Stop 1: Trail Blazer Statue
Current stop: Sealife center parking Lot at 301 Railway AveNext Stop: Historic Seward Railway & Zudy's Cafe at 501 Railway AveYou will find a statue of a man and his dog up on a boulder in the parking lot between the Sealife Center and the Train Depot. The title of this piece is "Trail Blazers." It was placed here in 2012 to celebrate the remarkable history of the original Iditarod trail, which started as a dog sled mail delivery route… from Seward to the gold towns of Sunrise and Hope along the Turnagain Arm. Eventually this trail was blazed all the way to the Iditarod district, a mining Camp in the interior, and finally on to Nome. The mushers carried mail and gold from one town to the next up until the late 1920’s. That is when airplanes came in to replace the dog teams. The dog sled trail that started here is important to Seward’s history and we will be taking a closer look at some of the mushers along our tour today.Looking out into the Bay behind this statue, you’ll see the site of the original 4th Avenue wharf. It was destroyed in 1964 due to North America’s largest recorded earthquake, a 9.2 on the Richter Scale, and the resulting tsunami. Whenever you are near the water, keep an eye out for wildlife... it is not unusual to see otters, sea lions, or even whales as the water is very deep right off shore.Turning your back to the ocean, look toward the street and slightly to the right. The quaint Railroad depot that you see there is our next stop.
Stop 2: Seward Railroad Depot & Hoben Park
Current stop: Historic Seward Railway & Zudy's Cafe at 501 Railway AveNext Stop: In the park near Railway & BallaineThe area between the Alaska Sealife Center and this Historic Railroad Depot is known as Hoben Park, also known as Ladies Park. It was developed in anticipation of President Warren G Harding’s visit in 1923 when he arrived to drive in the golden spike, the last railroad spike, completing the Alaska Railroad running from Seward to Fairbanks.The Railroad Depot was built in 1917 over on Adams street, but was moved here in 1928 due to the frequent Lowell Creek floods. The railroad used to run through town ending here at the 4th avenue wharf making it easy to load goods from the ships directly onto the train. When the 1964 earthquake destroyed the tracks and reshaped the coastline, it was decided to end the tracks on the other side of town, closer to where the ships come in now.The depot is now home to Primrose Provisions and Zudy’s Cafe. Two of my favorite spots are Zudy's for eating in or a box lunch and Primrose Provisions for take out, especially their specialty meats and cheeses. For current hours, menus and special events see the links included in this stop.The road in front of Zudy's is Railway Avenue. Continue West (walking with your back to the Sealife Center). You will pass 5th and 6th avenues on your way to the end of the parking lot. Do you see that large stack of rocks on the water's edge? That's our next stop.
Stop 3: Founder's Monument
Current stop: Parking lot near Ballaine & Railway Ave.Next Stop: Take the walking path along the water (ocean will be on your right) Make your way over to the tall rock cairn, Seward’s Founder’s Monument. This is where John Ballaine and the founders of Seward came ashore on August 28th, 1903. They had an ambitious project, building a railroad from this deep water port into the interior and the gold fields of the North.The town holds a founder’s celebration every year. The original Monument was built in 1978, Seward’s 75th anniversary, to honor Sewards adventurous pioneers. By the early 2000’s, the brass plate was worn and unreadable, so it was given a makeover in 2003 as part of their 100th anniversary celebration. The train weathervane on top is a nod to the intentions of those settlers.Much attention is paid to John Ballaine and his party for creating Seward,however the truth is that this spot was inhabited long before then. There were early native groups who made their way through this area. Why they left is not known. In 1792, Russian explorer, Alexander Baranof, gave the Bay its name after ducking in here to seek shelter during a storm. It was Easter Sunday, hence the name, “Resurrection Bay.” The Russian’s fancied the tall straight trees in the area and built ships here for over 40 years starting in 1794.The Lowell family and a few prospector's were entrenched in the area before the Ballaine party arrived and a few ships that came in each year to bring mail for residents of Hope and Sunrise, to be delivered by dogsled.Even the Ballaine’s started activity here prior to the much lauded founding date. They surveyed their route, and had made arrangements with Mary Lowell Family to purchase her homestead that lay within the planned city limits.Another point of interest that you can see here are a sign for Mile 0 of the Iditarod Trail and the remnants of the original dock. The train used to run along the shore here, curving to go to the old depot and the old 4th avenue wharf.Now we will head out on the path by the water past the Mile zero sign with the ocean on your right.
Stop 4: Standard Oil Manager's Bungalow
As you walk along this beautiful waterfront trail, let me point out a few sites of interest. Once you are past the small hill in the grass on your left, you can spy a bungalow that is just across the street. It has wooden shingle siding and a steep green metal roof. This tiny home was built for the "Standard Oil Manager" in 1928. There used to be huge tanks of oil and a railroad track that lay between this house and the waterfront, but due to the 9.2 earthquake in 1964 and the resulting tsunami, the oil tanks and the rails here were destroyed. The steep metal roof is common in Alaska as it helps the heavy snow shed or slide off in the winter.On this side of the street, but still on your left, is a beautiful green picnic pavilion. This is known as the Margaret Branson Pavilion, named after a very active politician who represented the Kenai Peninsula on both the state and local level. She was also a writer, a photographer and a gallery owner.Continue walking along the waterfront and you will come to the Evan Kasey Skate Park. You may see some skateboarders out there right now. Just past that is the awesome Seward Community Playground.Now, if you need a potty break at this point, there is a public restroom at the skate park, open in the summer. It is distinguished by a lovely mural designed and painted by a Seward High School student artist, Gretchen Lindquist, when she was a senior in 2013. on the other side of the restroom is a road known as Ballaine Blvd, you will need to head toward that road and turn right to continue walking toward Jefferson Street. Our next stop is at the corner of Ballaine and Jefferson.
Stop 5: Lowell Creek Diversion Project
You are almost to the corner of Ballaine and Jefferson. Turn left once you reach Jefferson Street! This area is significant due to the ever-active Lowell Creek. You don't see the water flowing here today, but if you were here prior to 1927, looking up toward the mountains, you would see either a gentle creek or a raging river depending on the weather. The creek rarely followed the same path. Lowell Creek ran through town, depositing about 2,700 dump truck loads of debris each year, from fine gravel to large boulders. It randomly destroyed property and buildings that stood in the way. The Alaska Railroad Commission finally installed a wooden flume system right down Jefferson Street in 1927 to try and control the water. But the flume still needed constant maintenance and often sustained damage during storms that clogged the flume, took out bridges that crossed the creek, and overflowed into the streets once again.Finally, in 1939, the Army Corps of Engineers was commissioned to solve the flooding problem once and for all. The diversion project rerouted the creek through Bear Mountain using a multi-tiered system of a dam, a flume and a tunnel. It was considered a major engineering feat at the time! The concrete tunnel is 10 feet in diameter and a little less than half a mile long. The outlet of the tunnel creates an impressive waterfall that is well worth visiting. We'll give you directions to it near the end of the tour.Although the flooding of Jefferson Street was solved, deposits of debris are still an issue. The now 80-year-old tunnel is in need of repairs and the city is looking into the next phase of the Lowell Creek Diversion plan before it fails and flows right through the city once again!Walk up Jefferson Street to 6th Avenue. There are two buildings off to the right on 6th Ave... that is our next stop.
Stop 6: Quanset Huts circa 1941 & the USO
Current Stop: Quanset Hut at 402 6th AvenueNext Stop: Stucco'd Gray House on 5th AveFrom Jefferson Street, take a right onto 6th Avenue. You will see two charming Quanset Huts separated by a small house between them. Keep in mind that we will be going back the way we came, onto Jefferson street, after this stop. Quanset huts were produced en masse in 1941, during World War II. Seward was heavily fortified during the war as it provided an entry point for supplies for the troops of Alaska. Quanset huts were commonly used in Alaska at this time for housing and storage.Seward’s population tripled to 3000 residents as Uncle Sam sent troops to Fort Raymond north of the town. The easily assembled and essential Quanset huts provided instant housing for the town that was bursting at the seams. Likely these huts were used to house the very first USO stars providing entertainment to the troops. Alaska was the very first “overseas” destination to be anointed with a visit from these stars, like Bob Hope, who would so on to visit troops in Europe later in the war!These sturdy metal huts still stand after 80 years! Today, they are rented out through as an Airbnb for an authentic taste of Seward life. Check out the signage in front of the house at 402 6th Ave for a few WWII era photos.When you are ready, head back the way you came to take a right onto Jefferson Street again, making your way up to 5th Avenue. We will be making a left onto 5th Avenue. Our next stop is there.
Stop 7: "Stucco's" House (Swetmann House)
On the right-hand side of the street, you will see a gray house with white trim. Check out the finish on this house! In 1916, local legend and concrete laborer Gerhard “Stucco” Johnson built this house on a bluff on second avenue. He applied his signature Stucco coating on the exterior of his home, which was basically made up of cement and lime. In 1920, he needed to move the house to this location. Using a team of horses and skids, Stucco attempted to lower the house down the bluff, when it slipped from the tethers and slid all the way down the hill. Remarkably, due to its' stucco coating, the house remained completely intact with no cracks! As a result, Stucco and his concrete magic were in high demand. Many historic buildings in Seward are graced with Stucco Johnson’s legacy. Purchased later by the Swetmanns, the house is now called the Swetmann house.Just past this house and also on the right, you will see some rings high on a pole. That is our next point of interest.
Stop 8: Tsunami Siren & City Hall
As you continue down 5th Ave, and just passed our stuccu'd house, look Up at the strange oblong form on that tall pole. That is the neighborhood Tsunami Siren. You may notice the evacuation directional signs all over town. If you hear that siren, heads for the hills, literally. Just past the siren, also on the right, is City Hall! Walk down to the next corner, which is Adams Street, for our next stop.
Stop 9: Ray Building & Odd Fellows Hall
Across the street from City Hall on your left is an attractive beige and red building. It was built as the Harriman Bank in 1916 and served as such until 1922. Lawyer, L.V. Ray kept an office in the back of the building and eventually purchased it to serve as his home as well as his office. The building is now known as the Ray Building. Leroy Vincent & Hazel Ray married in 1906 in Valdez and had two children, (also) Hazel and Lee Vincent. L.V. served as Seward's mayor for 6 consecutive terms from 1923-1929 and, as Mayor, was one of the Sewardites to greet President Harding when he stepped off the boat in 1923. L.V. practiced law in his office here until he passed away in 1946. Hazel then converted the rooms into apartments.Peek down Adams street to the next building past The Ray Building. This is known as the Odd Fellows Hall built in 1918. The I.O.O.F. written across the front of the building stands for "International Order of Odd Fellows." The Odd Fellows is a fraternal organization that started in 18th century England... as a union of sorts, with workers protecting each other. Fraternal & Sororal organizations were welcomed in Alaska in the early days. They were the center of social life. They hosted dances, dinners, picnics and other events! This space has been the site of many dances, parties, and balls! Imagine early 20th century party goers appearing here wearing their best clothes despite the cold or the mud!Also from this spot, if you look down Adams street toward 6th Avenue, you should be able to see a shiny building. We aren't going there right now, but that is the Seward Museum and Library. It is well worth a visit if you are looking for more history after you finish this tour.We will now continue down 5th Avenue street. On your right, you'll see "5th Avenue Fitness" on your right and a blue fronted building directly across the street on your left. Those are the next points of interest on our tour.
Stop 10: Mt. Marathon Apartments & Murals
First, check out the blue fronted building to your left. Today, that is known as Mt Marathon Apartments. It was built in 1906, one of the earlier buildings on this block. Although its' original owner is unknown, it is belived to have been built as a roadhouse for railroad workers. It has had many names over the years. You can read a little more about its' history on the placard on the side of the building.J.O. Patten purchased this apartment building in 1912 and probably ran a boarding house here. As we mentioned at the Odd Fellows Building, community dances were a huge source of entertainment. In 1913, the New Year's Ball and Masquerade, was held in the Brown & Hawkins Ballroom. It was billed at the pinnacle event of the year. They had prizes for best costume and Mr. Patten won a case of beer for his costume. He and his wife were not drinkers and the W.C.T.U. (Women's Christian Temperance Union) had a strong foothold in Seward. None of the friends that he offered the beer to would take it and he was stuck with it, by all accounts. I'm sure that he wouldn't have that problem today.Note that, although prohibition didn't become a law in the United States until 1920, Alaska was ahead of the times. We passed a "bone dry law" that took effect on midnight, December 31st of 1917. The city had a Grand New Year's Eve party at the Masonic Hall to mark the event. The liqueur stopped flowing abruptly at midnight. That was the last "official" wet celebration in Seward for many years.Now look across 5th Avenue to the beige business with maroon trim. This is "5th Avenue Fitness." The building is sandwiched by two popular murals. The mural on the North side of the building pays homage to Aviation in Alaska, while the one of the South side is called Fuzzy Footprints. Fuzzy Footprints was designed and painted by long time Seward artist Dot Bardarson. Dot has lived in Seward for over five decades and ran an art gallery until she retired. She is one of the founders of the Seward Mural society and has had a hand in painting many of the murals around town!As you continue down 5th Avenue, you will see Hotel Seward looming large on the right. That is our next point of interest.
Stop 11: Hotel Seward, 1905, 1944
The Hotel Seward on your right was built by William and Mary McNeiley in 1905. William, one of the founders of the town, arrived on the Santa Ana in August of 1903. As a hotelier and a plumber, he built the Hotel McNeiley immediately upon arrival. He and his wife, Mary built Hotel Seward on this spot in 1905. It was known as a 1st class hotel, and the rooms went for a whopping $1.00 per night! William was one of the first members of the fire committee in Seward and served as fire Marshall for several years. Sadly, his original hotel burned down in the 1941 fire.Today, Hotel Seward is made up of two wings. The Historic Wing on the corner was built after the fire and was completed in 1944. The Alaska Wing was built as an addition in the 1990's. The hotel lobby features taxidermied Alaskan animals, paintings and other art. This old fashioned and eclectic hotel has passed through many hands but has always been family owned.After you pass the Hotel Seward, continue past the Cookery restaurant, a local favorite, and take a right on Washington Street. Our next stop is there.
Stop 12: Old Solly's (1916) and Kenai Fjords Mural (2016)
From 5th Avenue, you will make this right onto Washington Street.On your left is the Brosius-Noon Mall named for Cal Brosious who built a woodworking business in 1905. By 1909 he and partner John Noon incorporated electric wood working equipment to expand their business. By 1910, their dog sled delivery business was booming. They made freight sleds for the dog teams as well as selling quality lumber.Cal eventually sold the building in 1952 to Sol Urie, known as Solly or even “Mr. Seward” by locals. Solly, his wife Hilma, and their growing family arrived in Seward in 1926. He was stationed here by the US Army as a member of the Signal Corp., and Hilma worked as a midwife. In retirement, Solly and Hilma opened a liquor store and bar right here.The building is now a small shopping mall and is still referred to as “Old Solly’s.” The mural on the East side of the building was painted in 2015 by well-known Alaskan artist, Byron Birdsall and is entitled, “Kenai Fjords: Where the Mountains, Ice and Ocean Meet.” It was sponsored by the US National Park Service to commemorate their 100th anniversary.Take a right on 4th avenue. Our next stop is there.
Stop 13: 4th Avenue Businesses and Historic Buildings
Welcome to the heart of Historic Seward. As you turn right to walk up 4th Ave, look directly across the street. You should easily locate the old Brown and Hawkins store (look up to see their sign) Brown and Hawkins built the first part of their store here in 1904. They sold groceries, clothing and hardware. It is the oldest continually running business in town.Thomas "T.W." Hawkins and Charles Brown were long time goldrush era partners, and T.W. arrived in Seward in August of 1903 and immediately built a shack and began his businesss. He and Charles built the three buildings you see now in stages over the next year. Brown & Hawkins was owned and operated by the Hawkins family up until 2019 when it was sold to a new couple, Jeff and Michelle Cobble. The Cobble's are photographers and maintain a gallery, among other shops, in this historic building.Continue up 4th Ave, just past the wooden bear carvings. We are going to Urbach's Clothier. Our next stop is there.
Stop 14: Urbach's Clothier
Pause for a moment here at Urbachs so we can talk about one of the devestating fires that struck Seward. First, look across the street. You'll see a blue store front.That is the Orlander building. Mrs. Josie Ellsworth moved to Seward with her husband Harry in 1905. She started a Millinery (hat) shop in those pioneer days a few blocks from here. Once the Federal government took over the railroad, local businesses started expanding and Josie was no exception. She built the Orlander building in 1916 and then leased her old building to a noodle shop while completing her new space. Her entire inventory was still in the back of her old store when there was a fire that swept through that city block. She lost $8000 worth of inventory! She recovered a small part of that sum from insurance and then had a "fire sale," selling damaged goods. She was able to earn enough to restock the new store, expanding from hats to include fashionable clothes and accessories. Josie's millinery shop later became Orlander's Jewelry shop and, as you can see, now sells taco's! Sewardite's like to keep up with the times!Now, behind you, Urbachs Clothiers was established in 1915. The original building was lost in another devastating fire on November 23, 1941. Most of this side of the block, to the South burned. Fire hoses were freezing up and, apparently, the army declared martial law to take over the attempt to put out the fire. With a lack of water and high winds, they feared the fire would continue to spread to the next block up and the three story high “Arcade Building.”Colonel H.A. Rogers, Commander of the nearby base, decided that blasting the fire with dynamite would use up the existing fuel for the fire and put it out. Instead, it sent flaming debris into the air, the whipping wind hurled it over Washington Street, right on top of the Arcade. Windows across the street shattered due to the heat. The roof of OSBO’s Electrical Supplies also caught fire and damaged their stock. (You can see OSBO’s building across the street from here. It has a bright pink awning). OSBO’s building and was saved, and the rest of that side of the street was spared, but the grand Arcade building burned to the ground. The fire was stopped on its northern edge by the stucco'd concrete walls of the McMullen Building! Stucco to the rescue once more!The loss to the community was immense. The Arcade building along, now a parking lot, housed 35 apartments, 20 rooms, and 5 businesses, including the printing press of the local newspaper. Adding in the other rooms lost along this block, 400 people were homeless by the end of the night. The community rallied. The Odd Fellow's and the Mason's turned their lodges into dormatories, in addition to local churches and other organizations. The Alaska Railroad sent in rail cars as bunk houses for their employees and sent 2 cars with cooking facilities to help furnish food. Anchorage sent piles of baked goods in on the train.Despite a shortage of supplies, they started rebuilding right away. Urbachs open this new store the very next year, as did several other stores.Continue walking up the block until you are standing across from the Sauerdough Lodge. That is our next stop.
Stop 15: McMullen Bldg & Seward Commercial Co
As you walk North on 4th Ave, you'll pass the Authentic Folk Art Gallery on your right. This is also known as the McMullen Building whioch was built by our old Seward friend, "Stucco" Johnson. This buildings cement casing is what kept that 1941 fire from spreading North on this block. Across the street are a few more of our historic buildings, the Seward Commercial Company, and to its right, the Sexton House. Continue to Adams street. We will then take a left. Our next stop is there.The Seward Commerical company was built by William Sauers,
Stop 16: Kawabe Park & Mural, Van Gilder Hotel, Liberty Theatre
The park on your left was named after Harry Kawabe who moved to Seward in 1915 when the US Government took over construction of the Railway. He bought laundry equipment from early Seward resident, Wayne Blue, and secured contracts with the railroad and other local businesses, setting him off on the path to success. The laundry, one of his many business enterprises, stood on this spot. Harry and his family were interred during WWII and, though they never returned to Alaska, Harry had several business interests that continued. Throughout his time in Seward and beyond, he worked hard to establish a trade agreement between Alaska and Japan. His nephew, Albert, was able to open a store in Seward selling imported goods due to this arrangement. Continue on Adams street toward the mountains.The Van Gilder Hotel is on your right on the other side of Adams Street. This property is famously haunted. The most prominent ghost is Fannie, who was killed by her husband in room 202. She is seen all over the hotel, and some say they hear her husband running up and down the stairs.Just past the Van Gilder is the Liberty Theatre. The original Theatre was built by Charles "Teck" Tecklenburg and Charles Benson in 1918 down on 4th Avenue. Teck and Benson's new theatre had an inclined floor, opera chairs, and a 6-foot-deep orchestra pit. The other theatres, showing films in local dance halls, closed rather than try to compete with the new space. D.C. "Sonny" Brownell got a job there as a projectionist and eventually purchased the Liberty. The original theatre burned down in the 1941 fire. Sonny built the new theatre on this site in 1943. Sonny went on to become Seward's mayor for 9 consecutive terms and a territorial senator after that. The most recent owners of the theatre were known for running it as a couple. The husband ran the projector while his wife sold tickets and popcorn. Though his wife juggled selling tickets and serving popcorn, the movie didn’t start until everyone had a seat.Continue walking past the theatre to 3rd Avenue. You will take a right onto 3rd.
Stop 17: Resurrect Art Coffee House & Wayne Blue House
On your left, on the other side of the street is the Wayne Blue House. After Wayne sold the equipment for his laundry service to Harry Kawabe, he went to work for Hoben and Davis' "Alaska Transfer." He built this home for his family. Notice that this is another one of the famously stucco'd houses in Seward.On your right you will see a quaint little church turned into a coffee and art house. The Resurrect Art Coffee House was built in 1917. This building is a much loved meeting and social gathering space for Seward residents and visitors alike. Constructed to house the Methodist congregation, also known as the Seward Community Church, it was then sold to the Lutheran Church. Finally, it was repurposed as a popular coffee and art house. This building holds a prominent space in the hearts of locals, first as a symbol of a frontier town gaining permanence then as a historical monument to a community that has had many opportunities to gather and overcome hardships. Head inside for a delicious cup of coffee and a delightful selection of local art.
Stop 18: "Senior Prom" Mural 2010
You are heading in the right direction. As you continue up 3rd avenue, you'll notice a bright and happy mural titled "Senior Prom." This mural was designed and painted by a well known Alaskan artist, Barbara Lavalle. Barbara uses real Sewardites to inspire the faces you see here. The mural is, not coincidentally, painted on the side of the Senior Center Building. Continue up 3rd until you get to the next corner.
Stop 19: Millionaire Row
#18 - Mount Marathon Mural & Millionaires RowAs you approach the corner of 3rd and Jefferson, look over your right shoulder, behind you, at the other side of the senior center building. Here is one of Sewards most iconic murals painted on the South side of the Seward Senior Center. It is a depiction of the Mount Marathon Race that takes place on July 4th each year. One block to the west is another mural of the Iditarod. That mural is being "retired" soon, so you can be one of the last people to see it. Now turn to face the North again, looking up 3rd Avenue across Jefferson.Standing at the corner of Jefferson and Third Avenue facing the mountains look slightly to your right up Third Avenue. You will notice a string of homes located on the mountain or Left side of third Avenue. This area was nicknamed millionaires’ row. These sturdy homes that were built for the higher ups of the Alaska Central Railroad, have withstood the test of time, floods and earthquakes. Although these homes may not look extravagant to us today, in the early 1900's they were spectacular, the windows alone would have cost a fortune.Feel free to stay here as we will give you more details about the early residents of these homes. However, if you would like to start moving to the next stop, then take a left here on Jefferson Street. The narration will continue to play as you walk unless you hit the stop button on your phone. Our next stop is at Jefferson & 1st Avenue.The house closest to you, across the street and on the left is the Stewart House. It is the one with the turrets, which is very uncommon in Alaska. It was said to have carpeting on completion, an unheard of extravagance in Seward at the time.The Cameron House at 423 3rd Ave was built for the construction engineer of the same name and was promptly sold to Dr. Romig and converted to the Pioneer Hospital At the official opening, house guests were treated to a tour of the operating room, two three-bed wards, a nurse's room, drug room, reception room and kitchen. The operating room had all the modern instruments including an electric heater and a 100-watt electric light.The furthest home up on the corner was built by Frank Ballaine, often referred to as the original founder of Seward. Frank along with his brother were part of the original landing party in 1903, determined to build a railroad through to the Yukon and make Seward a proper modern town. Frank took a personal interest in all aspects of the creation of this new town including the naming, Frank lobbied for the name Seward to honor William H. Seward who had negotiated the purchase of the Territory of Alaska from Russia in 1867. Other names on the table included Vituska, McKinley and Roosevelt, but Ballaine decided that the future metropolis he envisioned should bear the name of the statesman who saw Alaska for the treasure it was. Unfortunately, two other towns in Alaska had claimed the same name so while in Washington DC, seeking the establishment of a post office, he secured a private meeting with President Roosevelt. He pleaded the case for the name, stating that the Seward he himself had established would be the terminus of the railroad and a bustling metropolis the other Sewards were ‘insignificant, perhaps transient mining camps and canneries.’ Roosevelt agreed and the next day two orders were issued by the fourth assistant postmaster general, the first changed the names of the other Sewards and the second established the new post office on Resurrection Bay.If you crossed over Jefferson to take a closer look at these houses, it is time to go back to 3rd & Jefferson. From there, you will walk toward the mountains traveling 2 blocks to the east on Jefferson. As a reminder, our next stop is on Jefferson and 1st Avenue.
Stop 20: Brownell House
The house on the corner of 1st and Jefferson is known as "The Brownell House." Don Carlos Jr, also known as DC, met members of the Ballaine group in 1903 on their Northbound ship while returning home from college. D.C. Jr. was supposed to disembark in Valdez, but instead, he went to his family home and talked his father, "Cad," into boarding the boat with him to continue to Seward start a new hardware store. That is how they became members of the founding families of Seward! Cad was enthusiastic about the new town and purchased the first commercial lot for his hardware store on 4th and Washington. It is now the Yukon Bar.D.C. Jr. took an interest in politics and theatre, we told some of his story at the Liberty Theatre. This was their family homestead. There are placards telling more of their story.From Jefferson Street, turn left onto first avenue and walk to the corner at the bottom of the street. That is our next stop.
Stop 21: Jan van Emple's House
You're standing in front of the historic home of dutch artist Jan Van Emple. Van Emple arrived in Seward in 1924. He was so moved by the mountains and the sea that he decided to stay. He was often seen around town with his sketchbook in hand, drawing whatever caught his eye. Later, he would return to this house and turn those quick sketches into oil paintings on canvas. In September of 1925, Van Emple began work on a commissoned painting at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. It tool him two months to complete his work there. Titled, "The Resurrection," depicting the Ascension of Christ, Van Emple chose to use Alaska Native peoples, as well as miners, trappers, pioneers and fishermen to represent the observers of the tomb. The prospector in the painting is a self portrait of Van Emple himself. The painting is located behind the alter.The road curves to the left here and you should see St. Peter's Church on the corner of Adams and 2nd Avenue. That is our next stop.
Stop 22: St. Peter's Episcopal Church, built 1906
From Adams Street, you will be taking a right on Brownell Street but first go to the front of the big red church on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Adams Street. Thought to be the oldest Protestant church on the Kenai Peninsula. As we learned at the van Emple house, the altar features a unique painting of Christ's Ascension. The first Episcopal services were held in many different locations, including private homes, a tent, and the railroad depot. Construction began on this church in the winter of 1905/1906. It was completed in April 1906. The church grew and in 1925, they hired Jan Van Emple to create his art behind the altar. They paid him $650, funds that were raised by popular subscription. As we mentioned, van Emple used locals as models for his work. In addition to this, the angels on either side of the Lord are portraits of Van Emple's two sisters. Now go back to Brownell Street and turn left toward the water. We will now continue down 2nd Avenue. At the bottom of this dirt road, you will see an old log cabin. e will continue the tour there.
Stop 23: Home Brew Alley & Red Light District
The cabin here in "Home Brew Alley" was built in 1932. During prohibition this whole area, known as "Alley A," was known as the seedy side of town where one could buy illegal liqueur. This is the last house standing in this former area of ill-repute! Moonshiners and their customers crowded in here, knowing that the good people of the town would not cross "the line" or street to come to this part of town, so their secrets were mostly safe here. Infamous bootleggers had marshals who guarded their booze.Continue down Brownell Street toward the water. As we walk, look to your left. The area used to be known as "Alley B," Seward's officially unoffical red-light district. We will talk about it while you walk all the way to the end of this dirt road.Seward’s Red Light District was set up in 1915, shortly after the US government announced plans to purchase the existing rail and finish the railroad to Fairbanks. City Councilman John Noon, upon learning of the railroad construction, proposed that a red light district be created to keep the “women of the underworld” out of the main part of town.Charles Tecklenberg, who was one of the original owners of the Liberty Theatre, was also on the council. It may have been no coincidence that he purchased 10 houses in the newly designated red light district once it was opened. It turns out that his wife, May Tecklenberg, had run a brothel in Juneau during the gold rush. It was later rumored that she recruited housewives in Seward for high-end prostitution outside of the red light district. These claims were refuted by others, so we can’t be sure.Prostitution was never decriminalized, but the red light district was certainly tolerated. The Line had unwritten rules suchs as; Alley B ‘residents’ were not allowed to talk or befriend the local women and they were only allowed to shop in the local stores after 5pm in order to insure they weren’t influencing respectable citizens. In contrast, Alley B was known to be a popular area to get after-hour drinks, listen to music, obtain collateral-based loans and, interestingly enough, receive charity. The occupants of this district were known for their generosity to those who were down on their luck.In fact, although the ladies were not welcome in society while they were working, once they retired from “the business,” they were then included in the community. The line was closed temporarily by the US government a few times in its early days. The ladies were able to work around federal rules when one of them bought a boat and they all listed their profession as “fishermen.” The line was officially closed by the government in 1954. Intererstingly, when officials went to round up the ladies, they had conveniently disappeared overnight.Continue to the road at the bottom of the alley. That is Railway Avenue. If you would like to extend your walk, take a right on Railway Avenue to walk to the "waterfall" that was created by the building of the flume and tunnel system. The roundtrip will add about a 1/2 mile to your walk today.Otherwise, take a left onto Railway avenue and walk toward the SeaLife Center. We will point out a few murals along the way. The Seward Sealife Center is our next stop.
Stop 24: Murals
In 2013, Seven artists from Seward flew overseas to paint a mural in Seward’s sister city of Obihiro Japan. The mural on your left, painted in 2014, was Obihiro’s gift back to the city of Seward. These cross-cultural collaborations strengthened the international ties between the two cities. This painting depicts the bountiful beauty of Obirhiro. The murals in both cities stand as a colorful reminder of this international bond.On your right, you’ll notice another mural called, "Windows to the Bay." It mirrors the varied marine life out in the ocean behind it. Created with passion by local artist Liza McElroy, this mural captures Alaska's natural beauty and the importance of conservation. You can see Liza’s work all over town, including the giant puffins on the 360 hotel at the boat harbor among others.Bring your attention back to the left and the wall of the The SeaSalt Restaurant. The mural there is new, or rather new-ish. There used to be a popular humpback whale mural on that wall called “Seaward Bound,” which had also been painted by Liza McElroy. The original painting, in realistic blues and grays, was damaged during the addition of the deck and doorway. In 2019, artist, Jay Leslie, created this colorful remix of the original mural. The new mural is called “Whale Redux,” alluding to the original work while celebrating the renewed and exciting whale mural.
Stop 25: Alaska SeaLife Center
Welcome back to the Alaska Sealife Center where we started our tour! Please find a photo coupon on this page of your tour to get a discount to get into the Sealife Center! This facility was a wish and a dream to Seward community leaders for many years. Many attempts to acquire funding had been made prior to the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill but out of disaster came a world class research, rehabilitation and education center. In Alaska, our Legislature awarded a small portion of the Exxon’s restitution for the 11 million gallon oil spill that devastated 1500 miles of pristine Alaska shores. This first seed money was the beginning of a multi-year, multi-faceted fund raising campaign that eventually culminated in the final 1 million dollars coming from the residents of Seward, at the time, a population of just 3000. Angie of MyAlaskaGuide was lucky enough to work at the Alaska Sealife Center during the grand-opening year. Promoting the center to both locals and potential visitors was a labor of love. Angie vividly remembers the days prior to opening, it was all hands on deck to get across the finish line! At the last moment, the jellyfish tank shattered and we were desperately scooping up stranded jelly fish and trying to dry the carpet! It was a race to the finish line. The new jellyfish tank is stunning... We encourage you to take a look! If you started at "Stop #1," this is the end of our tour. We recommend visiting both the Sealife Center and the Museum! And congrats for completing your 2 mile tour (2.5 if you went to the waterfall). I am sure you got in your steps today!Thank you for touring with MyAlaskaGuide. Please rate us on your phone App, Trip Advisor, or in a private note to us at: lynne@alaskatourservices.com. We would love to hear about your touring experience so we can continue to improve it!Thank you!
Seward Museum, Library & Mural: "The Irresistible Story"
Nowhere else in town can you get a better picture of Seward’s 100-year history than the Seward Museum. Exhibits describe the history of the area from 1783, when the Russians established a shipyard on Resurrection Bay, to the present
Coast & Clay Ceramics
coast and clay, Built in the 1930's, this darling house is available as a summer rental. The owner is a potter and the gallery is open during business hours in the summer and for special events in the winter.
Directional: Depot to Founders
You are heading in the right direction! As you are walking, you may notice 2 more statues. These Iditarod Trail Pioneers are Alfred Lowell and Jujiro Wada, two renowned dog mushers in the early part of the 20th century.Alfred was one of the earliest mushers in this area. As a young man, he ran mail by dogsled and was famous for how swift he was on the trail. Alfred Lowell was the son of Mary Lowell, a woman of Russian and Aleut descent. His father was Captain Frank Lowell, who moved his family to this area in 1884 to fish and trap for furs when Alfred was just 8 years old. Captain Lowell left the family after 12 years in Seward, leaving Mary to raise their 9 children on her own.You will see the Lowell name more than once around town. Even some of the local mountain peaks are named after some of Mary's other children, specifically Mount Eva and Mount Alice. However, the peak once known as Lowell Mountain is now officially “Mount Marathon.” When you notice these names, I hope you will think of the strong family that forged a home in the wilderness and stayed to help it grow into a thriving community.Alfred grew up here, but Jujiro Wada was all over the Alaska territory before making his way to Seward. He spent time in Nome during their gold rush and he worked as a cook for ET Barnette, the founder of Fairbanks. Barnette sent him by dogsled to Dawson City in 1902 to spread a premature announcement of the discovery of gold in Fairbanks, making him an infamous character for a time. By the time he came to Seward in 1909, he was well-known as a musher. He and Alfred spent the better part of 2 months connecting existing trails and forging new ones in their successful mission to create a functional route from Seward to the Interior, completing their journey in February of 1910. Alfred died at the age of 34 later that same year in an unfortunate boating accident, while Jujiro continued his travelsIf you stopped for a selfie with our mushing pals, don't forget to tag us @myalaskaguide if you post it! You should still be heading toward the rock tower near the shore line. See you there!
D2 Arrow cut through park and potty break
If you have not turned left to go to the road yet, now is the time!. Take a left and cut through the skateboard park, the playground, or just past the playground and make your way to the street, Ballaine Blvd. When you reach the street, turn right to go up to Jefferson Street. That is our next stop.
D3 Arrow Jefferson & Beach Squatters
You are heading in the right direction! Keep going until you get to Jefferson Street. You are roughly following along the original Iditarod trail. Iditarod translates to "a far away place." The railroad used to run all along the beach on your right, up to where the SeaLife Center sits today at the base of 4th Avenue. The 1964 earthquake and the resulting tsunami completely destroyed the tracks and buildings in this area. The Alaska Railroad did not rebuild the tracks this far, deciding to make the new terminus on the other side of town. If you were to continue walking down the beach, you would find a mile stretch where, in the early days of Seward, a group of squatters took up residence building driftwood shacks and calling themselves the beach dwellers. They paid no rent as they were squatting on federal land. It was lawless and stinky, as they threw all of their waste into the ocean at the outgoing tide. This little lawless section of town was shut down when the federal government arrived on the shores in 1916, after buying the bankrupted private railroad from John Ballaine. The beach dwellers were shuffled off to Alley B (a bootleggers heaven) and the Line (where the prositutes held court).
D4 Arrow
Continue up Jefferson Street until you get to 5th Ave.
Directional, Turn Left on 5th Ave
Turn left onto 5th Avenue. There is a funky blue thrift store on this corner if you prefer a landmark!
Directional - Turn R on 3rd after Liberty Theatre
Mount Marathon
We will be making a left-hand turn onto 1st avenue,. But first take a moment to gaze up Jefferson Street, at the end of it you’ll find entrance to the famous Mount Marathon Trail. Mount Marathon is the site of the oldest mountain race in the US. It began in 1915 with a bar bet. One sourdough was bragging that he could make it to the top of the Mountain (then known as Mount Lowell) and back in under an hour. The other loudly proclaimed it to be impossible and a race was born. Wagers were made with the loser having to buy drinks for the crowd) and a date was set… the 4th of July! The big day came and a parade of locals followed the man to the starting line. Off he went and guess how long it took him!!! One hour and two minutes… he lost the race!The current race records are 41 minutes and 26 seconds for the Mens race, set in 2016 by David Norris and 47 minutes, 9 seconds for the fastest woman, Allie McLaughlin, who won her division in 2022. The race is almost three miles long, with an elevation gain of 3,022 feet. Although that might seem short, the trail is steep, often muddy and somewhat treacherous.There are only 400 entrants are allowed for each race (300 for the junior race). Although the race is incredibly popular, racers have to enter a lottery to try and secure a slot.Now turn Left on 1st avenue. On your right you’ll see a big House. That is our next stop.
Lowell Creek Waterfall
This human-engineered waterfall is the result of the previously discussed Lowell Creek diversion project, see stop 5. In 1940, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in an impressive engineering feat, rerouted the creek through a 2,068-foot tunnel beneath Bear Mountain. The surge of water after rain storms can result in supercharged waterfall activity. Watch for falling debris, everything from small rocks to tree roots can come through the chute collecting at the bottom and washing out into Resurrection Bay. If you happen to be here during a flood you will see the excavators and bulldozers clearing the small creek down by the waterfall to keep the water flowing. The biggest fear is that the debris could get stuck in the tunnel causing the entire system to fail and Lowell Creek to flow into town once again.The tunnel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. From here, you will go back the way you came, following Railway Avenue to the Sealife Center. You have a 20% coupon if your would like to buy a ticket to enter the SeaLife Center. It's fantastic! The coupon is found in the photo section of stop #1 and Stop #24 of this App.
