Leaving Pioneer Park our bus made its way to our next venue and
adventure. The driver was speaking about the country side we were
passing by. She, the driver, explained we were passing what once was
the biggest dairy farm in Alaska. Creamers Field is now part of a
2,000 acre migratory waterfowl refuge that attracts thousands of
Canada geese, sand hill cranes, trumpeter swans and assorted other
waterfowl in the spring, summer and fall.
Creamers Field is located within walking distance - about two miles
- of downtown Fairbanks. The barn and farmhouse from the 1950’s era
dairy remain and the farmhouse has been transformed into an
interpretive visitor’s center where history of Creamer’s Field and
the purpose it serves as a waterfowl refuge. Tons of barley are
spread on the field every year to lure waterfowl away from the
runway of Fairbanks International Airport.
Next we were on the grounds of the Wedgewood Resort where the
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is located.
The driver said that the resort was employee housing during
construction on the Alaska pipeline. The pipeline was built from
1974 to 1977. The construction job was the largest privately funded
construction project in the world at the time it was built and
employed more than 28,000 people at the peak of construction. A
friend at that time signed a one year contract to come up here and
work on the construction. A year later he returned with money in his
pocket and gave me a small bottle of North Slope crude. I still have
it somewhere. But to think he might have stayed here where I am
riding by now. The driver said the resort rooms were spacious.
The trans-Alaska oil pipeline will be a frequent companion near the
road if you drive the Richardson, Elliott or Dalton highways. It
runs 800-miles from Alaska’s North Slope to the ice-free port of
Valdez on the Prince William Sound. It crosses 800 streams and
rivers along the way including the mighty Yukon River.
Located at the Wedgewood Resort, the Fountainhead Antique Auto
Museum advertises itself as “The Farthest North Automobile Museum in
America!” The museum includes a collection of more than 80
American--made antique automobiles and more than 130 vintage
dresses, coats, hats, men’s suits, shoes, and accessories spanning
eight decades.
Located at the Wedgewood Resort, the Fountainhead Antique Auto
Museum advertises itself as “The Farthest North Automobile Museum in
America!” The museum includes a collection of more than 80
American--made antique automobiles and more than 130 vintage
dresses, coats, hats, men’s suits, shoes, and accessories spanning
eight decades.
The vast majority of the automobiles have been restored to operating
condition, and the displays explain the highway history of Alaska,
in particular Alaska’s post-Gold Rush era. The collection includes
rare gems like an 1899 Hertel, 1904 Stevens-Durya,1917
Owen-Magnetic, 1921 Heine-Velox and 1933 Auburn V12 dual ratio
custom speedster. More importantly, all but three of the cars
actually run, and during the summer, most evenings feature one or
more of the cars driving around the complex. If cars aren’t your
thing, no worries. Recently, the museum has started displaying
vintage and Victorian fashions of the era from which they were
popular in Alaska.
Upon exiting the bus we meet the museum greeter.
This was a private opening of the museum for the NRHS
conventioneers. There was a welcome reception set up with light
snacks. I went thru the line and found an empty chair at a table and
sat down for a snack.
After my repast it was time to look over the antiques and take a few
pictures in this fine auto museum.
Ladies electric car
Seat faces the driver.
Needing a break and drink, I grabbed a soda and sat down at a table
with Chris G. We chatted about our first day here on our Alaska
adventure and this hidden gem of a auto museum. A few of the other
conventioneers stop by for a chat. After that it was time to see the
remaining autos.
Then it was time to board the final bus ride of the day. It was a
dusky ride back to our hotel and bed. We passed by Golden Heart
Plaza with a quick glimpse of First Family Sculpture. Shortly after,
we arrived at the Westmark Hotel. After a quick stop at the ice and
soda machines, I was in my room and ending the first full day in
Fairbanks, Alaska.
