The Way We Were

Feb. 8, 1912: The Alert Fire Company met Monday evening at the Town Council rooms. The election of officers for the ensuing six months, which was deferred from the January meeting resulted in the following becoming the choice of the company: President, J.E. Worden; Vice President J. C. Ensley; Secretary, H. F. Dawes; Treasurer, J.G. Grant; Foreman, Oscar Carlson. The President and Treasure were the only officeholders to be reelected. The Treasurer was not called upon to furnish bonds for the strong-box of the company still contains only five cents which fact shows that the company is holding its own. The application of E. Campbell for membership was favorably acted on and a certificate of membership made out.

Feb. 12, 1937: Mr. F.G. Hanford in last week's Sentinel put before the public a necessity for the future of Wrangell, via: “New Harbor Facilities.” Wrangell is primarily a fishing town, as practically every dollar that is spent in town comes directly or indirectly out of our harbor, so consequently any inducement offering to the fishermen, no matter what the cost would be money well spent. Mr. Hanford quoted figures on the number of boats wintering in Ketchikan and here in Wrangell. If it were possible to get even fifty additional boats to winter here and outfit in the spring, that would be an item of no little amount, considering that with the proper harbor facilities, there would undoubtedly be a possibility of having some new families become permanent residents. Wrangell is fortunate in being nearer the trolling ground than any of the larger towns, and no doubt that by improving our harbor, we can get more boats to use the advantageous situation for the betterment of them and the additional revenue for the community. The cost of making a harbor in the Back Bay is not prohibitive, if we take into consideration that the excavated material can be used for fill in our streets thereby making permanent streets and eliminating the costly repairs necessary with planks.

Feb. 9, 1962: Mr. and Mrs. John Coulter are under the palm trees in Hawaii this week. John won the Wrangell Salmon Derby last season and with his biggest fish took the award of a free flight to Hawaii for two with $200 expense money, the grand prize. John expects to get back in time to get an entry ticket in the annual salmon derby, which will be starting about April. Wife Valerie is Val's Gift Shop; she is combing businesses with pleasure and has been doing some spring buying in the Lower 48.

Feb. 5, 1987: “I just want to thank all the kids. I love them all.” That's what Benny Lanting said Saturday as school officials honored him in the dedication of the new pool/gym complex. The commons area of the facility has been named to honor Lanting, who worked for many years as the custodian of the old Wrangell High School. Lanting gave credit to the students and staff for making his years with the school system worthwhile and productive. Officials speaking during the dedication ceremony attended by about 100 Wrangellites also stressed the quality of education that now occurs in the $8 million pool and gym and $6 million Phase 1 classroom complex. “We can build a beautiful facility, but the important thing is what we put inside of it, the people,” Rep. Robin Taylor said. Taylor offered a certificate for recognition from the 1987 Legislature to teachers Madelyn Stella and Chris Jaquish for their work in putting together a curriculum for special needs students.