In the Sentinel 100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago.
Jan 11, 1912: With a rush and a roar the new roller rink opened Monday with a full representation of Wrangell skaters who took advantage of the first chance to enjoy the pleasing exercise in their home town. A great many beginners too clamped on the obstinate, or all-to-willing little rollers and although several spills were experienced no one was injured and all made surprising progress toward the degree of perfection that brings the real enjoyment of the sport. The “400” Skating Club has chartered the roller rink for Friday afternoon January 12th. The rink will be open each night this week and Tuesday and Saturday evening next week.
Jan. 8, 1937: Three organizations, the Elks, Legion and Masons, were represented in the funeral services held Sunday afternoon, December 27, in the Legion hall for Jack Courtney, deputy U.S. Marshall at Dillingham and former locomotive engineer on the Alaska railroad, who contracted pneumonia aboard the steamer Gorgas and was brought ashore at Wrangell. He died about 36 hours later at Bishop Rowe General Hospital. Through the efforts of the Anchorage Elks Lodge, of which Courtney was a member, a sister was located in New York and upon her request he was buried at Wrangell. The Elks Lodge conducted the funeral at the hall using its impressive ritual service. The Legion then took charge of the body in military compliment. The squad assembled outside the hall and presented arms while the Legion banner was dipped as the casket was borne from the hall to the hearse.
Jan. 12, 1962: The Haines High School Bears measured the Wrangell Wolves last Monday and Tuesday in a pair of close games. Monday evening the visitors won by a score of 36-29. Quarter score was 7 - 4 with Wrangell leading. Half time score showed Haines leading 17 to 11. Wrangell trailed by a score of 28 to 22 as the last quarter opened. Both teams appeared tight during the first quarter - in fact, neither team played good ball. Haines 44 - Wrangell 41. Wrangell jumped to a 13 - 2 lead over Haines in the second game, only to see the lead fade away as the game progressed. Wrangell led at the half by four points 23 -19. As the final quarter opened Haines led by a single point 31-30. With seconds left to go in the final quarter and the score tied, the visitors made good on a free toss, followed by a field goal as the game ended.
Jan. 8, 1987: Wrangell School Board voted Monday, to accept the high school Phase 2 project as complete, clearing the way for opening of the gym and pool. High School Principal Dave Dirksen said plans called for holding this weekend's basketball games in the new gymnasium. Meanwhile, the City's new pool manager, Ron Koch said he was hiring staff and putting out schedules this week and planned to open the pool to the public by Jan. 14. The pool-gym complex, paid for by $8 million in bonds authorized by local voters, was certified as complete and ready for occupancy by Monday's School Board vote. The School Board action meant that ownership of the building was officially handed over from the contractor, Lydig Construction Inc. to the school system. An official dedication ceremony is being planned for later this month, officials said. Koch said initial plans called for public access to the pool for an early morning swim and an evening swim. He said he would work to get swimming instructors on line as soon as possible, and then initiate a learn-to-swim program for the public.
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