Dec. 15, 2005 This is in regards to the 4th Avenue Theater ... I sincerely wish you all the best luck in preserving this historic building for Anchorage's citizens (and my grandchildren). I was born on Kodiak but raised in Anchorage as my mother, being from New York City, persuaded my dad to move to the big city of Anchorage in 1949/1950 so she could wear her nice hats and gloves to church. I remember the first time I went to see a movie in the 4th Avenue in the 50s; I don't remember the movie but I remember the beautiful carved mural going up the stairs to the bathrooms (which, in themselves, you don't find anymore: the wood and the mirrors and carpet) and the balcony. I even brought a pad and pencil with me the second time to attempt to copy the animals depicted. I was an usherette there in the early 60s. But, it is not only my personal history with the 4th Ave. Theater that I want preserved; it is the social, business, and architectural history that is important to save for my grandchildren. You no longer see the fine woods and careful, original artwork found in the 4th Avenue in public buildings built today. The building itself shows a slower era where time could be taken to make beautiful wood columns, and fine detailing in brass door stops, and railings; the curving, wide staircase shows a more graceful period in our history when beauty was important for itself and time was allowed for details... My mom worked in the old City Hall and my dad was a fire-fighter with the city. It's wonderful to be able to look at the old City Hall and treasure it's memories; and it's a wonderful part of what is surely to be known as "old downtown" if not already known that way to the "newcomers" in Anchorage. Let Mid Town have all the tall, glass covered sterile buildings it needs for business but let us keep the old in trust for my grandchildren so they can see how public buildings used to be ... small, warm, and using all the old materials (brass, wood, original art) that are no longer affordable for the new businesses. Don't let anyone destroy our city's heritage in the name of making a buck. There must be a way to save the 4th Avenue Theater, and I hope you will. Sincerely, Diana Kodiak |