Postcards from the Past: What Visitors Really Thought About Alaska

Alaska has always been a place of fascination, and postcards from the past give us a peek into what visitors thought about this unique state. These small pieces of paper, often overlooked, hold stories and insights that go beyond just pretty pictures. Postcards are a treasure trove of history. They capture moments in time, showing us what was important to people back then. For instance, the wreck of the Princess May, a steamship that ran aground in 1910, was a popular subject. Visitors couldn't resist capturing this dramatic scene, and it ended up on many postcards. The weather in Alaska is a common topic. One postcard from 1917 talks about lovely weather on the boat but rainy conditions on land. This isn't surprising, as Alaska is known for its unpredictable weather. Even in the 1980s, writer Joe McGinniss described Juneau's rain as relentless, soaking through clothes and into the soul. Alaska's unique climate and environment have always been a talking point. A postcard from 1922 claims that Seward has the best climate in the world, but this is clearly a matter of opinion. Former Secretary of State William Seward described Alaska's weather as honest but not constant, which is a fair assessment. Animals, especially dogs, are another popular subject. A postcard from the early 1900s features a well-behaved dog named Bob, with the sender noting that Alaska beats Mexico. This highlights the different experiences people had in Alaska compared to other places. Postcards also give us a glimpse into the humor of the time. One postcard from 1968 shows a man holding a giant mosquito, a common nuisance in Alaska. The sender jokes about the size of the mosquitoes, saying they are big enough to ride. These postcards are not just historical artifacts; they are personal stories. They show us what visitors found interesting, funny, or even frustrating about Alaska. They also remind us that while some things change, others stay the same. The weather, the wildlife, and the unique experiences of living in or visiting Alaska continue to captivate people.