The Way We Were

Dec. 19, 1912: P.M. Smith, commonly known as “Doc” Smith, who since his coming to Wrangell about 11 years ago, had lived a hermit-like life, was found dead in his cabin yesterday afternoon having died as he had lived - alone. Deputy Marshal Schnabel, who was down to the Cemetery Bay on an official errand yesterday afternoon, passed the house of “Doc” Smith and seeing no tracks in the snow which had fallen Tuesday evening entered the house and found the owner lying dead as he had fallen from a chair. Smith was in Wrangell Sunday and seemed as strong as usual. It is generally believed that he died Sunday evening after the exertion of his trip to town. Judge Seneca Smith, a retired jurist of Portland, Oregon and brother of P.M. Smith, was notified by telegram of his brother's death. “Doc” Smith who was about 85 years of age, has for many years lived upon the product of the soil exclusively selling vegetables and products of his garden proving that a truck garden branch of industry will make a living in Southeastern Alaska for even a comparatively feeble man.

Dec. 17, 1937: Wrangell has never been so beautifully decorated as this year. Colored lights and displays have been lavishly used in the business section and many homes have outside decorations. The big community tree blazing with lights in the middle of Front Street is the town's crowning glory. For the second year it was made the activity of the American Legion, assisted by the Elks. George Sylvester, Ernest Nelson, Jim Forrester and Van Fisk brought in the tree Sunday after making careful selection. Jim Lovett and Carl Greed did the decorating. The afternoon following a matinee at which the Coliseum Theatre was host to the school children, Christmas carols led by Miss Conrad where sung about the tree, after which Santa Clause, representing the Northland Transporation Company, distributed Christmas joy to the children through the medium of candies and fruit. Tree service will be held tonight at 7:30 at the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches and a midnight service, starting at 11:30, at the Episcopal Church.

Dec. 14, 1962: For the first time in history the Hoonah High School will meet the Wrangell Wolves on the local court tonight, and tomorrow night. Little is known of the strength of the visitor except to say they have broken even in their games so far this year. Last year the visitors defeated Kake and Skagway as well as Juneau Junior Varsity. The Hoonah High School is comparatively new, having started a four-year school only in recent years. Last year was its first interschool competition. On the basis of that record they have decided to enter into a fall schedule this year with the hope of winning its way into the Southeast Alaska District Tournament. Preliminary games will be played at 7 o'clock each evening.

Dec. 17, 1987: “Old Frontiers, New Beginnings” is the theme for the Wrangell Tent City Festival 1988. The 1988 events will be expanded to run from Thursday through Sunday Chairwoman Judy Daniels says. At the final planning meeting held Monday, Daniels said the schedule of events was completed - and publicity materials now are being distributed through the state to encourage attendance at the winter festival. A long rifle demonstration, snooze marksmanship contest, “Small Tales Contest' for children and swim meet are among the new events now being planned, she said. In addition the old gym should be available for indoor remote-control model car races. The Shady Ladies will sponsor a variety show as the events open up Thursday, Feb. 4 Daniels said. The show, similar to the First of the Fourth Talent Show held to open up the Fourth of July events in the summer, will feature several Shady Lady performances as well as contributions from throughout the community.