The Way We Were

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

December 25, 1913: In coming from Hollis yesterday in a 32-foot gas boat, Harry Webber and Angus MacKinzie met with one of those little incidents that remind me of the fact that he is ever a victim at the mercy of fate. In the Tongass Narrows, about eight miles from Ketchikan their propeller shaft broke, and they coaxed that 30 foot boat to town with a piece of shiplab and a barrel stave… Frank Morikawa of the Panama Café is building a great big three story wedding cake for one of the Wrangell boys who intends getting hitched up after New Years. No wonder he packed the walls of his house with sawdust.

December 30, 1938: R. Urata has reservations made for passage on the Mt. McKinley to Seattle Monday night, where after a six day stay he will sail for Tokyo, Japan. Mr. Urata has permits to export 50 of his choice breeding mink but will probably take considerably less than that number. They will be consigned to northern Japan to form the nucleus of a new mink farm which will be managed by his brother-in-law. Mr. Urata plans to return to Wrangell next May. He has completed his eleventh season as a mink farmer in Wrangell. Starting with a few breeders of Yukon mink, by intelligent care, he has developed the Urata farm to high efficiency. His pelts have consistently brought top fur prices on the raw fur markets and he has been outstanding in the success he has made of the venture.

December 27, 1963: Wrangell Lumber Company, last year awarded the big “E” by the late president Kennedy for its contribution to the nation's export trade, delivered to foreign markets, mainly Japan, 65,009,401 board feet of lumber and logs valued at $4,500,000, year end figures released here today by company officials revealed. The mill is affiliated with the Alaska Lumber and Pulp Company of Tokyo. Last year total production was 10,321,744 board feet. The mill operating on a 12 month basis, five days a week, employs about 60 persons.

December 22, 1988: Wrangell for a Drug-Free Youth and the Wrangell Council on Alcoholism are offering special activities this year aimed at making the New Year celebration alcohol and drug free. Wrangell for a Drug-Free Youth is sponsoring a “Lock-In” evening at the old gym on the night of Dec. 30 for youths in grades seven through 12. Organizer Judy Baker said youths who attend the evening will not be allowed out, except for medical reasons, for the entire night. The festivities will begin at 9 p.m. Dec. 30, and the doors will open again at 7 a.m. Dec. 31, she said. Walt Maenhout will DJ music for dancing, she said, while games, refreshments and door prizes also will be offered for the $3.50 admission charge. Those participating should bring sleeping bags, she said. At the Wrangell Council on Alcoholism, residents are being invited to join a New Year's Eve celebration starting at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31. The party will last until folks start thinning out, probably around 2 a.m., organizers said. The party will be held in the alcoholism center, 214 Front Street, and feature an alcohol-free evening of food, fun and friends. Activities will include a pool tournament and cribbage tournament. Organizers said anyone who is sober - from teenager to adult - is invited to attend.

 

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