From Clinkerdaggers to the Garden of Eatin’, here are the histories of some of Anchorage’s most unique restaurants

David Reamer

HISTORIES OF ALASKA

In late 1945, Hans and Gerry Kirchner arrived in Anchorage, eager to begin a new life. Unlike many fortune hunters, they were under no illusions about the long, arduous path to success in Alaska. In a town hurriedly dragging itself from mud to pavement, Hans worked for the railroad and Gerry for Alaska Airlines while they waited for an opportunity. Then they bought 25 acres off Spenard Road and declared they would be farmers.

The Kirchners were not natural farmers. What the frost, weeds and worms did not kill, bad luck seemed to cover, as when a plane crashed into their potato patch. Curious townsfolk stomped out the rest. Gerry later wrote, “It has been said that living in Alaska is very much like having a baby. You can’t quite understand what it’s like until you have been through it, and as you survive each event you quickly forget the pain.” Despite being miles from the city core and challenging to reach, they decided to open a restaurant on their property, the Garden of Eatin’.

Login to continue reading article