Fairbanks Igloo Banner

One of the most masterful pieces of art ever seen in Fairbanks in 1913 was the banner the Pioneers finished in the art galleries of The Anderson Brothers & Nerland.

Herman Anderson designed the banner, and Mrs. Alex Larson did all the hand sewing.  The banner is made of white  and purple silk shipped to the painter from New York. 

On the front of the banner is a painting of a prospector’s camp by the side of a rushing river.  Mt. McKinley is to be seen through a haze of clouds, to look like nature itself.  The original painting is based on a Lloyd photo of the famous mountain.

The top of the banner is purple silk with gold lettering, which states the order, igloo and number.  The back of the banner is much the same as the front in the lettering.

However, in place of a picture depicting nature in Alaska, a pair of snowshoes and mining utensils are painted with the color of old gold.

In 1934 the Pioneers of Alaska Igloo No. 4 lined up on Sixth Avenue before they entered the first Winter Carnival parade.  Marching were Bobby Jones, Joe Ulmer, Charley Knutson, “Pagnini” Brown, Dewey Burnett, Mike Stepovich Sr., Otto Neilison, George Jessel, William “Silvers” Perry, Tony Cook, Danny Leech, Louis Black and Ed Farrell.

George Bloudo c. 1930s

at Fairbanks Ice Carnival