In the Sentinel 100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago.
July 4, 1912: With 1,100 mile journey to finish, a crowded schedule and limited time, Mayor William A. Gilmore, who was a passenger north on the Jefferson, found it impossible to stop in Wrangell in the interest of his campaign for delegate to Congress. Starting at Nome on June 17 and traveling south on the steamer Dora C at the time of the Katma eruption to Valdez and to Ketchikan, Mr. Gilmore has had an exciting and successful journey and expresses himself well pleased with the outlook. The remainder of the schedule takes in Juneau, Dawson, Fairbanks, and Ruby winding up at Nome in August.
July 2, 1937: Meeting at the Elks Hall Monday afternoon, a small group of citizens constituting a general committee for the Fourth of July celebration, outlined their plans to observe the Fourth of July celebration on Monday as is being done in other towns. Those present were Mayor F.G. Hanford, L. McCormack, Chet Lloyd, Mrs. M.O. Johnson and Mrs. E.C. Anderson, president and vice-president of the Civic Club, which is taking the initiative in this year's observance. Others could not be contacted or were unable to be present. Mr. McCormack stated that enough money remained from last year's celebration to make it unnecessary to collect further funds form the businesses and it was decided to use the amount for children's prizes only. A program of sports preceded by a children's parade was planned with Chet Lloyd in charge of the events and Leo McCormack handling the prize checks. Determined to build a tennis court, the Civic Club will have charge of the concessions, which will be similar to those of other years. A large and varied selection of toys and other interesting items has been selected for two fishponds, which will be in operation at 10 a.m. Monday. The hot dog stand will be operated in the Pioneer Building beginning at noon and will continue to function throughout the afternoon with hot dogs, milk, coffee and doughnuts at popular prices. The proceeds from all of the concessions, which will be placed along Front Street, will go into the tennis fund and it is hoped that the court can be constructed for use this summer.
June 29, 1962: Wrangell was poised this week for one of the greatest Forth of July celebrations next Wednesday, Independence Day. The Fourth of July committee, headed by Mrs. Dick Stough, announced a gala program starting with a free Kartoon Carnival show at the 49th Star theater at 1 p.m. July 3, followed with a dance that evening and on the 4th the big parade at 11 a.m. and many events during the day until the fireworks at 11 p.m. It promises a big, full, day of activities. The Coast Guard vessel White Holly will be in port on the afternoon of the 3rd, hold open house aboard the vessel and stay for the celebration. Crowning of the Fourth of July Queen will take place a midnight at the July 3rd dance at the Elks. Queen candidates are asked by the committee to have their tickets in by 10 p.m. July 3rd, the deadline for the counting.
July 2, 1987: Wrangell's St. Philip's Episcopal Church has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, gaining standing in the country's catalog of historic buildings sites and structures. The church was selected for inclusion in the register because of the association of the Rev. Harry P. Corser, who founded the original congregation in Wrangell. The Rev. Janice Hotze, current minister at St. Philip's, said the members were delighted with gaining recognition on the national register. She said a dinner and thanksgiving celebration would be scheduled sometime this fall to honor Corser.
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