10 Rare Photos Taken In Alaska During The Great Depression
Alaska's economy during the Great Depression was heavily impacted by the crash of the stock market, leading to initiatives like the Matanuska Colonist Project to aid struggling families.
Alaska was still a territory during the Great Depression, but the crash of the stock market still strongly impacted the economy. Two of Alaska's greatest commodities at the time, copper and fish, witnessed a price drop during the depression and greatly disabled the economy. Some might remember the Matanuska Colonist Project of 1935 to help offer a solution for the impact of the crash. Because of the over-dependence on the two major commodities, copper and fish, the project offered funding to 203 farming families in the Matanuska Valley to help provide aid.
These photos capture what life was like back in the early 1900's and we are lucky to have them available to us today!
1) Plane crash in Nome.
A crashed plane near the base of the Air Transport Command. It was repaired and later returned to the Russo-German front.
2) Two commanders posing for a photo.
The commanding general, Dave V. Gaffney, of the Alaskan wing of the Air Transport Command shaking the hand of Colonel N.S. Vasin, the commander of the Russian detachment.
3) Truck driver for the Alaska Coal Company.
Coal, one of the two greatest commodities for the territory during the Great Depression was strongly impacted by the crash of the stock market.
4) A meeting of lead airmen and the Vice President in Fairbanks.
A snapshot of Vice President Henry A. Wallace on a return trip from China and Siberia dining at Ladd Field with Russian and American airmen who fly lend-lease planes to Russia through the Alaskan wing of the Air Transport Command.
5) A dance at the Officers Club.
Both Russians and Americans attend the dance at the Officers Club in Nome.
6) Plane wreck in Nome.
Another wrecked plane most likely taken at the Alaskan Air Transport Command.
7) The first Russian military mission to Alaska.
Taken in Nome, both Russians and Americans welcome the new military men and women.
8) An Airacobra buried in snow.
An Airacobra plane is buried in feet of snow at the Alaska wing of the Air Transport Command.
9) Nome, Alaska.
An aerial shot of Nome during the Great Depression.
10) An A-20 plane.
Checking the radio of an A-20 plane before its departure to Siberia.
Do you have any Great Depression stories or photos? Share with us in the comments.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
