The Way We Were

June 13, 1912: Navigation on the Stikine is practically at a standstill on account of the extremely low stage of water. Neither the Nahlin nor Port Simpson have been able to reach Telegraph Creek. The Fox left last night for upriver with passengers and will attempt to get through at the present stage of water.

A meeting of Southeastern Alaska canners at which nearly all the nearby canneries were represented was held Wednesday and an understanding was reached regarding prices for the season. Much unrest is evidenced by the fishermen this morning as owing to the increase in the number of canneries and fishermen a raise in price was expected.

June 11, 1937: Charles Moore and John Severson, president and secretary, of the recently organized Wrangell local of the Alaska Salmon Purse Seiners' Union returned Thursday afternoon from a trip to nine fishing centers in order to contact fishermen and extend the organization of the union. The entire trip was made by plane. Leaving Monday afternoon they flew to Ketchikan where they picked up M.M. Dunlap, secretary-treasurer of the union. At Ketchikan Bob Ellis' plane was chartered and flights were made to Hydaburg, Craig, Klawock, Kake, Todd, Hoonah, Juneau and Petersburg. About seven hours were spent in flying time and the trip made in three days in contrast to at least three weeks by gas boat. Organizations were effected at Kake, Hoonah, and Angoon, the Angoon fishermen being at Todd this season of the year.

June 8, 1962: The 352-foot ferry Malaspina slid down the ways in Seattle Monday signaling what Gov. William A. Egan of Alaska called “perhaps the most important and permanent achievement for Alaska since statehood.” The Governor's wife christened the Malaspina, which will go into service between Prince Rupert and Haines in September as the first ferry in a planned three-vessel fleet. Sen. Ernest Gruening, D-Alaska, also attended the launching. Representing Wrangell at the ceremony were Mr. and Mrs. L.T. Campbell, and from here Wrangellites: Mr. and Mrs. Thor Hofstad, Dr. and Mrs. William, Whitehead, and Brooks Hanford, among others.

June 11, 1987: Nineteen Wrangell women joined together last week to form a new Lioness Club for the community. The club is dedicated to performing community services aimed at young adults, child care, health services, drug awareness programs, helping the aged, ecological concerns and vocational assistance. It is one of the club's more than 4,900 Lioness Clubs around the world that make up the women's arm of the international Lions Club. Organizers said the Lions Club and the Lioness Club in Wrangell will work together on projects, while each group also will take on projects of its own. Elected to serve as the first president of the Wrangell Lioness Club is Annette Younce. Secretary-treasurer is Darlene Amundson; Directors for the group are Merry Warner, Jenette Dodson and Betty Nore. During a certification and installation program Saturday, June 8, Jerry Dorsher Lions District 49A Lioness chairman, served as master of ceremonies. Bev Dorsher, Lioness District 49A Region L vice president installed the new members. Charter members of the new Lioness Club for Wrangell are Kristine M. Lee, Shelley Massin, Kitty Edenso, Norma Loftus, Elizabeth Ercolin, Theresa Warner, Patricia Martin, Betsy McConachie, Sheryl Nelson, Alice Lehnert, Annette Younce, Darlene Amundson, Merry Warner, Jenette Dodson, Betty Nore, Jacqueline Bell, Glenda Gillen, Cathy Bartlett and Ann Kirkwood.