Primary Name: Burford, George C.
Filed as: burford_george_c
Also known as: George C. Burford
Occupation / Association: Merchant; Proprietor, Burford’s Corner; Charter Member, Pioneers of Alaska Juneau Men’s Igloo No. 6
Born: June 16, 1876, Palino, California
Died: December 12, 1957, Vallejo, California
Parents:
Spouse:
Children: Jack Burford
Associated places: Juneau, Alaska; Seattle, Washington; Vallejo, California
Keywords: George C Burford, Burford George C, Burford's Corner Juneau
Biography
George C. Burford was a charter member of the Juneau Men's Igloo.
Burford was born on June 16, 1876, in Palino, California. He first came to Juneau in 1898. He was in charge of the men's department at B.M. Behrends store for several years and then branched out on his own.
He opened Burford’s Corner, a recreational center and cigar and candy stand, one of Juneau’s first establishments catering to the “white collar” trade. It was located in the First National Bank building at the corner of Front and Seward Streets.
Burford was active in Juneau community affairs during the city's early days. He extended the hand of friendship to all and was loved by a host of friends throughout the Gastineau Channel area. Always working toward progress for Juneau, Mr. Burford brought the first automobile to the city in 1912, a Paige passenger car. He was issued car license No. 1, which was held by his son, Jack Burford, in Juneau until it was assigned to the governor of Alaska in the 1930s.
Mr. Burford was joined in Juneau by his brother Will Burford, who came with his son Wilbur in 1910 from California to assist in the Burford’s Corner business. In 1923, George Burford sold the business, which was later owned by his brother, and in 1926, he left Juneau to make his home in Seattle.
He moved to Vallejo, California, in 1953, where he died on December 12, 1957.
Sources
Juneau Empire, December 13, 1957; Alaska Digital Archives ASL P226-201