For its size & population, early Gustavus had one of the largest and best equipped airfields in the region. Did the homesteaders realize what a great prize that was handed to them during WWII?

Yes, they did. For one thing, it dramatically changed their lives as it opened the possibility of air transportation of goods and services as an alternative to long & sometimes treacherous trips via water. There were numerous documented accounts of emergency landings of large planes and the handful of local pioneers scrambling to feed and bed dozens of stranded, unexpected guests at a moment’s notice. The present day Gustavus Inn was typically filled first, then the rest of the passengers were housed in any available private home. The homesteaders would make a record of every passenger so that even today we know who, from where, was stranded when! Often life-long friendships were forged from the settler’s hospitality with parting tears and promises from the passengers of a speedy return for a more leisurely visit.

In 1959 the advantage of our airfield took on an interesting twist. A meeting of the Gustavus Chamber of Commerce (this is no joke, the homesteaders had organized a voice for the Gustavus Flats) produced a passionate and revolutionary idea that germinated and became a most interesting crusade.

Here’s the story. Juneau was being severely criticized for its lack of adequate landing facilities. Many planes had to “fly over” and often would divert to Gustavus as the only alternative. The main objection to having the capital reside in Juneau became its inaccessibility in bad weather. “Ahah!” said our proud Chamber Of Commerce, why couldn’t Gustavus become the “suburb” of Alaska’s capital? Fueled by some Juneau businessmen (who visited and first suggested the idea), research and drafting such an appeal became almost an obsession. None of the locals could think of any possible reason their offer would be denied.

Here were their arguments. First, the airport had “fine accommodations” (safe approaches, landing lights and radio range instrument approach), was in great shape and ready for immediate use. In addition, the mountains were of a sufficient distance as to not present dangerous air currents. Second, in researching the atlas, the members listed over 20 states that did not have their capitals in the center of their geographical borders. Third, the locals were all willing to “wind up their motors on all the boats in the area, and in nothing flat all the necessary freight (from Juneau’s legislature) could be moved (to Gustavus) at no expense to the taxpayers”. Fourth, as there was already a lodge, it could easily be enlarged, with new structures built on all the 160-acre tracts “of the most approved, recent type fire-resistant buildings”. Fifth, with Glacier Bay right next door and with “hundreds of beasts, birds, and fish to be observed, the legislators could relax and have a back to nature holiday”. And finally, with only a 20 minute flight, government officials could be back in Juneau to enjoy the Bubble Room (a popular night spot at the time) or any other recreational pursuits.

“Leave your work and cares in Gustavus and don’t be bothered with after hours work when you arrive back in Juneau,” our Chamber counseled. And finally, these historic words, “So here’s success to you Juneau.  We are all for becoming your suburb”!

For its size & population, early Gustavus had one of the largest and best equipped airfields in the region. Did the homesteaders realize what a great prize that was handed to them during WWII?

Yes, they did. For one thing, it dramatically changed their lives as it opened the possibility of air transportation of goods and services as an alternative to long & sometimes treacherous trips via water. There were numerous documented accounts of emergency landings of large planes and the handful of local pioneers scrambling to feed and bed dozens of stranded, unexpected guests at a moment’s notice. The present day Gustavus Inn was typically filled first, then the rest of the passengers were housed in any available private home. The homesteaders would make a record of every passenger so that even today we know who, from where, was stranded when! Often life-long friendships were forged from the settler’s hospitality with parting tears and promises from the passengers of a speedy return for a more leisurely visit.

In 1959 the advantage of our airfield took on an interesting twist. A meeting of the Gustavus Chamber of Commerce (this is no joke, the homesteaders had organized a voice for the Gustavus Flats) produced a passionate and revolutionary idea that germinated and became a most interesting crusade.

Here’s the story. Juneau was being severely criticized for its lack of adequate landing facilities. Many planes had to “fly over” and often would divert to Gustavus as the only alternative. The main objection to having the capital reside in Juneau became its inaccessibility in bad weather. “Ahah!” said our proud Chamber Of Commerce, why couldn’t Gustavus become the “suburb” of Alaska’s capital? Fueled by some Juneau businessmen (who visited and first suggested the idea), research and drafting such an appeal became almost an obsession. None of the locals could think of any possible reason their offer would be denied.

Here were their arguments. First, the airport had “fine accommodations” (safe approaches, landing lights and radio range instrument approach), was in great shape and ready for immediate use. In addition, the mountains were of a sufficient distance as to not present dangerous air currents. Second, in researching the atlas, the members listed over 20 states that did not have their capitals in the center of their geographical borders. Third, the locals were all willing to “wind up their motors on all the boats in the area, and in nothing flat all the necessary freight (from Juneau’s legislature) could be moved (to Gustavus) at no expense to the taxpayers”. Fourth, as there was already a lodge, it could easily be enlarged, with new structures built on all the 160-acre tracts “of the most approved, recent type fire-resistant buildings”. Fifth, with Glacier Bay right next door and with “hundreds of beasts, birds, and fish to be observed, the legislators could relax and have a back to nature holiday”. And finally, with only a 20 minute flight, government officials could be back in Juneau to enjoy the Bubble Room (a popular night spot at the time) or any other recreational pursuits.

“Leave your work and cares in Gustavus and don’t be bothered with after hours work when you arrive back in Juneau,” our Chamber counseled. And finally, these historic words, “So here’s success to you Juneau.  We are all for becoming your suburb”!