When I came to Alaska there was no direct road from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The "PARKS HIGHWAY" was not yet built. The railroad was direct, and anyone could wave the daily train too stop at any point to either get on or off the train. It was referred to as a "milk-run".
Homesteaders along the tracks could flag-down the train headed south to Anchorage. Spend a few days in Anchorage purchasing building materials, general supplies, see a dentist for a toothache, sell their Beaver & Martin pelts, purchase food. At some point catch the next train going north.
They would tell the Pullman what creek crossing they wanted to be dropped off with their "mountain" of supplies. Stuff would be thrown off at fast as possible. There might be 30 or 40 flag stops, people either getting on train or off train with supplies.
Back then the Alaska Railroad was owned by the Federal Government, was later at some point sold to or transferred to The State of Alaska.
Homesteaders along the tracks could flag-down the train headed south to Anchorage. Spend a few days in Anchorage purchasing building materials, general supplies, see a dentist for a toothache, sell their Beaver & Martin pelts, purchase food. At some point catch the next train going north.
They would tell the Pullman what creek crossing they wanted to be dropped off with their "mountain" of supplies. Stuff would be thrown off at fast as possible. There might be 30 or 40 flag stops, people either getting on train or off train with supplies.
Back then the Alaska Railroad was owned by the Federal Government, was later at some point sold to or transferred to The State of Alaska.
