The Cupples Family, Pioneering Alaska for over 80 Years!
In 1940, Mr. Archie Cupples left his home in Montana with his wife Avis and their two small children to “Head North to the Future” on a steamship is search of new opportunity and prosperity. After a few months working the Hatcher’s Pass mine in Palmer, Alaska, he landed a union job working construction on what is now known as JBER, Joint-Base Elmendorf Richardson. It was here he honed his construction skills later starting his own general construction business. (center) In 1951, he spent his evenings after work building a single-family home downtown on the corner of 3rd Ave and Hyder St. for his family. (top)
The following year, 1952, he began construction of 5 duplexes on his adjoining lots, two of which remain today. These duplexes when built were rented fully furnished to transient construction workers and later to staff working at the Native hospital which stood directly across the street. (bottom)
Fast forward over 70 years and two generations, and the property has returned to its furnished roots, reimagined as Cupples Cottages Vacation & Vehicle Rentals by grandson and now owner Rob Cupples welcoming short-term guests since June of 2017. Rob has been working extensively for the past 7 years renovating the spaces, acquiring adjoining properties to expand the business, and creating a warm and inviting environment for his guests at the cottages.