Galena, Alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks: fit in, homes, purchasing)

[morwraith]

So in about a month I'll be relocating from Michigan to Galena Alaska and I'm looking for some info on the city itself if possible. Where ever I've searched all I seem to find is some survey data. Looking for some more firsthand experience if possible. For example, whats in the town as far as businesses? Any points of interest? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

[mal_flisk]

AC commercial store I think is it.

[rotorhead]

You'd want to get a hold of Blueberry. Don't know if she's ever lived exactly there, but she can get you the genuine skinny on remote village life along the interior rivers.

[webbp]

I was stationed at Galena AB in 1992 - 1993. I don't know a lot about the town. However, I know the people are wonderful and welcome incommers! A lot has changed since I have been there. I would really like to take a trip back and stay for a few days to explore the area.

[Blueberry]

I'm feeling really guilty for not answering since Rotorhead recommended my opinion. Whenever I think about answering, all my contacts who have either lived there or visited are gone. I'm actually pretty ignorant about Galena, but I'll tell you what I know.

Galena has lots of pluses for a Bush community due to the Air Force base. If I'm not mistaken, the base has been decommissioned, but the amenities still exist. So I believe Galena is one of the few Bush communities with a theater, bowling alley, and swimming pool! The schools are supposed to be top-notch, but you can't convince me of that. There is a National Wildlife Refuge located in Galena; the manager and his family are wonderful people! There's probably only one grocery store, and it won't be anything to brag about; be very thankful for any quality produce you see! The river is probably the lifeblood of the community, so most families will have at least one boat. They will also have four wheelers (ATVs) and snowmachines (snow mobiles, sno-gos) and the occasional plane. There is at least one Iditarod dog musher; chances are there are other people with teams, too. Get to know these people, and they will be more than happy to take you on an excursion. I don't know what, if any, prohibitions there are on alcohol.

Don't be surprised if it's hard to fit into the community. Many people say they aren't accepted into Bush communities unless they've been there 20+ years. If you stand out in any way, you may have a more difficult time. However, if you are friendly, honest, and open-minded, you will be more easily accepted. Don't neglect the elders; they are a valuable source of information! Ask the locals for their opinions; harvest their knowledge of the area and ask their opinions when purchasing boats, ATVs, snowmachines, etc.

[Rance]

The base was closed in 2005, and the community did take over at least 2 Air Force buildings.

You may have been to this page but just in case: http://www.city-data.com/city/Galena-Alaska.html

[guvjim]

Originally Posted by webbp

I was stationed at Galena AB in 1992 - 1993. I don't know a lot about the town. However, I know the people are wonderful and welcome incommers! A lot has changed since I have been there. I would really like to take a trip back and stay for a few days to explore the area.

When I was there in 1955-57 there was nothing to the town except one road going in, a building where we got mail, which also served as a coffee shop. It was right on the Yukon and the winter there were many dog sled and snow shoe races. I understand that because of flood, the town was moved. I was stationed at the Campion AFS located 9 miles from Galena. You think it has changed since you were there, I'm certain there would probably be nothing that I remember. (except the mosquitoes)

[the kpa]

Hello, I've lived in Galena for three years. Here is a basic list of town businesses & amenities:

Sweetsir's Store (size of a small convenience store; sells fresh produce & other foods as well as small household items like cleaners & bulbs)

The Liquor Store - same size; half of it is for liquor, the other half is for food stuff. They have more convenience foods there than Sweetsir's

Archie's - a bar and snack bar. this is our one restaurant which offers burgers, fries, onion rings, soups, fish, nachos, pop.

Sweetsir's Bed & Breakfast

Borealis Bed & Breakfast

Huntington's Bed & Breakfast

Sweetsir's Construction

Crowley's (fuel, heating oil, propane)


We don't have a functioning bowling alley. The swimming pool is over by the city school and city offices. The theater is not like a movie theater... it's an auditorium with film capabilities which is actually in one of the boarding school buildings. It is rarely for community use. I've given a couple concerts at the auditorium and I believe the radio station showed two movies there in the last three years. Otherwise, it's school use.

Some residences are hooked up to city water, but with most of the homes, you have to haul water or have it delivered.

We have a radio station, KIYU... they're website has good info about what's happening here: KIYU GALENA

There are two churches, St. John Bergmann Catholic Church and Galena Bible Church.

We have two schools, Sydney Huntington School (K-12) and Galena Interior Learning Academy (9-12 public boarding school).

Next to the pool is a public shower house, the water fill station, the health clinic and the volunteer fire department.

There is a barge landing so that we can get supplies in the summer cheaper than winter when all supplies must come by plane.

Speaking of planes, there are two air services, Warbelow's and Frontier Flying Service. Both can get you to Fairbanks and Frontier also goes to Anchorage.

We're located on the Yukon River where we subsist for salmon and enjoy boat rides. The terrain is fairly flat; the 'mountains' here are really hills. In the fall we get lots of blueberries and cranberries. We also have a good moose hunting season so we can get our meat for the winter.

In October we host the Yukon Jamboree for sobriety. It features live fiddle bands from villages around the state, as well as potlatches.

I'd be happy to answer any other questions about Galena if I can.

Blessings to you.

[Blueberry]

KPA,

Thanks for posting and setting the record straight! Good info!

I knew I was inadequate for the task.

[morwraith]

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for all the replies everyone and the information. I'll actually be working at the Galena Boarding School located on the airforce base and just wanted to get a feeling for the community since there was so little info on the internet. Your info was especially helpful KPA thanks for taking the time.