Store History
Ivan and Oro Stewart began their Photo Shop business in Anchorage in 1943. The Stewarts moved to Anchorage from Kodiak in 1942. Ivan and Oro met in Oro's home in Pullman, Washington. Ivan invited Oro to come to Kodiak and marry him. He then gave her a week's lesson in running their Kodiak photo store and departed for the field.
Sixty some years later, Stewart's Photo Shop remains Anchorage's oldest photo shop and indeed one of Alaska's oldest businesses. 
The Shop itself was built in 1920 and withstood the Great Earthquake will no structural damage. The building was originally used as a butcher shop until the Stewarts' bought it. In fact, there remains a very large iron sign on the roof of the building that say "Wholesale and Retail Meats." The old freezer room still has an elaborate piping system on the walls that was formerly used to circulate super cooled ammonia from the basement.
The Stewarts contributed generously to the Anchorage Community. For example, across the street from the Photo Store is the log cabin with a grass roof that houses the Anchorage Visitors' Center. Located in front of the cabin is a 5,000 pound jade boulder that the Stewarts' donated to the citizens of Anchorage. You see, Ivan was always fascinated by the Anchorage "bush" and frequently went on photo safaris to the remote areas of the State. On one of those trips he fell in love with a jade mine located approximately 100 miles northeast of Kotzebue, Alaska. For approximately the next 20 years Ivan cut up jade boulders and shipped them to the store, where the remains a lifetime supply of jade boulders. The store is famous for its jade book ends and jewelry that are sole throughout the State and make truly unique souvenirs of an Alaska visit.
The Stewarts loved the Alaska reindeer and for years kept a pet reindeer, named Star, by their Anchorage home. 
Star was always a featured attraction of the both the winter carnival parade and the 4th of July parade as well. Star's tradition continues to this day as Star VI still lives and greets numerous visitors at the Stewarts' Anchorage residence.
Oro and Ivan took photographs and movies all over Alaska. Their work was published nationally and internationally. There work was also featured in Walt Disney movies and remains on display at our store.
Stewart's Photo stands ready to meet your every photo need, whether it be digital, film, camcorder, or movie related. Please stop in and visit us, and you will see why Stewart's remains Alaska's largest - and only full service - photo store.
Ivan Stewart passed away in 1986 and Oro in 2002, so that the store is now owned by their long time friends, Steve and Dianne Ellis.