ku, Keagan, Healey who painted a picture above the entrance of our platoon. Thanks for the pictures.

Guest		19-Oct-2016 15:47
George F I was station at Fort Wainwright from Aug 65- Feb 67 with Charlie Airborne. I return to visit in Aug 2010 the base as all changed. All new buildings, hospital air strip is still there. did see that Clifton Brown left a message. also was a message from a Bruce Kerns I know that there was a Kerns in c co

Ken Vaughn		23-Sep-2016 20:34
I had TDY (Temporary Duty) at Eielson AFB from April-October 1965. I really enjoyed my time at the Base & in Fairbanks.

George Frust		10-May-2016 09:44
That was the beginning of the summer when I was finishing my field work on the Fairbanks Basalts. Then all summer long there were underground fires. I was camping in the different areas around Fairbanks where the basalts were exposed. Then in August I was to give a paper at a conference at the university. But the flood arrived in August. We were living in the flats near the university and it had rained for many days. So we left our cars on the hill and walked back and forth. The waters started raising very fast about a foot an hour. We had a raft tied to the house and escaped with our cats. At the university I rebuilt pumps all that night working to keep the university power house from being flooded. Two days later we visited the cabin and the water had gone almost up to the eves of the roof. All inside was destroyed. We lived on C rations provided by the army and the c ration cans thrown away at the dump. All the insulation in the walls had to be removed and replaces as winter arrives in two months. I also had to finish my thesis. I did and graduated with my MS the next year. I will never forget all the wonderful people and especially the Salvation Army that provided us with necessities of living. I loved Alaska but after the army I went back for my Ph.D. at Penn State and never returned. We all stuck together and helped each other.

George Frust		10-May-2016 09:31
My name is George Furst. I lived in college Alaska just outside of Fairbanks from Sept 1965 to November 1967. I was a graduate studene studying Geology for my Masters Degree. I had a deferment from the Army for two years to work on my degree as I had been commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Engineer Corps. I well remember the year of 1967. I was living in a basement apartment with my new wife Jean and we were awakened by our cat who kept coming in and out of the window. Then thee was a sound like a subwy train going through the room. Then there was a rolling motion and we all ran outside. It was an amazing sight with all the students in their pajamas as the time was around 6:00 in the morning.

Perry		27-Jan-2016 16:10
I was stationed in 1967-1968 at Fort Wainwright, in both the 47th Inf brigade, as well as the 171st Inf Personnel Dept, attached to Company A, 40th Armor. loved the area. Did a two-week leave with friends at Valdez, got lost in the Prince William Sound. Prior to Waimwright, I spent six months at Fort Greeley (in Personnel Dept) As soldiers, we were not allowed to go off base without a "weapon". Most of us bought our own pistols. I found that living in an all gun society was safe, and there was very little crime. There is a lesson in that for me - which ought be shared with our country NOW!

George		30-Dec-2015 00:12
I was in the 808 Engineer Bn Const. between 1970-1971 in Ft. Wainwright

Clifton m Brown		02-Nov-2015 05:58
I was station there in 1965-1967 at fort wainwright in an airborne company if anybody there at that time please call, my name is Clifton M Brown 901 849-5678; there was a Charles and Sam Brown there also a Shirly Hicks

Tom Davis		21-Jan-2015 21:05
I was stationed at Ft. Wainright from Nov. 1963 to April 1965 in the Army Security Agency Signal Research Unit 5. Coming from the Boston area, Fairbanks was like a frontier town. I will never forget the experience

John L. Echols		10-Nov-2014 03:36
I was stationed at Ladd Air Force Base in 1959 and 1960. It was a very unique world then but something I will not take anything for having experienced. Some of the greatest people I ever knew were there.

Roger Penwell		12-Aug-2014 02:45
Roger Penwell I was stationed at Ft.Wainwright from Jan 1967 to 1971 I was in 166 ord.

Bob Hennessey		12-May-2014 20:47
I was stationed at Ft Wainwright from Apr 64 through Oct 65 hhc 1st bn 47th inf . Thanks for the great pix. Bob Hennessey

Diane Hensley Lowrey		23-Feb-2013 06:11
I lived in Fort Wainwright in 1967-1970 my dad was a 1ST Sargent Dwight Hensley. We were there for the flood I was 10 years old I remember it very well. The Northeren lights were beautiful I paned for gold and did blanket toss with the natives's and staying out playing late at night but it was still light outside. I would love to go back and see it now. Maybe one day

Guest		12-Jul-2012 13:13
The earthquake. The memory still comes back and now I have closure. I was outside (alone) on the monkey bars in the playground. I was upside down and then sideways. What a FUN playground! I crawled back to our apartment only to have my mother scream at me that I should have stayed outside. I wasn't even 3 years old and remember it so vividly. Alaska was beautiful. We moved from Fairbanks to Anchorage. I do not remember any of the names where we lived (we were not military) Dad was with Wilbur Smith back in the day. I won a blubber eating contest when I was 4 (I have not partaken of the delicacy since) built an igloo and still have my parka and mukluks. Alaska...

Guest		31-Jan-2012 06:10
Robert Kemp. Born July 4, 1972, Bassett Army Hospital. Son of Jack C. and Dawn L Kemp. I have 3 older brothers. Jack Jr, Bill and Donnie. Anyone?

gary mayr		14-Jul-2011 22:11
I went to Immaculate conception 1-3 Grade 1961-1964. i remember Sister Dympna. I lived in Island Homes. I was in the Church on yhe river when the earthquake hit

Gary H.		16-Apr-2011 20:12
Hi there, did anyone attend Pennell, in 1964? Ms. Blair's 4th grade class? I was 9 years old when the quake hit. I remember it like yesterday.

Kim Gentry		14-Apr-2011 06:30
Randy, me again. Was wondering if you attended Pennell school? Or North Pole school?

Kim Gentry		14-Apr-2011 06:25
Randy: thx for specifics on quake. Been tryn 2 find out magnitides. That day is etchd n my mind forevr. I also livd onEielson same yrs u.

Ozzie Santilli		10-Apr-2011 16:47
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos. I was stationed at Ladd 1956-1957 with the 2nd Infantry Division. Have never returned and how much it has changed. Thanks Again

PFH		18-Mar-2011 04:21
I lived in Fairbanks 1965 to 1968. My first child, daughter Jessica, was born at Bassett Army Hospital, Ft Wainwright, on June 19, 1967--just 3 days before the earthquake. The OB ward was on the top floor of the hospital and the new moms had to be evacuated via the stairs and sent to the nurses' quarters next door. The babies all went into various campers parked outside the hospital. What did I know...I was only 20 years old with no family nearby. But what a time it was!! Then on August 14, 1967, we got to evacuate from our home on Blair Drive just outside town and made it to the University, then to Murphys Dome, and later out to Eielson AFB. Lots of wives and children were sent back to the lower 48 because many basements flooded/caved in and there was little time to repair them before winter. I stayed and lived during a very exciting time of Fairbanks/Alaska history. It was the year Alaskaland opened (it flooded) and JC Penneys had just opened their first store (it flooded). But before that, Northern Commercial Company (NC) was the only department store in town. I saw the Northern Lights, tasted my first smoked salmon, saw land untouched by human development as far as I could see, swatted some the of largest "moose-keetows" I ever saw, watched midnight baseball, and met the most wonderful people I was ever to meet--First Baptist Church...Taylor family, Mr. McRoberts, Miss Peasegood, Pastor Marsten & family, the Tweedy family (our landlord), the Olson family, and the Stutts family. I returned 30 years later on a vacation and got to meet the Tweedy's daughter by coincidence. My two-and-a-half years in Fairbanks was one of the high points of my life. Wouldn't trade the memories for anything--amazed by the long summer days and the long winter nights. Thank you, God, for creating a little piece of heaven on earth and populating it with some of your angels!!

Randy		11-Mar-2011 15:12
FYI. A magnitude 5.9 earthquake with an epicenter about 12 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska, hit on June 21, 1967. It was preceded by a magnitude 5.6 foreshock, followed by a magnitude 5.5 aftershock. Over the next 24 hours, more than 2,000 smaller aftershocks occurred. I lived in Fairbanks and Eielson AFB from 1965 - 1968. Thanks for the pictures!

Kim Gentry		26-Feb-2011 07:31
I hope these pix will always be here. They so beautiful n I look at them ovr n ovr again.

Kim Gentry		03-Feb-2011 06:27
Yeah! I just found one childhood friend. She was my next door neighbor on base. Still searchn for pamela sinsel with her piercn green eyes n black hair. My parents contd their friendships w oc n pat tyree, so kno where melissa n t.c. are. They also remaind friends with Bob (but not marge) so I kno where debbie n george r. Any o this sound familiar 2 anyone?

Guest		25-Jan-2011 05:51
Does anyone kno of a website you can try to contact childhood friends from eielson afb 1965-66-67 & also from from north pole school 1965-66 (my teacher was mrs. wright).% I I

Kim Gentry		17-Jan-2011 23:31
To Jen Towner: I also lived on Eielson when u did & have been tryn 2 find out what that quake registered. I remember it well. I was supposed 2 b gettn ready for church or something when I heard a roar. My little sister n I lockd eyes as our beds startd sliding around the room. Remembr, the base housing beds were always on wheels. Do u remembr the wounded bear incident on base? I would love 2 hear from people who share my memories. My email is kgpitttard@gmail.com. Im new 2 internet and hope I will b able 2 find this site again. I also lived @ the Ed Eastman subdivision in North Pole b4 we movd on base. Would enjoy finding my lil southrn friend named Yvette or the Conyer boys from upstairs, Johnny,Donnie & ? My mom was the one that pulled Donnie from the pond out front when he drove my brothrs toy tractor in. The mothrs name was Jane. I thought she was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen...but she cudnt swim. Mu name was Kim Gentry then.I

Nina		07-Oct-2010 19:29
I use to live in Fairbanks/Eilson AFB in 1980-1984 when my dad was still in the AF. Nov 30, 2010, I am returning and this time I'm bringing my husband as we are going to be stationed at FT Wainwright. It will be great to see everything again....but, first time as an adult. =)

Bruce Kerns		14-May-2010 21:28
I was stationed at fort Wainwright from November 1965 till May 1967. I was a young man then and didn't get to see to much. I'm returning for a visit August 30th 2010. Looking forward to seeing Fort Wainwright, and the great city of Fairbanks, during this trip.

Michelle		05-Apr-2010 01:01
Great pictures! I lived at Ft. Wainwright from June 1965 to December 1967. I also remember the earthquake in 1967 (I was 11 years old!) and the flood. Found on the internet that the eartquake was June 21, 1967 -- I couldn't find what the magnitued was, though. I loved living in Alaska.

Jen Towner		28-Nov-2009 19:47
I lived in Fairbanks and Eielson AFB from 1965 - 1968. I remember when the river flooded and the base took in people from Fairbanks who had nowhere to go - I think 1967?? Main question is - an earthquake hit Fairbanks AFTER the huge one in 1964 and before 1968. Can anyone remember this and give me the date - its bugged me for years & have not been able to find info. (just on the BIG earthquake) I just remember two major hits at the base (I was 13) that tipped the housing sideways and threw the vacuum I was using across the room & aftershocks. theatr Fairbanks was kinda a bar, bar, variety store, theatre, bar, drugstore, bar, if you get my drift - back then & quite a few tar papered small homes not far from downtown. I MISS alaska. Took a 10 day cruise around the lower water areas about 7 years ago. Its not like the US...its like its own country. Even being a service brat, I remember people not feeling like they were part of the mainland & it hadn't changed when I went on the cruise. thanks for the pics. I remember hiding in the Immaculate Conception Church when I accidently broke a window and praying (6 hours mind you lol)I wouldn't get caught. lol.

Maureen		13-Nov-2009 02:17
I was born in Fairbanks, we moved when I was 6 years old, does anyone remember Mrs. Wein the kindergarden teacher, and Annie McPhillips who cooked for creamer's dairy. Wonderful town, it's went through a lot of changes, but still remains different.:)

Guest		21-Jul-2009 18:13
Wow these are such great photos! I lived there from 1999-2005. I grew up there and went to school there. I miss it so much. Thank you for the pictures.

Guest		11-Nov-2008 21:09
Your pictures are fantastic. I've been in Fairbanks on tours twice, but now realize I missed so much of Fairbanks that the tours did not cover. I check the Arctic Cam several times a day and read the comments, too. Thank you for allowing me to see much more of Fairbanks than I did see in person. Means I need to go back. Thank you.

Sgt R Watson USAF ( Ret)		26-Sep-2008 02:33
Station at Ladd Field in the 40s and Iam looking for pictures of downtown Fairbanks to use in my book. I remember the first stop light, that was installed in 1947/48. Your pictures are GREAT thank you . I have a chapter in my book about Fairbanks in the 40s.

Guest		25-Jan-2008 23:27
Hi, Came across your site on Fairbanks Friends. Seeing the Fairbanks and Seward photos brought back memories of my trip in the Summer of 2006.

mikiruaq		26-Mar-2007 05:03
Great gallery!! I lived there from 1995-2004. You captured the "heart" of the city. Brings back lots of fun memories. Thanks for posting them.

mark Occhipinti		12-Jan-2007 08:12
Just ran across your fairbanks photos. Creamers dairy really brought me back. I curried cows for old man creamer and his son don in the early 60s.I ate many a lunch in that farm house. and "Yes" it will always be Alaskaland...

kenny		05-Nov-2006 19:24
i miss fairbanks and eielson afb , thanks for the pictures .

Jennifer Bowers		12-Oct-2006 01:26
For those of us who know the REAL Fairbanks, it's still Alaskaland, not Pioneer Park. :) Always will be. Great photos - thanks for posting them!

Guest		15-Dec-2005 18:06
Hello, I live in Faibanks from 1966 to 1969. I went through the flood of 1967. I live on Eielson Street. My oldest son was born at the Old St. Joe's Hospital in 1968. I remember the marvelous govenor balls that Wally Hickel use to host during the holiday in Fairbanks. I also remember stopping on the street to talk to Senator Gruening. It was a marvelous time and I have not really left.

Tony		09-Nov-2005 22:11
I'm glad to have stumbled onto your Fairanks photos, a great little slice of a great little town. Fairbanks is my home town and I love it. I have lived in Anchorage for the last 15 years and I miss it. Thank you.

Guest		30-Jun-2005 21:13
you're damn right it is!

Jeff Cochran		24-Oct-2004 15:25
Interesting place.

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