Mid-Twentieth Century Architecture in Alaska Historic Context (1945-1968) Prepared by Amy Ramirez . Jeanne Lambin . Robert L. Meinhardt . and Casey Woster 2016 The Cultural Resource Programs of the National Park Service have responsibilities that include stewardship of historic buildings, museum collections, archeological sites, cultural landscapes, oral and written histories, and ethnographic resources. The material is based upon work assisted by funding from the National Park Service. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior. Printed 2018 Cover: Atwood Center, Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, 2017, NPS photograph MID-TWENTIETH CENTURY ARCHITECTURE IN ALASKA HISTORIC CONTEXT (1945 – 1968) Prepared for National Park Service, Alaska Regional Office Prepared by Amy Ramirez, B.A. Jeanne Lambin, M.S. Robert L. Meinhardt, M.A. and Casey Woster, M.A. July 2016 Table of Contents LIST OF ACRONYMS/ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................... 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................... 8 1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 9 1.1 Historic Context as a Planning & Evaluation Tool ............................................................................. 9 1.2 Objectives and Methodology .............................................................................................................. 9 1.2.1 How to Use This Context Statement .......................................................................................... 10 1.2.2 Project Methodology .................................................................................................................. 10 1.2.3 Limitations and Challenges of Research .................................................................................... 12 1.2.4 Historic Preservation and Preserving the Recent Past in Alaska ............................................... 12 1.2.5 Unique Challenges to Preserving the Recent Past ..................................................................... 15 1.3 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................ 18 2.0 HISTORIC CONTEXT STATEMENT-OVERVIEW OF THEMES .................................................. 18 2.1 Population ......................................................................................................................................... 19 2.1.2 Alaska Native Population ........................................................................................................... 21 2.1.3 Asian Migration ......................................................................................................................... 24 2.1.4 Filipino Migration ...................................................................................................................... 25 2.1.5 African-Americans ..................................................................................................................... 25 2.1.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 27 2.2 Military .............................................................................................................................................. 28 2.2.1 Cold War .................................................................................................................................... 28 2.2.2 Detect and Monitor .................................................................................................................... 29 2.2.3 Communicate ............................................................................................................................. 32 2.2.4 Intercept and Respond ................................................................................................................ 33 2.2.5 Guard and Defend ...................................................................................................................... 39 2.2.6 Tomorrow’s War ........................................................................................................................ 47 2.2.7 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 53 2.3 Statehood (1959) ............................................................................................................................... 53 2.3.1 Alaska Statehood and Department Turnovers ........................................................................... 53 2.4 1964 Good Friday Earthquake .......................................................................................................... 55 2.4.1 Rebuilding and Recovery ........................................................................................................... 58 2.5 Alaska Centennial ............................................................................................................................. 60 2 2.5.1 Alaska Centennial Commission ................................................................................................. 62 2.5.2 Fairbanks and the Exposition Center ......................................................................................... 62 2.5.3 Other Notable Centennial Efforts .............................................................................................. 63 2.5.4 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 64 2.6 Resource Exploration and Extraction ............................................................................................... 64 2.6.1 Fisheries ..................................................................................................................................... 64 2.6.2 Mining ........................................................................................................................................ 65 2.6.3 Timber and Logging ................................................................................................................... 66 2.6.4 Oil Boom .................................................................................................................................... 67 2.6.5 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................. 70 2.7 Transportation ................................................................................................................................... 71 2.7.1 Roads .......................................................................................................................................... 71 2.7.2 Aviation ...................................................................................................................................... 78 2.7.3 Alaska Railroad Rehabilitation Project ...................................................................................... 79 2.7.4 Alaska Marine Highway System ................................................................................................ 80 2.8 Travel and Tourism ........................................................................................................................... 81 2.8.1 Transportation Improvements Impact on Tourism .................................................................... 81 2.8.2 Parks and Recreation .................................................................................................................. 83 2.9 Education .......................................................................................................................................... 87 2.9.1 Primary and Secondary Education ............................................................................................. 87 2.9.2 Post-secondary Education .......................................................................................................... 89 3.0 OVERVIEW OF POST-WWII ARCHITECTURE AND DEVELOPMENT IN ALASKA ............... 90 3.1 Overview of Federal and State Funding Programs ........................................................................... 91 3.2 Postwar Building Materials and Construction Techniques ............................................................... 94 3.2.1 Construction Types .................................................................................................................... 95 3.2.2 Materials ................................................................................................................................... 103 3.2.3 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 114 4.0 ARCHITECTURAL TYPES, STYLES AND DESIGN TRENDS .................................................... 114 4.1 What Style (or Type) Is It? Style vs. Type ..................................................................................... 115 4.2 Building Types and Design Trends in Alaska ...............................................................................