Palmer Alaska

Walk around Palmer Pt. 1 June 26th, 2009

Categories: Around Palmer, History

Have you ever driven or walked through Palmer, and wondered what all those old buildings were, and if they are still used? Have you ever been to the Colony House Museum? Have you ever wondered why there was a fenced-in bell near the library?

Today I walked around Palmer and photographed many of those buildings, as well as inquired of their history. Here is what I saw and learned. All photos are expandable if clicked on.

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Photo 1: Palmer Train Depot
Photo 2: Borough Green, Old Mat. Colony Trading Post (Now home of The Red Beet), Palmer Water Tower in Background
Photo 3: Colony Inn and Restaurant
Photo 4: UAF Agriculture Research in the Matanuska Valley
Photo 5: Palmer Courthouse/Pre-Trial Facility
Photo 6: Palmer Water Tower, Old Matanuska Maid buildings

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Photo 7: Front of Borough Building
Photo 8: Back of Borough Building, Lazy Mountain to the left, Byers Peak in the center.
Photo 3: Borough Gym

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Colony Days Parade and Celebration June 14th, 2009

Categories: Events, History

To view the entire photo collection of today, go to the online album.

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Colony Days! June 11th, 2009

Categories: Events, History

Colony Days is an event-packed weekend in Downtown Palmer. It started as an opportunity to honor the original colonists of Palmer and has grown into a big deal each year for the average “Palmeranian”. Colony Days is a great way to get the community to gather, meet new
friends and greet old and honor its history. The familial feeling is
wonderful and its fun for people of all ages.

Some of the events include an Ice Cream Social at the Downtown Pavilion Area, a Classic Car Rally on Main Street, a Miners vs Monarchs game at the Hermon Brothers Field, a Smoked Salmon Contest at the Depot, and then the anticipated 2009 Bed Races. For a more detailed list of all events, go to the Palmer Chamber of Commerce (PCoC) schedule of events.

The theme of this years Colony Days is the “Return of the Grotto-Lunker”. This is based on an old legend about a dragon-like creature dwelling in the caves of Hatcher Pass. To find out more about the Grotto-Lunker, check out the PCoC website.

The official start of Colony Days begins Friday, June 12th, at 9:00 AM with a Kids Coloring Contest and the display of the the “Statehood Quilt” at the Palmer Visitor Center and Museum. Events continue until Sunday at 6:00 PM.

I encourage you to come out and celebrate the history of our town, as well as enjoy time with the family. Whatever the weather is, come prepared to have a blast!

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