Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Filmed in 1941, during the beginning of the Unites States' World War II years, this footage reflects a growing military presence in Alaska. A military band marches along Anchorage's 4th Avenue during the annual Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy) parade, followed by troops with skis and snowshoes, military vehicles, and displays of weaponry — reminders that even during winter festivities, global events were reshaping life in the North.
Businesses visible along the route include the Alaska Transfer Company, Star Air Lines, Food Center, and the Sheep Creek Meat Company.
Founded in 1935, Fur Rendezvous has been described as North America’s largest winter festival, celebrating Alaska’s frontier spirit each February and March. Today the multi-day event features iconic traditions such as the Running of the Reindeer, outhouse races, wintertime sports, and elaborate snow sculpture competitions.
This film was shot and described by Archie M. Truesdell, a professor of mathematics and civil engineering at the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines (now the University of Alaska Fairbanks) when it opened in 1922. He later served as a building and bridge engineer for the Alaska Railroad in the 1930s.
Source & Format
Color, silent, 16mm film
Archie M. Truesdell Collection, donated by the Colette Family (AAF-23925)
Alaska Film Archives
Repository
The Alaska Film Archives is a unit of the Alaska and Polar Regions Collections & Archives Department, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Contact
If you have additional information or can help further identify what’s seen here, we welcome your insights. Please contact us using the information in the “About” section.
Support the Alaska Film Archives
The Alaska Film Archives appreciates your support. Donations of any amount help us preserve and share Alaska’s audiovisual history. Visit the “About” section of our YouTube channel to learn how you can help. Thank you!
Filmed in 1941, during the beginning of the Unites States' World War II years, this footage reflects a growing military presence in Alaska. A military band marches along Anchorage's 4th Avenue during the annual Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy) parade, followed by troops with skis and snowshoes, military vehicles, and displays of weaponry — reminders that even during winter festivities, global events were reshaping life in the North.
Businesses visible along the route include the Alaska Transfer Company, Star Air Lines, Food Center, and the Sheep Creek Meat Company.
Founded in 1935, Fur Rendezvous has been described as North America’s largest winter festival, celebrating Alaska’s frontier spirit each February and March. Today the multi-day event features iconic traditions such as the Running of the Reindeer, outhouse races, wintertime sports, and elaborate snow sculpture competitions.
This film was shot and described by Archie M. Truesdell, a professor of mathematics and civil engineering at the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines (now the University of Alaska Fairbanks) when it opened in 1922. He later served as a building and bridge engineer for the Alaska Railroad in the 1930s.
Source & Format
Color, silent, 16mm film
Archie M. Truesdell Collection, donated by the Colette Family (AAF-23925)
Alaska Film Archives
Repository
The Alaska Film Archives is a unit of the Alaska and Polar Regions Collections & Archives Department, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Contact
If you have additional information or can help further identify what’s seen here, we welcome your insights. Please contact us using the information in the “About” section.
Support the Alaska Film Archives
The Alaska Film Archives appreciates your support. Donations of any amount help us preserve and share Alaska’s audiovisual history. Visit the “About” section of our YouTube channel to learn how you can help. Thank you!
