A Light In The Dark
Living in a remote part of the world like Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska, requires the community to stick together. Supplies may take weeks to source, and there is a period of total darkness for over 60 days in the winter. Residents look to Ace Hardware - Top Of The World to help ease their everyday struggles.
Barrow sits on the northernmost tip of North America. There are no major roads within 425 miles. Supplies for the town must either be shipped by barge in the summer or by airline. Just over 4,500 people live there, the majority of whom are Iñupiat Alaskan natives. There is a strong sense of community and culture, with people helping each other through the cold weather and long winter nights.
"It's a great place to live. It's quiet. We're humble here. We're thankful. We believe in our traditional values," said Jacob Negovanna, Sr., Ace Hardware - Top Of The World Store Manager.
When Ace Hardware - Top Of The World first opened, there were no other hardware stores in the area. Most supplies had to be special ordered, even small bulk items like nails, screws, and other hardware, which would take weeks to source and hold up projects. Ace helped change that, stocking in-demand items and providing a more normal shopping atmosphere.
"You see people come into the store and walk the aisles just to get a taste of outside of Barrow life," said Robert "Tuk" Alred, Ace Hardware - Top Of The World Owner. "It doesn't feel like you're in Barrow when you're walking around here."
Barrow does not see the sun from November 11 until January 22, creating a long period of darkness that can negatively affect people's moods. In addition to creating a friendly atmosphere where locals can gather, at the beginning of the dark months the team at Ace gives away "happy" light bulbs that mimic the color temperature of sunlight.
"We're giving out happy light bulbs to ease the pain of not seeing the sun anymore. There are a lot of people lacking vitamin D. Their mood changes. Having a happy light can make a lot of difference," said Robert.
Amid the cold, harsh weather, there is a strong community bond that warms the hearts of the residents of Barrow.
"There's a culture here, and people help people," said Ross Alvord, Ace Hardware Employee. "There's a sense of helpfulness here, so it is ingrained in the culture."
