Journey with the Weigles: Pioneer village, farmers market, 4th parade

Last couple days at North Pole and Faribanks:

A visit to 44-acre Pioneer Park (re-created Gold Rush town) with historic buildings moved from downtown Fairbanks along with a Native Village, small railroad, miniature golf course, three museums (Pioneer Hall, the Native Village, and Pioneer Air), an art gallery and play ground. Probably our favorite the Sternwheeler riverboat 'Nenana'.

As you can tell by the amount of attractions this place took us a long long long time to go through. Actually so much so, we had to go back a second time. But that was fine since we spent the night in the RV parking at the park and took in the "Alaska Salmon Bake".

Most of the old log buildings (all with plaques stating their original location and original business, owners or residents, including two red light district homes)

are now occupied by small businesses selling food, crafts, art work, souvenirs and such. Very interesting stroll through the old time streets. Lot of browsing but only one purchase (set of smoke tanned caribou leather thimbles for my sewing).

One of our stops was the Art Gallery which had a lovely display of quilts by local artists

The quilters following this blog will appreciate the detail and art of these pieces. Even Carl was impressed

At the Air Museum we enjoyed great displays of Alaska's air history. The dome of building is designed and billed as "The golden igloo". It certainly shines. Inside, a large collection of rare and unique memorabilia, many planes, engines, personal pilot records and photograph.
Carl thoroughly enjoyed this museum given his history of working on aircraft, as would most military people.

Who would have figured it, a Hovercraft built by an Alaskan

Interesting information and display about Ben Eielson. Found out later that a visitors center we visited in Denali was named after him.

How about a 1930's baggage carrier?

Very impressed with these boots! Fur uppers and lining. Way cool. Just simply too many things to talk about. If aircraft interest you at all this is a must stop.

SS NENANA:

From 1934 to 1955 this 500-ton ship traveled the Yukon River carrying passengers and freight to the small isolated villages of the Bush (774 miles) The boilers were wood fired. When under full steam, a cord and half of wood was used every hour. Cutters along the river supplied wood, often using dogsleds to build stockpiles. About 200 cords of wood were carried on the deck and 16 cords piled on the bow for ballast. In 1948, the boilers were converted to oil.

This is part of the display showing the cleared river sides. On just about every other display we saw piles and piles of wood ready for selling to the riverboat. That was how many folks made their living.

The villages and the river are depicted in miniature by the world's largest diorama on the deck of the partially restored boat."

Each village has a printed information detailing the history and current status of the village. This is an example.

The diorama is so detailed it is mind boggling and the oil background mural is so well done it even shows a wild fire. Seen in the distance.

Following is close up of fire

As the pictures show it so realistic you can hardly tell it is not a real village we are looking at. The diorama is part of a five-year restoration effort for this National Historic landmark. It shows the boat's travel down the Yukon with stops at each village. We were able to see the diorama's painstaking construction. Simply mystifying.

My oh my, how much work and art is put into these miniature
replicas of the river and villages. Actual photographs are used to set the stage.

No artists were working on the exhibit while we were there, but we could see several villages in different stages of construction.

This is the display the lady mentioned

Depiction of the train town of Nenana

We ABSOLUTELY loved this exhibit. It told us so much and we really got a feel for the villages along the Yukon

The Pioneer Museum at the park also offered a variety of relics and information. We talked for quite a while with a nice lady volunteering. She reports she and her husband came here in the 70s with the military and never left. She talked about winters, summers, heating, roads, social activities, schools, and more. We really enjoyed our visit with her. Here are few photos from the museum:

On the right are stills that I found interesting

There was this photograph of an antler tree a local game warden made from confiscated illegal antlers

Next was this display of pilots survival kit. Interesting

Also of interest was the display on gold mining (again done in miniature)This is one of many exhibits showing mine shafts, homesteading and much more.

This exhibit was most interesting.

Probably one of the most interesting was the display on "Pioneer" clubs/ Igloo clubs/ Prospector clubs. We gathered it was something like an Eagles, Moose, or Masons club. According to the nice lady chatting with us, one has be at least a 30 year resident of Alaska before you can join the clubs or the auxiliary. This particular chapter was established in 1931

No trip to Fairbanks is complete with out taking in the great "Alaska Salmon Bake"

Exit/Entry from parking lot takes you through an old mine shaft tunnel with information and memorabilia from the gold mining era.

All you can eat Prime Rib, Cod, Halibut, and Salmon
cooked in front of you

along with great salad & veggie buffet, dessert & beverage bar. Outdoor dining in a party style park environment.

Several great wood carvings for our pleasure

After dinner back to camp site for cocktails and relaxing. Watched at least 6 tour buses pull up to the Salmon Bake so very glad we got our dinner over early

Took in the Farmers Market in Fairbanks. Got some yummy napa cabbage, homemade jams, bread and,of course, Carl got a giant brownie.

4th of July parade in North Pole
After the traditional patriotic military troops marched by we got to enjoy the National Forest entry with "Smokey' and his huge water gun squirting the crowd (what fun).

Even Elvis made an appearance! man he has aged and put on weight

Loved this entry, following the horses and goats. These gals really did look like they were having fun though

owner and pet all decked out

What is a parade in North Pole with out these two?

One of our last stops in Fairbanks was this musk ox farm outside of town. An animal preserve and research center run by the University of Fairbanks.

As we bid Fairbanks and North Pole Alaska farewell I leave you with these parting memories.