The Arsons
in the Chicken Coop

by Mark Thompson
(Edmonds, WA)

The Arsons Band

When the Arsons were beginning to rock around Anchorage, we were invited to take requests at the Bun Drive-In in the Chicken Coop with Ron Moore on occasional Wednesdays.

It was always fun and a good way to get to know our fans and the kind of music they enjoyed.

I really liked girls and there were plenty of calls from giggly girls to the Chicken Coop.

One year, I think it was 1966, the band was booked to play the Senior Prom in Hope. I don't know how it is now, but back then you had to fly to Hope. We all showed up at the airport except for our drummer who was late and missed the plane.

We decided that we couldn't really do the show without a drummer and especially without drums, so we all stayed in Anchorage. We were crushed; I still regret it even now. I picture the seniors in Hope all awaiting the band for the Senior Prom and then imagine the disappointment they must have felt when the music didn't arrive.

We hurried to the Bun Drive-In and got into the Chicken Coop so that we could broadcast our regrets. Our goal was for listeners in Hope to hear our apologies and figure out how to bring the music to the prom.

I never found out what happened in Hope.

Generally, it was a lot of fun, but that night was very tough on me as a 16-year-old.

I liked the Bun Drive-In but, as I cast my memory back, when I wanted to eat a burger and fries I tended to go to the White Spot. I still consider the White Spot to have the best hamburgers ever.

I'm sure there are people reading this who will agree.

Yours Free

Memories, Pioneers, and Alaska History

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