Why Alaska's "City under one roof" will Collapse | The Rise and Fall of Wittner

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 126

  • @ITSHISTORY
    @ITSHISTORY  ปีที่แล้ว +68

    Hey guys, I hope you enjoyed my mispronunciation of Whittier. Don't worry; it was all part of my plan to get more comments and engagement for the TH-cam algorithm! So please keep those comments coming! What topic do you want to see next?

    • @CologneCarter
      @CologneCarter ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Nice try, but no cigar. In your intro you started the sentence with "Did you know that Wittner..."

    • @renegilmore9890
      @renegilmore9890 ปีที่แล้ว

      Fort Egbert, Yukon Alaska. Please and thank you. ❤

    • @denali9449
      @denali9449 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@CologneCarter Have you never heard of sarcasm?

    • @lsdzheeusi
      @lsdzheeusi ปีที่แล้ว +8

      The episode where you get an editor to proofread your scripts and check content before publishing.

    • @michaelwhite2823
      @michaelwhite2823 ปีที่แล้ว

      I saw this on Mysteries of the Abandoned. I know you will do a better job. In face I wish you'd redo all their episodes.

  • @freetolook3727
    @freetolook3727 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    Back in the day when it was still possible to get large, impossible or complicated projects completed in a timely matter without all the bickering, cost overruns, and endless amounts of catering to small groups like today.
    Today a project like that would take 10-15 years to build, have a 200% cost overrun and be a compromise of design that would only last 20 years.

    • @nowake
      @nowake ปีที่แล้ว

      @@klaaturivera3746 None of our vendors are holding their prices, we can't hold ours. Do you want it built, or not? Lotta other people out there who need their stuff built, too.

    • @fredkithcart5237
      @fredkithcart5237 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      And cost astronomical amounts because of having to pay union wages

    • @dano8613
      @dano8613 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@fredkithcart5237 thank you lol I was hoping to see this comment

    • @natascharank5604
      @natascharank5604 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hm...I get the point, but I believe in this case it might be different. As these were military buildings I think it would still be possible to do it and quickly, even more so if there was an immediate threat. I grew up in one of the smaller cities in Germany were the US Army kept a permanent presence. Lots and lots of buildings in fenced off areas, all little towns for themselves. It was fun if you knew someone who worked for the US Army as a contractor, they could bring you stuff from their shops never to be seen or tasted before 😋 That was 35 years ago, and I left there about 15 years ago, but I have read that the US Army are planning to increase their presence there once more due to the war in Ukraine. All their sites from then are still up, running and in good shape, doing business with the locals as usual, and the locals doing business with them and bickering with them, also as usual. I got to see the apartment area of such a little town once when I was working as a building cleaner, doing the cleaning immediately after construction. They were pretty nice and built stable. Compared to what is rentable in Germany these days, they were just superb 👌

  • @garbonzo540
    @garbonzo540 ปีที่แล้ว +51

    We live in Fairbanks and come to Whittier for the beautiful vistas and the excellent shrimping. Biggest spot prawns I've ever seen! Driving through the train tunnel is a truly unique experience and if you live in Alaska or plan to visit, I highly recommend a trip to Whittier.

    • @anthonyloconte7835
      @anthonyloconte7835 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      My son is stationed in Fairbanks.

    • @arfriedman4577
      @arfriedman4577 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I would love to visit Alaska one day. I found Alaska interesting when I learned about in school.
      Approx 2009 I think, I saw Alaska Show about the train. One couple took a snow mobile to meet the train. Then I saw Alaskan Bush People, the kilchers, and the native Alaskan family.
      I know the shows are not totally real, but it gives an idea.

  • @absea7918
    @absea7918 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    My family and I went there last summer. The tunnel isn't too bad, and its set up like a ferry boat, where you wait in a queue, then "board" and use the tunnel at each end. Funny to see such high density housing in rural Alaska, but interesting how people seem to have adapted to it.

  • @uasparts
    @uasparts ปีที่แล้ว +40

    Is Ryan drunk?! Heard him call it Whittier, Whittner, and Whittnier all within seconds of each other 😆

    • @rongendron8705
      @rongendron8705 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I agree! Can't he get the name straight? p.s. I've been to Whittier in 1999!

    • @codehaunta9878
      @codehaunta9878 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Not the only case of mispronunciation or misuse of language splattered all across these videos

    • @michaelcoonce6694
      @michaelcoonce6694 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was there this summer and found it fascinating. I can't wait to go back

    • @jrm255
      @jrm255 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      So what!

  • @renegilmore9890
    @renegilmore9890 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    As an Alaskan, I fell for the comment trap. ❤

    • @howitzer8946
      @howitzer8946 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Agree click bait.

    • @Bergmann.Alaska
      @Bergmann.Alaska ปีที่แล้ว +8

      As an Alaskan you should be giving them hell for this fast food quality garbage report.. They didnt even get the name right half the time..

  • @robertreisner6119
    @robertreisner6119 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Whitter has very little flat land but is not failing. Seward has a deeper ice free port that also has rail and road sources. Seward also has one of the best Flood Services in our nation according from FEMA. While Whitter is closer to Anchorage it's resources are more limited than Seward.

  • @liamthompson9342
    @liamthompson9342 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I saw another video about this place that focused on a couple that moved there and opened a fish and chip restaurant. Reportedly it's pretty good.

  • @brendakrieger7000
    @brendakrieger7000 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thanks for covering this one! I've heard about this before,but never in this much detail.

  • @kennethjacobus6541
    @kennethjacobus6541 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    In Mr. Whitekeys Great Alaska show, he presents a song "Nothing can be shittier than to find yourself in Whittier in the morning." I went to a restaurant in Whittier some years ago on a Saturday morning, and asked the waitress what she recommended from the menu. Her response was "Nothing, the cook gets drunk on Friday night and everything on Saturday is terrible." I can't remember what I ordered, but she was right. One of my friends lived with her boyfriend in the Begich towers, but broke up with him and moved back to Anchorage last year. I don't know whether it was Whittier or her boyfriend, probably both. Nevertheless, as an Alaskan, I like Whittier and believe it is very beautiful. I last visited in 2022 to pick up someone from a cruise ship.

    • @denali9449
      @denali9449 ปีที่แล้ว

      Whitekeys, a true Alaskan treasure! "Spawn 'till you die!"

  • @superbee-di5tp
    @superbee-di5tp ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Peter Santenello did a pretty good video on this. I recommend people to watch his video.
    He actually interviews people that live there. He is shown around inside.
    The name of the video is The Alaskan town that lives in one building.

    • @Shin_Lona
      @Shin_Lona ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Quite possibly the nicest people on Earth. That video restored my faith in humanity.

    • @Josh-yr7gd
      @Josh-yr7gd 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I was going to mention this. Great video. The lady who gave Peter the tour was so friendly and genuine.

    • @natascharank5604
      @natascharank5604 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, you are right, it is a lovely video, watched it a few days ago. Also, Peter seems to be a decent guy, first video I watched from him, and I liked it a lot.

  • @nemo2203
    @nemo2203 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    One journalist told the story long time ago. Not all residents live in that building, one of them lives in a hut or mobile home next to that building.

  • @mstsp9546
    @mstsp9546 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Its amazing that people have lived there as long as they have. Interesting.

  • @ItsEverythingElse
    @ItsEverythingElse ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My bucket list includes spending a winter in Whittier.

  • @adamvolcek9618
    @adamvolcek9618 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This was our main embark/disembarkation on our wedding/honeymoon cruise from here on Cruise West and the 'Spirit of Columbia' in 2010. It's a pretty interesting place.

  • @OriginalStachuJones
    @OriginalStachuJones ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I saw documentary about it on other channel and I was hugely surprised to see polish person living there. We're everywhere 😂

  • @rjoshb
    @rjoshb ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I was there two weeks ago. The building looked pretty solid to me.

  • @adamvolcek9618
    @adamvolcek9618 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I'd love to see a video on Meigs Field.

    • @DoughboyPathyUSA
      @DoughboyPathyUSA ปีที่แล้ว

      I believe there has been one, search "Chicagos Forgotten Airfield"

    • @adamvolcek9618
      @adamvolcek9618 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DoughboyPathyUSA Nope, there is mention of it in Chicago's Forgotten Island, but that's it.

  • @richardkendall6746
    @richardkendall6746 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I lived in Whittier from 1952-53 serving in the army transportation corps during the Korean war. In early 1953 a fire completely destroyed the docks and we relocated to Seward. Does Portage Glacier still hang over the town?

  • @b.s.adventures9421
    @b.s.adventures9421 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Some of my cousins lived there for years and years.
    I grew up outside of wasilla.
    Had some other family in anchorage.

    • @b.s.adventures9421
      @b.s.adventures9421 ปีที่แล้ว

      Last time I was there it was train only.
      Before the added the road bed.

  • @hank5500
    @hank5500 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    for once I can say I have been there, beautiful place.

  • @KayakTN
    @KayakTN ปีที่แล้ว +7

    The last time I was there, it was *so* foggy. Couldn't see a damn thing.
    Try the train ride. It's nice.

  • @StevenTorrey
    @StevenTorrey ปีที่แล้ว +1

    @4:16 His name is John Greenleaf Whittier (December 17, 1807 - September 7, 1892)...

    • @ingibingi2000
      @ingibingi2000 ปีที่แล้ว

      So many things named after him in the merrimack valley Massachusetts. Had an English teacher who said she'd never even heard of him till moving to the area

  • @darrendavis4731
    @darrendavis4731 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The things that can be built with other people's money are amazing.

  • @Rock-Forehead
    @Rock-Forehead ปีที่แล้ว +5

    i remember having to load the cars at girdwood in order to take the flatbeds to whittier. funny how much and little has changed here...

  • @jiminalaska
    @jiminalaska ปีที่แล้ว +4

    People also live in the Manor, not everyone lives in one building. I live there.

  • @denali9449
    @denali9449 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Whittier has only one claim to fame these days; they serve as a small boat harbor for Anchorage. For years Anchorage boaters had to trailer their boats to Seward or Homer to get in any decent fishing or if very lucky they could lease a slip from either city which is both expensive and extremely difficult to get. Either way, it was a 2 - 3 day commitment; now it can be a day-trip. As I recall, the construction of the first harbor and the opening of the rail tunnel to vehicle traffic were simultaneous.

    • @andrewalexander9492
      @andrewalexander9492 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      " As I recall, the construction of the first harbor and the opening of the rail tunnel to vehicle traffic were simultaneous. " You recall incorrectly. Long before the tunnel was modified for vehicle traffic, there were car trains which ran between Portage and Whittier. For a fee, you could drive your truck and trailered boat onto a flatcar with side rails and ride the train through the tunnel, and unload your vehicle and boat in Whittier. The ramp platform used for loading the cars on the trains is still there in Portage. And there most certainly was a small boat harbor prior to the tunnel being opened for vehicle.. Whittier was a pretty busy port for the PWS fishing fleet, as well as recreational boating.

  • @0fficialdregs
    @0fficialdregs ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I seen about this town and everything. i love the fact the entire town is in a hotel building and everyone knows each other

    • @0fficialdregs
      @0fficialdregs ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@SavedForThis from what i saw, the majority of the town are in the one hotel building with some others in their respective structures.

    • @0fficialdregs
      @0fficialdregs ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@SavedForThis damn, inflation has kicked this country ass big time

  • @Mk99987
    @Mk99987 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Why don’t you correct the title?

  • @dano8613
    @dano8613 ปีที่แล้ว

    Everyone needs to visit at least once.

  • @dolsiemercado3140
    @dolsiemercado3140 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Sad how people stop caring for that building.

  • @jrasicmark1
    @jrasicmark1 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm confused. Is it Whittier or Wittner? You use both names in the video (and Wittner in the title), but I didn't catch the part of the video where you mention any name change to Wittner?

  • @AmsterdamHeavy
    @AmsterdamHeavy ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have a friend whos been here. Great fishing in the area.

  • @seanreid349
    @seanreid349 ปีที่แล้ว

    How do you get prince of willliam

  • @turdferguson7686
    @turdferguson7686 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    pft, ive gone weeks without leaving my house too. no shops or anything in my house though. because im not weak. and im very anti social. and everything can be delivered these days....

  • @stevekeast2297
    @stevekeast2297 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Plan on visiting there this summer never been to Alaska only state that I have not visited

  • @Kev4Kev
    @Kev4Kev ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So what happens if there is ever an issue with the apartment building ? That really seems like putting all your eggs in one basket. They really should have another building or two for people to live in.

    • @spannajupiter
      @spannajupiter ปีที่แล้ว

      Problem is there is no free land to build another. Its all owned by railways appently

    • @jzlove5088
      @jzlove5088 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      There is other places to live and another condo association, called the Whittier manor.
      Don’t believe everything you see on the internet my friend.
      I currently live in Whittier and have for 23 years.

  • @themeantuber
    @themeantuber ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I knew about this. I'd love to live there.

  • @Jpkjr52
    @Jpkjr52 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks again John in Chicago

  • @haweater1555
    @haweater1555 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Disappointed you didn't show how road vehicles were moved by flat car on a train through the tunnel before the tunnel was converted to drive-thru.

    • @onrr1726
      @onrr1726 ปีที่แล้ว

      Pentrex Video did 4 or 5 video series on the Alaska Railroad. Volume 1 was filmed around 1985 / 1986 and shows the Alaska Railroad operations in and Whittier, Alaska including Railroad Car float operations there. Greenfrog Productions also did a few Alaska Railroad videos as well.

  • @thomaspierce9458
    @thomaspierce9458 ปีที่แล้ว

    ...-the correct term for any establishment which houses coin-operated washers and dryers for public use is "laundromat"...

  • @sl0523
    @sl0523 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Is it just me or does anyone else want to know the dating life in this one-condo town?

  • @debbieannsmith8962
    @debbieannsmith8962 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing

  • @dragonslyer74
    @dragonslyer74 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm here in Whittier watching you show about Whottier

  • @salvadorlopez-beltran6734
    @salvadorlopez-beltran6734 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is it Whittier or Wittmer?

  • @IDNHANTU2day
    @IDNHANTU2day ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Let Take A Trip Down Whittier Blvd - Thee Midniters 1960'a Hit (on TH-cam)

  • @Afencingbear
    @Afencingbear ปีที่แล้ว

    I know its kinda weird to dislike a video and leave a rude comment without watching the video but you misspelled Whittier in the title

  • @ingibingi2000
    @ingibingi2000 ปีที่แล้ว

    I believe it is John Greenleaf Whittier, I thought the only things names after him were in the merrimack valley

  • @patrickbennett439
    @patrickbennett439 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is it Whitner or Whittier? Im confused now.. Im from Alaska lol. I tried googling it too. hmmm

  • @wymple09
    @wymple09 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Only accessible by a train tunnel. I guess float planes, common in Alaska, and helicopters can't fly in that air. Boats can't float on that water, either.

    • @andrewalexander9492
      @andrewalexander9492 ปีที่แล้ว

      Don't even need a float plane, Whittier has an airstrip.

  • @SubTroppo
    @SubTroppo ปีที่แล้ว +3

    How about the roads etc which the US military built in Australia for the war effort. psThose Japanese WW2 jet fighters are not on my radar (threat to Aleutians).

  • @jetsons101
    @jetsons101 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for a great watch, This would have been a perfect vid for your hat......

  • @michaelwhite2823
    @michaelwhite2823 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've seen this covered on Mysteries of the Abandoned and know YOU will do a better job.

  • @arnepianocanada
    @arnepianocanada ปีที่แล้ว +10

    SAY THE NAME THE SAME WAY ALWAYS! Wittier/Wittner/Wittnier?🤔 Consistently proper pronouncing shows basic respect for the site and people.

  • @MrLamchp
    @MrLamchp ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You do such a great job, we'll let you go this time. Lol

  • @musewinter9369
    @musewinter9369 ปีที่แล้ว

    -stares at- will you please call the city before you try to say its name? This isn't an uncommon problem, especially with alaskan or other native names. We will really love to help you pronounce it. Also, the tunnel is a combo train and car tunnel, done by timing and with smogs cleared by jet engines.

  • @chrisaguilera1564
    @chrisaguilera1564 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    It's Whittier not Wittner.

  • @Seawitch907
    @Seawitch907 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ketchikan gets more rain.

  • @deeacosta2734
    @deeacosta2734 ปีที่แล้ว

    Yes. I knew.

  • @monteengel461
    @monteengel461 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Whit/I/er, not Whitner.

  • @dindog22
    @dindog22 ปีที่แล้ว

    is it Whittier or Whitner because you're calling it both

  • @sebert1
    @sebert1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Witner? You mean Whittier I think

  • @gdnh
    @gdnh ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Calling something from the 20th century too historic to pull down is a little funny you have to admit. It's not that historic.

  • @theicemanmypass
    @theicemanmypass 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Everybody lives in one place because only 2 people own the land the railroad company owns the majority of the land and the military owns or used to own the 2 large buildings 1 of them has sat abandoned for many years the city still trying to work out the plans of redeveloping it a former military housing building just before the tunnel

    • @theicemanmypass
      @theicemanmypass 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The city and the town the state have wanted to restore the military complex building for many years now the problem is that in its current condition it really isn't worth restoring it is completely rotted out on the inside However given Alaska's housing population crisis in the fact that they don't have anywhere else they can build there because like I said the railroad company and the government-owned all the land They've managed to raise significant funds to start renovations for some parts of the building so it could be used again in a multi-use setting preferably mainly for residential use but they haven't even started construction yet still working on raising funds and they have made a substantial amount

  • @RCAtlanta
    @RCAtlanta ปีที่แล้ว

    Whittier or Whittner? Sounds like you keep saying the latter.

  • @CologneCarter
    @CologneCarter ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I'm not sure I trust a report/documentary on something you don't even know how to spell. I'm German and I have no connection to that place nor have I ever been there. Yet I know it is Whittier not Wittner or Witter.

    • @Lucky7tattooNettahoe
      @Lucky7tattooNettahoe ปีที่แล้ว +9

      That was really not necessary. Even with the little cute emoji to buffer your "little snub"

    • @denali9449
      @denali9449 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      There are ways to provide corrective information without coming across as a total jerk. So glad you know the correct spelling.

    • @johnmunsen7459
      @johnmunsen7459 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I kinda agree with you. He was pronouncing it that way too and it was annoying to me. I drove through the tunnel there in 2020 and hiked over to the portage glacier. It was foggy and rainy when I was there.

    • @sethleger6105
      @sethleger6105 ปีที่แล้ว

      Whatever German you lost

  • @kenkloiber2989
    @kenkloiber2989 ปีที่แล้ว

    Who takes spray paint way out there?

  • @westjkl9064
    @westjkl9064 ปีที่แล้ว

    Whittier not Whittner

  • @MsCriticalthinker201
    @MsCriticalthinker201 ปีที่แล้ว

    John Greenleaf Whittier

  • @danstarr9895
    @danstarr9895 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Are you trying to say Whittier?

  • @onrr1726
    @onrr1726 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You forget to mention that the railroad owns most of the land giveing reason to lack of houses in town to which is why everyone lives in one building. This was brought up by a few people who have gained access to the main building where all the residence live many are not to fond of tourists being in there or takeing photoes or video eaither.

  • @oliverharris7366
    @oliverharris7366 ปีที่แล้ว

    Iooks like a hell hole to me.

  • @paulsuprono7225
    @paulsuprono7225 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Discovering America, in the EXTREMES ! 😂 🇺🇲 🤔

  • @billzumwalt324
    @billzumwalt324 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sea ward ? You really need to do more homework.

  • @KyleKlabunde
    @KyleKlabunde ปีที่แล้ว

    you mean Whittier

  • @Tony-1950
    @Tony-1950 ปีที่แล้ว

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • @DanKirchner5150
    @DanKirchner5150 ปีที่แล้ว

    ewww "mildew" !!

  • @thehighpointsofthestatesan9937
    @thehighpointsofthestatesan9937 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's Whittier 🤣

  • @archstanton_live
    @archstanton_live ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nature bats last. All human endeavors will collapse.

  • @jimbendtsen8841
    @jimbendtsen8841 ปีที่แล้ว

    Punctuation in the scrolling text would be helpful.