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Our Beginning

The Big Ray’s story begins in the 1940s as World War II made its way to Alaska, then a United States territory known for its abundant natural resources. The combination of the war and other opportunities brought an influx of service men, construction workers, prospectors and money north. After the war, servicemen Glenn Miller and Howard Cruver realized the potential for a thriving business and started outfitting Alaskans with military surplus cold weather gear including boots, pants and parkas.

1947

Army Navy

The men went on to open a Big Ray’s in downtown Anchorage, then known as the Army Navy Store, and a second location in Fairbanks, in 1947.

Growth & Expansion

After Howard’s passing in the mid 1950’s, Dick Cruver assumed his late brother’s position in the company. The partners ran the business together for the next four decades.

1955

The 1964 Earthquake

The quake of '64 damaged large parts of Anchorage, including the downtown Big Ray's location. Pictured is Glenn Miller, surveilling the damage from the earthquake.

1964

Looking Forward

Big Ray's is sold to the owners' sons Mike Miller, Mark Cruver and friend and employee, Monty Rostad. Mark Cruver is pictured here at one of the early Tent Sales.

1988

Our Beginning

The Big Ray’s story begins in the 1940s as World War II made its way to Alaska, then a United States territory known for its abundant natural resources. The combination of the war and other opportunities brought an influx of service men, construction workers, prospectors and money north. After the war, servicemen Glenn Miller and Howard Cruver realized the potential for a thriving business and started outfitting Alaskans with military surplus cold weather gear including boots, pants and parkas.

1947

Army Navy

The men went on to open a Big Ray’s in downtown Anchorage, then known as the Army Navy Store, and a second location in Fairbanks, in 1947.

Growth & Expansion

After Howard’s passing in the mid 1950’s, Dick Cruver assumed his late brother’s position in the company. The partners ran the business together for the next four decades.

1955

The 1964 Earthquake

The quake of '64 damaged large parts of Anchorage, including the downtown Big Ray's location. Pictured is Glenn Miller, surveilling the damage from the earthquake.

1964

Looking Forward

Big Ray's is sold to the owners' sons Mike Miller, Mark Cruver and friend and employee, Monty Rostad. Mark Cruver is pictured here at one of the early Tent Sales.

1988
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