Timeless Alaskan Fireplace: Hughes, 1915-1920

This historical photograph captures a fireplace in Hughes, a small town in Alaska, taken between 1915 and 1920. During this time, Hughes was transitioning from a vibrant native settlement to a more structured community influenced by outside explorers and settlers. The fireplace stands as a symbol of domestic life and community gathering, representing how people adapted their living spaces in a rugged environment.

Photographed by the Bain News Service, this image serves as a window into the past—offering insight into the daily lives of those who lived in this remote area of Alaska. The glass negative format used is characteristic of the early 20th century, allowing for detailed reproduction and archival preservation. Understanding the context of this fireplace helps to illuminate the resilience and resourcefulness of the communities living in Alaska during a time of significant change and development.