The Way We Were

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

Nov. 28, 1912: Sometime late last week some sneak thief or thieves boarded the launch Bayfield at anchor in the bay and stripped the engine of its fittings, effectually disabling the boat. J.W. Hendrickson, part owner of the boat, discovered the loss Friday when he rowed out to the launch. No clue of the thief can be found and he probably will enjoy the fruits of his criminal energy.

Nov. 26, 1937: For the first time in at least 50 years, Wrangell celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday without the traditional turkey being available for dinners. The city Meat Market had an order of 29 cases of turkeys and chickens for shipment on the Yukon. The shipping tie-up held the vessel in Seattle and as a consequence, Wrangell Thanksgiving menus were short 348 turkeys and chickens. The most popular substitutions were moose and venison roasts, local chickens and rabbits and baked ham, roast pork and leg of lamb. There were enough provisions in town for Thanksgiving but not much longer. Butter was exhausted Wednesday, and all staples were running low and most items in fresh fruits and vegetables depleted, the merchants having depended on weekly supplies to arrive on the Northland and Yukon scheduled to be in port here last Monday. R. Curtis replenished his meat market stocks by Canadian meats and dairy products, which were shipped in on the Princess Norah, in port this morning.

Nov. 30, 1962: Six months residence in Alaska immediately preceding application for a resident commercial fishing license is being proposed by Alaska fishermen R.J. Ingle told the Chamber of Commerce at its luncheon meeting yesterday asking the Chamber's support in backing appropriate legislation. He said fishermen, who at one time established residence in Alaska, but who most of the year live in other states, is obtaining resident commercial license in competition with bona fide Alaskan fishermen. Ingle said such a law is now in effect in the state of Oregon to protect state residents and reported the proposal had support of Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Nov. 26, 1987: The City Council has rejected two separate motions to award funds to Wrangellite Kim Roher Gile for a cash settlement to allow her to purchase a new puppy to replace a dog shot by an on-duty police officer earlier this year. The council adjourned to a lengthy executive session at its Nov. 17 meeting to discuss the matter. However, on returning to public session, they voted in turn to reject two separate motions to offer a cash settlement to Gile. Gile's dog was shot by Officer Bob Beasley on July 19 after he was summoned out Zimovia Highway by concerned citizens. A police report into the matter said the dog was unlicensed. Beasley told the Sentinel the animal appeared ill. Initial reports indicated the animal may have been rabid, but Beasley said he did not believe that was the case. Gile said the animal did not have a license because the city requires yearly rabies shots in order to issue up-to-date licenses. She said she had been advised by a vet that yearly rabies vaccinations are not advisable for older dogs and so she had not renewed the city license. Gile also said the animal had stepped in gasoline during a boat trip up the river, but was not a threat to public heath and was not vicious or posing a hazard when it was shot.