Photo Catalog Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Ketchikan-Wacker Bus in front of the bank |
Image # |
69.9.3.12 |
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Date |
1928 circa |
Location |
Ketchikan, Alaska |
Description |
Ketchikan-Wacker Bus in front of the bank, circa 1928 Notes: Eugene Wacker established Wacker city in 1920 The road between Ketchikan and Ward Cove was completed in 1924 Shortly after the road was completed, Wacker operated his Wacker State Compnay bus between Ketchikan and Wacker for many years (1924-c1948?) Ketchikan Alaska Chronicle, 6/30/1931 "A new seven-passenger car has been added to the bus service operated by the Wacker Stage company. The new car is to be used for picnic parties, tourists and as an emergency car for the company’s regular runs. Eugene Wacker announces that he will open a downtown office and waiting room in the building on Dock street next to the Red Men’s building." The Ketchikan Daily News, Old Timers newspaper clipping, unknown publish date "Only the old-timers will remember that a person had to travel by boat to Ward Cove before the road was constructed. Eugene Wacker took a homestead near Ward Cove in 1907 and cultivated the land. After receiving a patent in 1920, he started the townsite of Wacker, established the post office on May 17 that same year, and became its first postmaster. His wife, Lillian, was assistant postmaster during that period. Gene Wacker was the moving spirit in getting the road built from Ketchikan to Ward Cove. It was completed in 1924. Shortly after the road was completed, he operated a bus or STAGE service from his village to the First City for many years. He was assisted by his sons, Victor and Philip Wacker. Phil drove the bus in 1948 at the age of 19. Meanwhile, Claude Pollock had organized and operated the White Cab and Bus Company. In 1938 Bill Eastham became his partner in the company. Three of the drivers were Al Hansberry, Dewey Barber and Kenny Eichner. Later all three were to become partners in the enterprise In 1942 Bill sold his interest to Dewey Barber, and Pollock sold his interest to Ken Eichner. Then Barber and Eichner became the owners. The name was changed to the Northern Bus Company in 1940. Dewey Barber eventually sold his interest to Ken Eichner, who then became sole owner. Tokens of the White Cab and Bus Co. and the Wacker Stage Line are collectors’ items. Lee Lewis came to Ketchikan in 1947. In July 1959 he bought the city franchise from Ken Eichner of Northern Bus Co., and named it the North Star Transit. He purchased a lot near the new hospital and built a garage on it in 1959-60. Lewis now has six transit coaches in preparation for extended routes when more streets and roads will be opened up. Many Ketchikan residents are looking forward to the time when the road to Harriet Hunt Lake will be completed. In 1948 Wacker sold 50 acres of homestead land to the Bellingham Pulp & Paper Company, and the Ketchikan Pulp Company is now located there. The name of Wacker was offically changed to Ward Cove in October 1951." |
Print size |
9.00 cm x 14.60 cm |
People |
Wacker Sr., Eugene Wacker, Eugene |
Search Terms |
Ketchikan, Alaska Wacker Bus route Transportation Transportation industry Ward Cove Miners and Merchant Bank Building |
Credit line |
Ketchikan Museums: Tongass Historical Society Collection, THS 69.9.3.12 |