Local history

A dump truck carries away a load of debris during demolition work on the Alaska-Juneau Gold Mine steam power plant Nov. 20, 2024. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)

Going, going…gone: A historic AJ Mine building disappears

Power plant built in 1916 kept Juneau’s economic engine charged for decades before falling into disrepair.

 

The front page of the Juneau Empire on Jan. 10, 1995. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Jan. 10, 1995. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Jan. 2, 1995. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Jan. 2, 1995. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Dec. 27, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Dec. 27, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Dec. 18, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Dec. 18, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Dec. 11, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Dec. 11, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Dec. 5, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Dec. 5, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Nine pairs of rubber boots await feet near the entrance to Catherine Fritz’s home in Juneau. The collection includes very early models made in the United States, later imported versions that are steel-toed, insulated and regular. Fritz’s favorite pair is a short version that slip on easily. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)

Rubber barons: Weirdly fashionable and always functional rubber boots

From boat decks to badge of belonging, XtraTufs are universal.

Nine pairs of rubber boots await feet near the entrance to Catherine Fritz’s home in Juneau. The collection includes very early models made in the United States, later imported versions that are steel-toed, insulated and regular. Fritz’s favorite pair is a short version that slip on easily. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
Mary McGee, the first U.S. woman to become a professional motorcycle racer, is seen in a documentary of her life that debuted on Thursday, one day after her death. (Promotional photo from ESPN Films)
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‘Motorcycle Mary’ McGee, a Juneau-born woman who became a racing pioneer, dies at age 87

Life of first U.S. woman to race motorcycles captured in documentary released day after her death

Mary McGee, the first U.S. woman to become a professional motorcycle racer, is seen in a documentary of her life that debuted on Thursday, one day after her death. (Promotional photo from ESPN Films)
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The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 23, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 23, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 19, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 19, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Looking through the dining room and reception area to the front door. The table will be covered with holiday treats during the afternoon open house. The Stickley slide table, when several extensions are added, provides comfortable seating for 22 dinner guests. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)

The Governor’s House: Welcoming Alaskans for more than 100 years

Mansion has seen many updates to please occupants, but piano bought with first funds still playable.

Looking through the dining room and reception area to the front door. The table will be covered with holiday treats during the afternoon open house. The Stickley slide table, when several extensions are added, provides comfortable seating for 22 dinner guests. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 14, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 14, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 4, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 4, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 2, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Nov. 2, 1984. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Oct. 20, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Oct. 20, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Oct. 13, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
The front page of the Juneau Empire on Oct. 13, 1994. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
People dance to music by The Muskeg Collective during KTOO’s 50-Fest on Saturday night at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

KTOO packs a half century of programming into a six-hour 50-Fest anniversary celebration

Ten mini-concerts, plus interviews, theater and tributes showcase public broadcasting outlet’s history.

People dance to music by The Muskeg Collective during KTOO’s 50-Fest on Saturday night at the Juneau Arts and Culture Center. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)