Adler, David, 1932-

David Adler (1894-1971), born in New York City, served in World War I as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces in France and Germany. He came to Fairbanks, Alaska, in October 1923 to visit his brother Don. Soon after arriving, he realized that Fairbanks needed a bookstore. At first he sold books from a briefcase, but opened his first bookstore in 1929. In 1936 he married Mary (Benjie) Benjamin. Together they built Adler's Book Store until it was nationally known. They sold the store and retired early in 1970. Adler died in Fairbanks the following year. He was a charter member of the Elks Lodge in Fairbanks and became its first secretary when the charter was granted May 27, 1929. He held the position for more than 20 years. He was active in the American Legion, served many years on the board of the Salvation Army, was an active Rotarian, and joined Igloo #4 of the Pioneers of Alaska on December 7, 1953. In recognition of his service to the Fairbanks community, Adler School at Mile 26 of the Richardson Highway was named after him. (From obituary in the All-Alaska Weekly, 1971, May 28, page 5.)