From 1954 to 1985, Anchorage kids and adults enjoyed spending time in the downtown Loussac Library at 5th and F streets. The picture above is from 1955.
So who was this Loussac fellow?
His full name was Zadrich Joshua Loussac, also known as Zachary or Zachariah or even “Zach”. He was born to Jewish parents in Pokrov, Russia (near Moscow) in 1882.
Gold Fever
At the age of 18, Loussac arrived in New York. He was unable to speak English and nearly broke. He ended up doing various jobs on the Lower East Side. But one of his jobs, introduced him to what would become his profession. That job was working in a drug store.
Then one day, he overheard a man talking about the discovery of gold in the Klondike. Loussac mistakenly thought the Klondike was in Alaska. And like many others, he quickly came down with Gold fever, and a burning desire to go to Alaska.
Finally Heading for Alaska
In 1901, Zachary Loussac was finally able to travel across the lower 48, toward his ultimate destination, to find some of that Alaska gold.
He got as far as Great Falls, Montana, where he ran out of money. And once again, he found himself working in a drug store.
But by 1903, he had returned to New York and had graduated from the New York College of Pharmacy.
Then, in 1907, his dream of Alaska gold finally took him to Nome.
But like many before him, gold fever never paid off.
Hello Tent City
In 1916, it wasn’t much.
Anchorage was just a rag-tag tent city on the muddy shores of Ship Creek flats.
When ZJ Loussac first arrived in Anchorage, he and a friend bought a lot at 4th Avenue and D Street. His friend, Mr. Batles, opened a men’s store and Zachariah opened a drug store. They each had a building that was about 25 feet by 50 feet.
Loussac’s drug store did well.
His slogan was, “We’ve got what you want when you want it.”
He opened a second drug store called ZJ Loussac Drug Store No 2 on the street level of the downtown Anchorage Hotel Annex in 1937. He operated two stores until he retired in 1943.
Sharing Alaska Stories
Robert shares his Anchorage memories
“As I look back on my years in Anchorage, they were absolutely magical. The happiest time of my life. What a wonderous city. A gem in the snow. Surrounded by purple mountains. I miss it so much.”
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All they need is an internet connection, a computer or mobile device and… they can enjoy these Alaska Stories.
Community Service for Anchorage
After he retired, Loussac became very involved in community service.
In 1946, Zachariah set up the Loussac Foundation to be used for “social, scientific and cultural activities in the Anchorage area”.
From 1954 to 1985, the ZJ Loussac Library, created by his foundation, and located on the northeast corner of 5th and F Street, served the people of Anchorage.
BONUS
Take a look at this ZJ Loussac Biography and enjoy.
Mayor of Anchorage
Did you know that Loussac was elected Mayor of Anchorage for three one-year terms from 1948 to 1951?
Ada Harper – Loussac
In 1949, at the age of 66, Zachariah, a lifelong bachelor, married Ada Harper, who ran the Colonial Dress Shop in Anchorage.
Would You Like to Know More?
Our look at Zachariah Loussac is a brief one, but you can read lots more by clicking on the link below.
Read more about ZJ Loussac and enjoy.
Imagine, Remember and Appreciate
The story of Zachariah Loussac reminds us of just how dedicated those early Anchorage pioneers were. They forged what would become the city of Anchorage from the humble banks of Ship Creek.
Like you may have, Mary and I spent many an afternoon in the downtown Loussac Library.
And while I was in high school and I became interested in a career in motion pictures and television, I spent hours reading every book I could find on the subject in the downtown Loussac Library… So, I guess I got my start in that library.
Thank you, ZJ Loussac.
A Historic Anchorage Place Comes to an End
The Loussac Library on 5th and F Street was demolished in 1981 to make way for the William A Egan Civic and Convention Center.
In 1986, a new four-story ZJ Loussac Public Library was opened in midtown.
Times change, but thank you ZJ Loussac for the wonderful Anchorage memories.
From Our North Stars (that’s you)
From “Did You Watch These Popular Anchorage, Alaska Kid's TV Shows?”
Christine remembers:
“I was on HiJinks a couple of times as a child.”
Mary shared this Anchorage childhood memory:
“We were so fortunate in Anchorage to have such fun shows for us children. We would go ice skating and sledding during the winter and come in for our cocoa and warm up while watching all those fun shows.”
And Eric said:
“Great memories!”
Connect with Mike and Mary
Did this edition of Alaska Stories make you want to go visit your local library?
Mary and I are friends of our local library, and our children and grandchildren love libraries. And we have ZJ Loussac to thank.
Don’t Be Shy
Do you have a comment, suggestion for a future edition of Alaska Stories, or would you just like to say “Hello!”… Not too loud now… the librarian will “shush” us.
You can reach us by replying to this email, or you can Contact Us to say, “I loved the Loussac Library.”
Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories
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