Spring Creek Lodge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Spring Creek Lodge
|
|
The Spring Creek Lodge during the winter
|
|
 Location in Alaska
|
|
| Location | 18939 Old Glen Highway, Chugiak, Alaska |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1949 |
| Built by | Vernon Haik |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000938 |
| Added to NRHP | September 9, 2001 |
The Spring Creek Lodge is a historic building in Chugiak, Alaska. It was once a popular restaurant. Vernon and Alma Haik built the lodge in 1949.
For 25 years, from 1949 to 1974, it was a very important place. It served as a restaurant and a community center. People loved its homemade bread and banana cream pies. It was the perfect spot for a big Sunday dinner.
The lodge welcomed homesteaders, hunters, and military people. It was located halfway between Palmer and Anchorage. It also served as the first community center for the early settlers of Chugiak. In 2001, the Spring Creek Lodge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This recognized its important role in Alaska's history. The restaurant closed after a new highway bypassed its location in 1969.
Contents
The Haik Family's Journey
Vernon and Alma Haik moved to Alaska in 1936. They were looking for new chances during the Great Depression. Many people left cities to start new lives in rural areas. They wanted to build their own communities.
The Haiks hoped to get land in the Matanuska Valley. But this area was part of a special farming project. So, their plans were put on hold. Ten years later, in 1946, they moved to Anchorage. There were many jobs at Fort Richardson. Vern Haik worked there as a surveyor.
Helping the Community Grow
The Haik family was one of only six families in their area. They were very active in their small community. Alma and Vernon Haik helped start the town of Chugiak. They worked to get telephone lines and electricity. They also helped get a local school built. Vernon even became Chugiak's first mayor!
Setting Up Telephone Lines
The Haiks and other families wanted phones in Chugiak. They tried to get a phone company to help, but it didn't work. So, they decided to do it themselves! They bought old army telephone wire and phones.
In the middle of winter, they used dog sleds to string wires. They connected homes along the highway. They made a system using long and short rings. The phone line from the lodge even connected to the volunteer fire department. This helped Birchwood residents call for help in case of a fire.
Chugiak's First School
Chugiak families needed a local school for their children. Anchorage and Palmer were too far away. They asked the government for a teacher. They were told they needed to find a schoolhouse first.
The government didn't think Chugiak had enough people for a school. But the community proved them wrong! In 1948, 31 people voted locally. This was more than expected. Chugiak then got its own voting area. Two years later, the government agreed to build a school. Vernon Haik was a strong supporter of the school. He became the first school agent for Chugiak Elementary. He found school supplies at Fort Richardson. Chugiak's first school opened in October 1951. It was ready for 66 students.
Chugiak's First Mayor
Vern Haik was a natural leader. He was elected Chugiak's first mayor. He quickly planned a big celebration for the community. It was called the Chugiak Spring Carnival. Mayors from other cities and the Governor were invited.
During the opening ceremony, Vern Haik gave the Governor an axe. He said it was a better symbol for the community. It showed how they had "hewn their homes from raw land." The three-day carnival was a huge success. People enjoyed motorcycle races, food, and games. The local newspaper called it "the miracle of Chugiak."
Life at the Lodge
In 1949, electricity was not common everywhere. For its first year, the Spring Creek Lodge ran without electricity. It used nature to keep food cold! The creek was very cold all year, about 38°F (3°C). Hamburgers and milk were kept in a pot submerged in the creek. When someone ordered food, one of the Haik sisters would run to the creek to get what was needed. At night, the lodge was lit with gas lanterns.
What Was on the Menu?
An old menu shows what people ate. For breakfast, two doughnuts and coffee cost 35 cents. A full cooked breakfast was $1.85.
Dinner often included sirloin steak, baked ham, or barbecued ribs. It came with potatoes, yams, vegetables, and tea or coffee. The Haiks always included homemade bread with dinner. And, of course, pie! Most dinners cost $2.85.
Dessert alone was 35 cents for cake or pie. An extra nickel bought the special banana cream pie. Eating out at the lodge was a special treat. Many families went there for Sunday lunch after church. Some ingredients, like bananas, had to travel all the way from Seattle. But the rich cream for pies came from a local dairy.
Important Customers
Military Personnel
After World War II, Alaska became very important. It was close to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The military focused on protecting the area. Elmendorf Air Force Base was built in 1940. It became a key air center. It later joined with Fort Richardson.
Many military people came to Alaska. The Spring Creek Lodge quickly became a favorite spot. It was known for its cozy feel and the smell of homemade food. The Haik sisters served the meals. Military meetings were held over dinner and pie. Sometimes, military drills even happened in the parking lot!
Homesteading in Alaska
The Homestead Act of 1862 helped people get free land. It was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. It offered up to 160 acres of land in western states. People had to live on the land for five years. They also had to farm it and build a house. After five years, they could own the land. This act helped millions of Americans get their own land. It continued for over 123 years.
In Alaska, land was free starting in 1898. But it was hard to homestead there. The soil was poor, the weather was tough, and transportation was difficult. So, not many people applied at first.
After World War II, more young families wanted land. They looked for new opportunities. The Homestead Act ended in most places in 1976. But in Alaska, it continued until 1986.
How the Lodge Was Built
The Spring Creek Lodge is a one-story building. It is made of peeled logs. It has a T-shape with a gently sloped roof. The logs were flattened on two sides to stack them easily. The ends of the logs stick out about a foot past the corners. The main part of the building is 20 by 36 feet. The kitchen and storeroom were added in 1950. They measure 10 by 24 feet.
Images for kids
-
The Spring Creek Lodge during the winter
