Papers, 1930-1952. In the 30s and 40s, before statehood, the chambers of commerce of Alaska’s larger communities were actively involved in shaping the politics of the territory; and, together, they joined forces in the Alaska Territorial Chamber of Commerce. Working with proponents of tourism and industry, such as the Alaska Railroad, Alaska Road Commission, and the Alaska Steamship Company, the Territorial Chamber of Commerce promoted travel throughout Alaska and advocated for opening access to development of Alaska’s natural resources. Included in this collection are ballots on referendums, issued by the Alaska Territorial Chamber of Commerce and pertaining to concerns such as shipping rates, local hire, and local control of resource development.

During this time period, Anthony J. Dimond, who had been a senator in the Territorial legislature in 1923, 1925, 1929, and 1931, was elected the Territorial delegate to the 73rd through 78th Congresses (1933-1945). The bulk of the papers in this collection are attributed to Dimond, either through his own words, as recorded in the Congressional Record, or through the Washington News-Letter, issued by Secretary to the Delegate, J. J. Eckles. Included in this collection are 104 of these newsletters, dating from January 9, 1936 to March 6, 1940. The newsletters cover a wide range of topics, including reports on the progress of bills introduced in Congress by Dimond.