In the picture above is Star the Reindeer with Oro Stewart.

Photo above by Albert Whitehead

Do you know the story of Star the Reindeer?

To know Star, you first need to meet Ivan and Oro Stewart.

The Stewarts first came to Anchorage from Kodiak in 1944 and opened Stewart’s Photo Shop.

Now anyone who has ever lived in or visited Anchorage has probably at least seen Stewart’s Photo Shop at 531 W. 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage, just across the street from the Visitor’s Log Cabin.

She wanted an Alaskan Pet

In 1960, Oro announced to Ivan that she wanted an Alaskan pet. At first, Ivan thought that his wife, Oro, wanted an Alaskan Husky. But what she had in mind was a reindeer.

So Ivan contacted Larry Davis, a Native herder outside of Nome.

Wait Just a Minute

It was and still is illegal to own an Alaska reindeer unless you are an Alaska Native. However, there was a way around that law. A reindeer could be leased to someone.

Now, before you head out to lease your very own reindeer pet, the law has been amended, and leasing a reindeer to non-Alaskan Natives is no longer allowed.

Enter Star the Reindeer

Larry Davis came through, and Oro happily received her leased pet reindeer.

In reindeer land, most tend to be either brown or grey in color. But Oro’s reindeer looked a bit different. This reindeer had a white breast and white trim. But her most distinguishing feature was a splash of white, star-shaped fur on her face.

So Oro named her reindeer “Star.” And a star she was.

In the photo above is Star the Reindeer, delighting crowds in the Fur Rendezvous Parade in Anchorage, Alaska.

What a Ham

Star the Reindeer quickly became a local celebrity, and in no time, Star’s fame had spread worldwide.

In Anchorage, Star could be spotted in front of Stewart’s Photo Shop in downtown Anchorage, where Star was happy to pose for local paparazzi (news cameras). But Star wasn’t a diva. No, not Star. This celebrity reindeer was happy to pose for pictures with locals and visitors alike.

Yes, You Can Share This Edition

And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will get you and a guest a ride on Santa’s sleigh, plus a photo op with Rudolph… well, it could happen.

Thanks for reading and listening to the Anchorage Memories Club! This post is public, so feel free to share it.

Enter Albert Whitehead

Albert worked for Ivan and Oro and his responsibilities evolved into becoming the reindeer caregiver. A position he happily continued for many years.

Star Got Evicted

No, Star wasn’t playing her music too loud, and she wasn’t behind on her rent.

Ivan and Oro kept Star at their home at 10th Avenue and I Street near downtown Anchorage.

Then, in 1973, a change in zoning laws ordered that Star could no longer stay in her home. But Ivan and Oro appealed that Grinchy law, and Star was able to stay.

Years Later

Star lived to be 23 years old. The average life span of a reindeer in the wild is 15 to 18 years.

Since Star’s passing, there were six more who continued the Star the Reindeer phenomenon in Anchorage.

Larry Davis, the Herder, selected every Star, except the last one, Star number seven.

The End of the Star the Reindeer Line

Star number seven left us in 2025. And with that, so ended the long Anchorage tradition of Star the Reindeer.

Our thanks to Ivan and Oro Stewart, Larry Davis, and Albert Whitehead for bringing such joy to so many people in Alaska and all over the world.

And our thanks to Star.

A great Anchorage memory.

From Our North Stars (that’s you)

From our Anchorage Bootlegger Cove Memories

Jackie had this comment:

“Very much enjoyed this edition and Maggie Wilkinson's memories. I also attended the Quonset hut school, earlier than Maggie (1953-54) and with a real teacher (Mrs. Gordon), and went on to junior high downtown where she did. Things were so different back then - and in my mind, better!”

Did You Know?

Mike and Mary also publish Alaska Stories twice each month.

Take a look at Anchorage Stories and enjoy.

Connect with Mike and Mary

Star was a wonderful, unofficial mascot for Anchorage. We wonder if Star ever met Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Hummm?

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Until Next Time

Mike and Mary

The Anchorage Memories Club

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