|
Places, Earth |
|
|
Throughout the country, state parks, historic sites, homes, buildings, museums, and similar institutions are struggling to continue operating. Because of general financial problems, many of these institutions are operating on a reduced schedule or in danger of closing. Some are being forced to sell off artifacts and property. Many will not weather these hard times without your help. Places Earth urges everyone to support these vital and important public resources any way you can. Please donate your treasure, time, and talent. Write to your governor and other elected officials telling them to find a way to keep state parks open. It will be your loss. Public Service Announcement | Test space for future ad if donations don't increase. |
|
|
| Back | Anchorage Borough Main Page |
Eklutna Historical Park, Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, and Cemetery
All photographs taken by Kenneth A. Larson. All rights reserved. © 2007 - 2012.|
The Native Alaskan community of Eklutna (a place of two objects) lies about 25 miles northeast
of Anchorage aside the Cook Inlet. It is the oldest inhabited community in the Anchorage area
with about 800 years of human history. When Russian Orthodox missionaries arrived in the
1840s, a blend of Russian Orthodox Christianity and native Athabascan practices developed.
Eklutna was settled by the Ta nai na Tribe of the Athabascan people who occupy this region.
When Alaska was sold to the United States, many Russians returned to Russia but their influence
remained and today Russian Orthodox is the largest Christian faith in Alaska. The cemetery at Eklutna, established about 1650, is characterized by its spirit houses, miniature houses built atop the graves. They are built in a variety of styles and colors, with the various styles and colors attributable to specific families and family members, with a blend of colors derived from a marriage between two families. The log church is considered to be the oldest remaining log structure in mainland Alaska. The history is confused depending on which brochure you read. The church was originally built in Knik in 1870 or 1798 (probably 1798), and moved to Eklutna about 1900. A new church was built in 1962. The cemetery is now a historical park. A monastery now located at the cemetery site watches over the site and allows visitors. There is a small museum and gift shop. The site is forested and quiet. The author of this page was so intrigued by the spirit houses after a visit in 1981, returning was his main Anchorage stop when visiting again in 2007. Eklutna Historical Park is located to the northwest of Glen Highway at mile marker 26, Eklutna exit. Turn left at Eklutna exit from Glen Highway if going north from Anchorage. The Eklutna, Native Village office is located at: 26339 Eklutna Village Rd. Chugiak, Alaska 99567 Phone (907) 688-6020 Fax (907) 688-6021 |
 The Alaska Railroad runs through Eklutna and has been serving the community since 1918. |
 1981 visit. |
 The New Church |
 Looing past the new church. |
|
|
| New church, built in 1962. | |
|
|
| New church, built in 1962. | |
 New church, built in 1962. |
 Church interior. |
|
|
| The Old Church, oldest remaining log structure in mainland Alaska. | |
 The Old Church. |
 Small shelter. |
|
|
| Small chapel. | |
|
|
| Spirit houses built over the graves. | |
|
|
| Spirit houses, each family has its own color scheme and style. | |
|
|
| Spirit houses, a blend of colors is derived when families intermarry. | |
|
|
| Spirit houses with the newer church beyond. | |
|
|
| Spirit houses in various styles and color. | |
 Carved bear. |
 Less developed back area. |
|
|
|
| Anchorage Borough Main Page |
This page last updated: Wednesday, 27-Jan-2010 09:56:59 EST
| Note: This is not the official site for any of the places shown in Places Earth. Places Earth is not responsible for accuracy of the information. Hours of operations, prices, exhibits, and sometimes locations are subject to change without notice. |
|
This web site started because of my love for Architecture and interest in History. This web site is for your benefit and I make no profit on it. I don't allow paid advertising. This site is supported primarily from my regular paycheck as a Set Designer and there haven' been many this year. I sell art at www.klimages.com. A non-tax deductable donation to help cover the cost of operating this web site may be made to Kesign Design Consulting through PayPal ... | ||
 You can buy candles from my wife. |
 Or donations can be mailed to the address on the contact page. |
 |
 |
This site maintained by Kenneth A. Larson. Copyright © 2004 - 2012, Kenneth A. Larson. All Rights Reserved. Website content including photographic and graphic images may not be redistributed for use on another website. |
| This site is a non-commercial alternative to my commercial design portfolio site. This site's only purpose is for your enjoyment. There is no advertising and I make no profit. If you are in the need of a designer, please check my commercial site www.kesigndesign.com. |
|
|
Home | Contact | Road Trips | Sales | Space | USA Ken Larson | K L Images | Mission Trail Today | U. S. Mission Trail | Kesign Design Consulting |
|
|