In the Alaska of the past, everything was hard to get. To get items from outside Alaska, you could wait months for a catalog order or wait for an occasional trip to Seattle to buy what you and your family needed. That made the role of the local store pivotal in the lives of many communities. These are the places Alaskans dreamed, cried, and shopped in the past.
- IGA Food Cache, Delta Junction
JLS Photography - Alaska | Flickr The IGA in Delta has been a staple on the Richardson Highway since 1990. The Russian influence of the area can be seen in the products they carry.
- Chicken Mercantile Emporium, Chicken
JLS Photography - Alaska | Flickr In 1902, Chicken was the second town founded in Alaska and this fascinating store was in existence. The feel of pioneer Alaska is alive and well at this store in Alaska.
- JT Brown, Craig
BECKY | Flickr This store has been open for more than 40 years in the tiny town of Craig on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast. A classic stop for fishing needs and snacks.
- Piggly Wiggly Store, Fairbanks
UAF-2010-25-364 | Alaska and Polar Regions Collections, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks. The store was a classic Fairbanks grocery store throughout much of the last century. The store was a staple grocery of early Fairbanks.
- Nagley’s Store, Talkeetna
Timothy Wildey | Flickr Since 1921, Nagley’s has kept the people of Talkeetna supplied with everything they need to face life in the rural community. Nagley’s General Store is the longest continuously operated General Store in the Northern Susitna Valley.
- The Hub of Alaska, Glenallen
USDARD LAPAS | Flickr Open since the 1970’s, everyone will remember stopping here on a road trip at some point in your life. They are always busy and always open.
If you like this article, you may like Here Are The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In Alaska And They’re Incredible. Also, check out 15 Very Rare Photos Taken During WWII In Alaska.
JLS Photography - Alaska | Flickr
The IGA in Delta has been a staple on the Richardson Highway since 1990. The Russian influence of the area can be seen in the products they carry.
In 1902, Chicken was the second town founded in Alaska and this fascinating store was in existence. The feel of pioneer Alaska is alive and well at this store in Alaska.
BECKY | Flickr
This store has been open for more than 40 years in the tiny town of Craig on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast. A classic stop for fishing needs and snacks.
UAF-2010-25-364 | Alaska and Polar Regions Collections, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The store was a classic Fairbanks grocery store throughout much of the last century. The store was a staple grocery of early Fairbanks.
Timothy Wildey | Flickr
Since 1921, Nagley’s has kept the people of Talkeetna supplied with everything they need to face life in the rural community. Nagley’s General Store is the longest continuously operated General Store in the Northern Susitna Valley.
USDARD LAPAS | Flickr
Open since the 1970’s, everyone will remember stopping here on a road trip at some point in your life. They are always busy and always open.
How many of these stores do you remember in Alaska? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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