The Way We Were

In the Sentinel 100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago.

Feb. 12, 1912: New buildings throughout the town is the inevitable program for Wrangell this summer. During 1911, the demand for houses was greater than the supply. Considering the progressive strides of Wrangell industries, many houses will be needed this season. For example: J.E. Worden commenced the foundation for a two-story building on his lot across the alley from the Cash Store. When finished, Worden will move the Post Office from its present quarters to a part of the new building. Ole Johnson has the contract for building a modern bungalow on Cassiar Street for H.D. Campbell. A. Lemieux is planning a storehouse to be built across the dock approach from the Red Man's Hall.

Feb. 19, 1937: Of course, there is Santa Claus and if you think that's a peculiar remark for this time of the year, you're mistaken. Because Santa Claus - in spirit, at least - visited this city Tuesday aboard the S.S. Alaska. Aboard the Alaska Line steamer were gifts of candy for the boys and girls of Alaska - candy which usually would have been distributed by Santa when he came in December. This year the strike kept Santa Claus and his gifts down in Seattle, and disappointed many a youngster. To lessen that disappointment somewhat, the Alaska Steamship Company has arranged for the candy to be distributed throughout Alaska to boys and girls 12 years of age or younger. Four years ago, the Alaska Line inaugurated its Christmas Cruise, which met with such enthusiastic response that it was decided to make it a yearly custom. The Christmas Ship has become a big event in the holiday season for Alaska children. This year, due to unavoidable delays, the Alaska Line agents in the various ports are “pinch-hitting” for Santa. The delayed gifts of candy were sent this week by Agent Leo McCormack to Wrangell Institute and Wrangell Public Schools for distribution, where they were eagerly welcomed today by the boys and girls.

Feb. 23, 1962: The president of the Ketchikan Spruce Mills warned the Senate Resources Committee this week if the state permits export of round logs, it will mean the end of processed lumber export to Japan. Milton Daly, also president of the Alaska Lumberman's Association, told the committee at a public hearing on timber export policies that the ten member mills of the association produced some 66 million board feet of lumber this last year. Daly said much of this lumber, produced by employees with total earning of approximately $2.5 million, went into the export trade. C.R. Neill, manager of the Wrangell Lumber Company at Wrangell, said a policy which permits the export of round logs is “fraught with danger because there is always the possibility that raw materials for existing plants would be exhausted.” Neill urged that the state require primary manufacturing on all logs and “keep these payrolls in Alaska.”

Feb. 19, 1987: Skyline Explorations Ltd. plans to put a gold mill into production on a limited basis by the end of this summer, the president of the firm says. Reg Davis, president of the Vancouver, B.C. mining firm with operations up the Iskut River at Johnny Mountain, says work on the airstrip will begin in midsummer. The airstrip will be expanded to accommodate a Hercules aircraft, he said. After the airstrip work is completed, Davis said, Skyline plans to bring in a mill, and commence milling of ore by the end of summer or early fall. “Hopefully, by the end of the year, we'll be pouring gold,” Davis said. Davis, during a recent edition of KSTK-Radio's Beyond the News program, said the initial milling operation should process about 200 tons of ore per day. Over time, he said the tonnage should increase. With that increase should come an increased work force at the mine, he said.