Where were you on April 29, 1951?
Were you or your relatives among the residents of the newly former City of Palmer?
Palmer, Alaska, was officially incorporated as a city in 1951 under the territorial government. It transitioned from a federally managed agricultural colony into a local municipality.
Palmer was initially a railroad stop on the Matanuska branch of the Alaska Railroad. It was established around 1916 and served as a farming and mining supply center.
It continued to develop under the 1935 New Deal Matanuska Colony Project. The project brought 203 Midwestern farming families to the area and established it as an agricultural hub.
The Federal Emergency Relief Administration created the planned community with modern utilities and housing for the families relocating from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Increased economic activity, population growth, and the need for organized infrastructure after World War II led to incorporation of Palmer as a city.
The City incorporated to manage its own affairs, including the development of local roads and community services.
It celebrates its 75th anniversary tomorrow. It also celebrates another milestone: the Grand Reopening of the remodeled Palmer Golf Course Clubhouse.
Join this free family friendly event from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Palmer Golf Course Clubhouse, 1000 E. Lepak Avenue. This community gathering honors Palmer’s history and showcases its new recreational facilities.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will formally open the remodeled clubhouse. Displays will feature local Police and Fire & Rescue vehicles. Enjoy various games and activities including Palmer Saroma Kai Noodle Chute.
All 18 holes of the golf course open on Thursday for walking only. The driving range is still too squishy to open. Sign up for tee times at palmergc.teesnap.net.
A reminder: Thursday is the deadline to get studded tires swapped out.
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This Page Two article was reported by Mike Chmielewski and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Tuesday April 28, 2026.
(image from palmerak.org)