Promoting Alaska’s Heritage, to Anyone Who Will Listen

By Koma Fenton

Changing the name of Fairbanks largest downtown park is Mark Ames’ prime mission in life.

He is hell-bent on adding the name “Centennial” to Pioneer Park, paying tribute to the 1967 statewide celebration that led to the creation of the riverside recreational and historic commons known for decades thereafter as Alaskaland. Ames maintains that his suggested modification of the park’s official name would restore a legacy stripped away the day after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Alaska history, place names and current events are entwined, Ames says, in a relationship he insists on explaining at every opportunity. “On September 12th and before the anniversary of Alaska Day, October 18th, 1867-- which is the day of the Alaska purchase, of course -- the treaty’s ascension of March 30th of that same year contained what I call a lot of heritage,” he says.

Ames is known for spreading his message concerning past events, dates and their relationship to the park using the platforms provided at local public meetings. In interviews, he holds fast to the same point: “Now, have you heard of the Seward Alaska Centennial Celebration, 1903-2003?” he asks the interviewer. “It is a commemoration of and for Alaska, much as Centennial Pioneer Park would be for all patriotic Alaskans. Bill Egan, born October 8, 1914, and our first governor, would have seen that we commemorate all of Alaska and without modification or abruptly changing our way of life.”

Ames is not your average thinker. He does not acknowledge cause and effect. It could be argued that he does not see rhyme and reason.
Nor is Mark Ames, who ran for mayor in 2003 and many times ran previously for the borough assembly, your normal politician. He says of his mission: “The Alaska purchase is the biggest thing to happen to America. I am a lifelong Alaskan citizen. I was born in Alaska.”

Renaming Pioneer Park was Ames’ main theme in running for mayor. Ames did not feel threatened by the fact that he is younger and has less experience than the other two mayoral candidates, Boyles and Whitaker. “My twin and I were born on April 18th, ‘62. That would make me about 41. Jim Whitaker has no originality. I just saw him tonight, October 23rd, and he does not impress me.” Ames lost the election to Whitaker, accumulating 3 percent of the vote count.

Running for office again may be in Ames’ future. “I did not even plan on running for the mayor’s seat,” he says “The Centennial Pioneer Park issue was what caught me up in the act of election. President Andrew Johnson, our 17th president, who completed the purchase of Alaska on May 28th, 1867 -- the actual transfer was completed in Sitka on October 18th, by the way -- President Andrew Johnson would have known a patriot and knew that valuable land and nationalism should be honored.

“Look at Signer’s Hall, for instance,” he says, referring to the UAF campus building named for its historic role hosting the gathering, pre-statehood, that resulted in the drafting of the Alaska Constitution. “There is a lot of history there and it is noted as a landmark. I have spoken to Chancellor Lind. I am confident that support will grow for Alaska. I would like for all of America to see Alaska as it is. Pioneer Park should not just be for Alaska’s Sourdoughs.”

Ames has fought hard for his cause and has gained support. Many people, including Sen. Ralph Seekins, UAF Chancellor Marshall Lind and Rep. David Guttenberg, wrote letters to then Borough Mayor Rhonda Boyles supporting Ames’ cause.

“Your diligent efforts to change the name of Pioneer Park, formerly Alaskaland, to Centennial Pioneer Park are impressive,” Lind wrote. “You clearly demonstrate a high level of commitment to this endeavor. I applaud you for that.”

Ames is part of something that he calls the Alaska Freedom Council, a name that is on his home phone’s answering machine. When asked what the Alaska Freedom Council is, he says, “The name is melodious. Can you hear it? The Alaska Freedom Council are three words that work together to symbolize Alaska. I think the name is pleasing and it is ours.”

The election is over, but Ames welcomes calls from anyone interested in learning more about his proposed renaming of Pioneer Park. He can be reached at 907-457-5096. Callers had best prepare for an earful.