The Valentine Building, built in two phases in 1904 and completed in 1913, is significant for its Frontier Alaskan architectural character, its recognized importance as Juneau's most prestigious office building
during the first half of this century, its association with Emery Valentine and other prominent pioneer Alaskans and significant historic events.

Emery Valentine arrived in Alaska in 1886, possessed of a strong degree of entrepreneurial ambition. At the age of 10, he had already crossed the midwest plains with his pioneering parents.

He followed the Rocky Mountain gold fields as prospector and miner, and lost a leg lost in an early Colorado Territory mining accident.

Still following the gold trails, Valentine arrived in the raw gold camp of Juneau only six years after that significant 1880 Gold Creek discovery by Joe Juneau and Richard T. Harris. He learned goldsmithing—which led him into the gold jewelry trade.

John Olds, one of the first sourdough prospectors following Juneau and Harris, recalled that,"We landed our canoe on November, 1880, at the foot of where Seward Street new is. . ."  This site, just at the-tide mark, was registered, in 1881 as a mining claim, the Boston Lode.

In 1896, yhe year after Valentine's Alaskan arrival, Ernest Ingersoll's best-selling book, Gold Fields of the Klondyke, proclaimed "Juneau, a town of 3,000 is rightly called the metropolis of Alaska Territory. Whether she will retain this prestige remains to be seen. If so, one of two things must occur.  She must plane down
the side of her mountains or erect skyscraping buildings with elevators to accommodate her populace, for nearly every foot of available ground is already occupied. . ."

Emery Valentine was foremost among the developers who found a better way.

When he arrived in Juneau, Front Street was the high tide beach of Gastineau Channel. Emery Valentine, accordingly, was among those who set progress by filling in ground along this derelict beachline. This enabled Valentine to build the first segment of his first building.

"Walking up the stairs to the second floor of the Valentine Building . . . is a trip back into what was the most prestigious business building of Juneau in the early 1900's, built by one of Juneau's colorful pioneer characters ..."  according to Toni Croft & Phyllis Bradner's Touring Juneau; Back Streets, Bawdy-houses, Bars & Bodacious Biographies.

In 1913, the Valentine Building block was advantageously enlarged to in­clude the prime corner lot at Seward and Front Streets. The 1904 structure not only doubled in size, but its impact was vastly enhanced by the most prominent corner location of two streets—rather than only one.

Emery Valentine had come to Alaska in 1886 to satisfy a lifelong desire to develop North America's "Last Frontier." Valentine founded Juneau's finest jewelry store which occupied the city's test retail site at the corner of Seward and Front with exposure on both streets.

Valentine became highly active in Alaskan politics and civic activities. He was Chairman of a city council-type organization called the Juneau Board of Safety, and underwriter and private financier for the first Juneau Fire Department. Valentine served six successful terms as Mayor after Juneau was incorporated in 1900.

Emery Valentine proved his deep commitment to development of Southeastern Alaska. As one of the largest property owners in southeastern Alaska, he helped found the Alaska Steamship Line, the foremost freight and passenger ocean line with service to Seattle. He founded the Peoples Wharf Company Docks at Skagway and Juneau, which so affected shipping charges in these ports, that coal and lumber prices dropped to almost half of the exorbitant rates paid before 1900.

Valentine wanted to erect "a quality structure that would give Juneau a truer air of urbanity."

The Valentine Building was the first in Alaska where office space was intentionally separated from retail space. The building's reputation for quality offices, gained over the years, and its ideal central downtown location, as well as architectural quality, provided elite tenancy for the first half of the century.

Architecturally, the Valentine building is an outstanding example of frontier Commercial architecture that recalls a pioneer Alaskan tradition of quality craftswork; the design responding and interpreting the contemporary archi­tectural developments of the late 19th century West Coast.

Despite intentions to the contrary, the building is a vernacular one; yet impressive in its execution of style. The isolation of Juneau at that time, plus the popularity of pattern books as architectural design aids, provided the fine ornamentation of the building which was available from Seattle millworks).

Stylistically, Valentine Building provides documentation of an historic design evolution.

It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

National Register of Historic Places Nomination form

Located at 2865 Mendenhall Loop road, the Rudy-Kozoff house is aka the Faferson "Thermos Bottle" house.

The Wickersham House is located in Juneau's most venerable residential district, Chicken Ridge, at 213 7th Street. Some of Juneau's most prominent early residents lived in this Victorian home.

The house itself, although large and well-situated, bears few distinguishing architectural features. It is sturdy, solid, functional but without the gingerbread characteristic of turn-of-the century, fashionable near-mansions. This simplicity was more characteristic of Alaska than the Lower States.

It was built in 1898 by Frank Hammond, owner of the Sheep Creek Mining Company, who enjoyed the affluence to build as he wished.

Strength, comfort, quality and convenience were considerations he prized above pomp and ostentation.

Building supplies were not a serious problem as they were in the Interior. Juneau, as the major mining center of the Far North since 1880, had well-stocked lumber, hardware and furniture supply houses and was a principal ocean port north of Seattle and San Francisco. He built accordingly, and the house as Hammond built it remains virtually unaltered.

The second owner was John Malony, a lawyer for Alaska Treadwell Gold Mining Company and the founder of Juneau Cold Storage. Malony was persuaded to sell the house to Bartlett Thane who needed a big place in which to entertain.

Thane was the manager and director of the Alaska Gastineau Mining Company. Thane, a highly respected promoter of the mines, entertained Charles Haden, New York investment banker and Daniel Jackling, comptroller of the nation's copper industry.

The Honorable James V. Wickersham who served as U.S. District Judge in Alaska from 1900-1908 and as Territorial Delegate to the Congress of the United States for 14 years, purchased the home in 1928 and lived there until his death in 1939 at age 82.

Wickersham also edited the seven-volume Alaska Law Reports, a Bibliography of Alaskan Literature, and Old Yukon Tales Trails and Trials.

"No other man has made as deep and varied imprints on Alaska's heritage, whether it be in politics, government, commerce, literature, history or philosophy. A federal judge, member of Congress, attorney and explorer, present-day Alaska is deeply in debt to him." said Evangeline Atwood, author of Frontier Politics.

Wickersham was responsible for "Home Rule", the Alaska Railroad, the University of Alaska, and Denali National Park (formerly Mount McKinley National Park).

Deborah Bell-Wickersham (1863-1926) was the judge's wife for 46 years. They had three sons, Darrell, Andrew and Howard. Darrell was the only one that lived to adulthood. He had no children of his own.

Grace Vrooma-Bishop, a widowed school teacher with no children became the Judge's second wife in 1928. After his death in 1939, she continued to live in their Juneau home until her death in 1963.

National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form

Wickersham House Photos

Several groups have been working for the last few years on reclaiming this space from nature, but it is a difficult task with numerous challenges.  It is our intent to support their efforts.

Jamiann Hasselquist, the President of Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 2, and Laury Scandling of the Gastenau Historical Society gave a presentation on this issue at our November 17, 2023 meeting at 6:30 PM at the Juneau Yacht Club.

A resolution was unanimously passed by membership, supporting the CBJ maintaining the Douglas cemeteries.  In our efforts to assist the CBJ to this end, we designated funds to pay for the quiet title transfer of the lands to CBJ.  Bruce Bothelho is overseeing this effort.

The Board of Directors of the Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Igloo are considering future projects that would be appropriate for us to take in the restoration of the historic Douglas cemeteries. Recommendations include purchase of place signage, interpretative signage, replacement of missing markers and repair of damaged markers, mapping of grave sites, collection and publication of stories of those buried on this website, getting the cemeteries listed on the National Historic Register, and data input to sites such as Find-A-Grave of those interred in the cemeteries. 

Once the cemeteries are squared away adding flags on Memorial Day and Alaska Day, as appropriate, as well as POA markers on member graves have been suggested as ongoing ways to recognize and honor our early area residents.

Popejoy, Jack

Association: Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Men's Igloo

Role: President

Year: 1970

Biography

Jack Popejoy served as President of the Juneau Men's Igloo of the Pioneers of Alaska in 1970.

The Pioneers of Alaska is a fraternal organization established to preserve the history and fellowship of Alaska’s early residents. As president of the Juneau Men's Igloo, Popejoy helped lead the organization’s efforts to honor Alaska’s pioneer heritage and support community activities in Juneau.

Sources

• Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Men's Igloo records

Primary Name: Berggren, Elvird

Filed as: berggren_elvird

Also known as:

Occupation / Association: President, Juneau Men's Igloo; Pioneers of Alaska

Born:

Died:

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Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Elvird Berggren, Berggren Elvird, Juneau Men's Igloo President, Pioneers of Alaska, Igloo 6, Juneau Alaska, 1969

Biography

Elvird Berggren served as President of the Juneau Men's Igloo in 1969. The Juneau Men's Igloo is the local lodge of the Pioneers of Alaska, an organization founded in 1894 to preserve Alaska's history and recognize the contributions of early residents to the development of the territory and state.

Sources

Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Men's Igloo records

Tags: Elvird Berggren, Berggren Elvird, Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Men's Igloo, Igloo 6, Juneau Alaska

Elvird Berggren Berggren Elvird E Berggren

Primary Name: Elizabeth Warwick

Filed as: Warwick, Elizabeth

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Occupation / Association: Community leader

Affiliation: President, Juneau Women's Igloo No. 6 (1969)

Keywords: Juneau Women's Igloo leadership, Pioneers of Alaska women, Juneau community leaders

Biography

Elizabeth Warwick served as President of the Juneau Women's Igloo No. 6 in 1969.

Sources

• Pioneers of Alaska Women's Igloo No. 6 records

Primary Name: MacKinnon, Donald L.

Filed as: donald_l_mackinnon

Also known as: Donald MacKinnon; Don MacKinnon

Occupation / Association: President, Juneau Men's Igloo No. 6 (1968); Pioneers of Alaska

Born:

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Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Donald L. MacKinnon, Donald MacKinnon, Don MacKinnon, MacKinnon Donald L., Juneau Men's Igloo No. 6 President 1968, Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Alaska

Biography

Donald L. MacKinnon served as President of the Juneau Men's Igloo No. 6 of the Pioneers of Alaska in 1968.

Sources

Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Men's Igloo No. 6 officer records

Donald L MacKinnon Donald MacKinnon Don MacKinnon D L MacKinnon Mackinnon Donald Donald L Mackinnon

Tags: Donald L. MacKinnon, Donald MacKinnon, Don MacKinnon, MacKinnon family, Juneau Men's Igloo No. 6, Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Alaska

Primary Name: Race, William

Filed as: Race, William

Also known as: William Race

Occupation / Association: President, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men's Igloo

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: William Race Juneau Alaska, Race family Juneau Alaska, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men's Igloo president 1967, Alaska fraternal organizations, Juneau Alaska pioneers

Biography

William Race served as President of the Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Men's Igloo in 1967. The Pioneers of Alaska is a fraternal organization dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of Alaska’s early residents and promoting fellowship among those connected to Alaska’s pioneer heritage.

Sources

Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men's Igloo records.

Race, Maxine

Association: Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Women's Igloo

Role: President

Year: 1967

Biography

Maxine Race served as President of the Juneau Women's Igloo of the Pioneers of Alaska in 1967.

The Pioneers of Alaska is a fraternal organization established to preserve the history and fellowship of Alaska’s early residents. Through her leadership role, Race helped guide the activities of the Juneau Women's Igloo and support its mission to preserve Alaska’s pioneer heritage.

Sources

• Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Women's Igloo records

Primary Name: Ralph G. Wright

Filed as: Wright, Ralph G.

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Occupation / Association: Community leader

Affiliation: President, Juneau Men's Igloo No. 6 (1966)

Keywords: Juneau Men's Igloo leadership, Pioneers of Alaska officers, Juneau community leaders

Biography

Ralph G. Wright served as President of the Juneau Men's Igloo No. 6 in 1966.

Sources

• Pioneers of Alaska Men's Igloo No. 6 records

Mary Wright was the President of the Juneau Women's Igloo in 1966.

Primary Name: Anderson, Able

Filed as: anderson_able

Also known as: Able Anderson

Occupation / Association: President, Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6, Pioneers of Alaska

Born: Unknown

Died: Unknown

Parents: Unknown

Spouse: Unknown

Children: Unknown

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Able Anderson, Anderson Able, Juneau Men’s Igloo President 1965, Pioneers of Alaska Igloo 6

Biography

Able Anderson served as President of the Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6 of the Pioneers of Alaska in 1965.

The Pioneers of Alaska, founded in 1907, is a fraternal organization dedicated to preserving the history of Alaska’s early settlers and promoting fellowship among residents who contributed to the development of the territory and state.

As president of the Juneau Men’s Igloo in 1965, Anderson held a leadership role in the organization and helped continue its traditions of historical preservation, community engagement, and recognition of Alaska’s pioneer heritage.

Sources

Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6 records Able Anderson Anderson Able A. Anderson A Anderson

Tags: Able Anderson, Anderson Able, Juneau pioneers, Pioneers of Alaska Igloo 6, Juneau Men’s Igloo President 1965, Juneau Alaska

Primary Name: Reischl, David

Filed as: Reischl, David

Also known as: David Reischl

Occupation / Association: President, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men's Igloo

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: David Reischl, Reischl David, Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Men's Igloo president 1964, Juneau Alaska pioneers, Pioneers of Alaska leadership

Biography

David Reischl served as President of the Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Men's Igloo in 1964.

Primary Name: Reischl, Treva

Filed as: Reischl, Treva

Also known as: Treva Reischl

Occupation / Association: President, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Women's Igloo (1964)

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Treva Reischl, Juneau Womens Igloo President 1964, Pioneers of Alaska leadership, Juneau fraternal organizations

Biography

Treva Reischl served as President of the Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Women's Igloo in 1964.

As president, she helped guide the Juneau Women’s Igloo in its mission of preserving the history and traditions of Alaska’s pioneers while supporting the social and charitable activities of the Pioneers of Alaska organization.

Sources

Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Women’s Igloo historical records

Primary Name: Davis, Trevor
Filed as: davis_trevor
Also known as: Trevor Davis
Occupation / Association: President (1963), Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6
Born:
Died:
Parents:
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Associated places: Juneau, Alaska
Keywords: Trevor Davis, Davis Trevor, Juneau Men’s Igloo President 1963, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau

Biography

Trevor Davis served as President of the Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6 in 1963.

Sources

Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6 records

Trevor Davis Davis Trevor T Davis

Primary Name: Olson, Emma

Filed as: Olson, Emma

Also known as: Emma Olson

Occupation / Association: President, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Women’s Igloo

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Emma Olson Juneau Alaska, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Women's Igloo president, Juneau Women's Igloo leadership, Alaska fraternal organizations, Pioneers of Alaska women leaders

Biography

Emma Olson served as President of the Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Women’s Igloo in 1968. The Juneau Women’s Igloo is part of the Pioneers of Alaska, a fraternal organization dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of Alaska’s early settlers and their families.

Sources

Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Women’s Igloo records.

Primary Name: Oakes, Florence

Filed as: Oakes, Florence

Also known as: Florence Oakes

Occupation / Association: President, Pioneers of Alaska Women's Igloo No. 6

Associated places: Juneau, Alaska

Keywords: Florence Oakes, Juneau Alaska pioneer women, Pioneers of Alaska Women's Igloo 6 president

Biography

Florence Oakes served as President of the Juneau Women's Igloo No. 6 of the Pioneers of Alaska in 1963.

The Women's Igloo of the Pioneers of Alaska preserves the history, traditions, and contributions of Alaska’s early residents and their descendants.

Sources

Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Igloo records

Primary Name: Keithahn, E. L.
Filed as: keithahn_e_l
Also known as: E.L. Keithahn, E. L. Keithahn
Occupation / Association: President (1961), Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6
Born:
Died:
Parents:
Spouse:
Children:
Associated places: Juneau, Alaska
Keywords: E L Keithahn, EL Keithahn, Keithahn E L, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6

Biography

E. L. Keithahn served as President of the Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6 in 1961.

Sources

Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6 records

E L Keithahn EL Keithahn E.L. Keithahn Keithahn E L

Primary Name: Hendrickson, Wanio
Filed as: hendrickson_wanio
Also known as: Wanio Hendrickson
Occupation / Association: President (1959), Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6
Born:
Died:
Parents:
Spouse:
Children:
Associated places: Juneau, Alaska
Keywords: Wanio Hendrickson, Hendrickson Wanio, Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6 President 1959, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau

Biography

Wanio Hendrickson served as President of the Pioneers of Alaska, Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6 in 1959.

Sources

Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6 records

Wanio Hendrickson Hendrickson Wanio W Hendrickson