In the Sentinel 100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago.
November 12, 1914: Wrangell was visited by one of the worst storms last Sunday that has hit this port for several years. The storm started about two o'clock in the morning following a slight earthquake, and from then on a strong Southeaster was blowing 'til late in the afternoon. Considerable damage was done by the big wind and sea along the waterfront, several gas boats being driven on the shore and smashed more or less. Several shacks in the lower part of town were smashed and other damage was done. Considerable excitement was caused about eleven in the morning by the fire whistle blowing, but it turned out to be a false alarm caused by the wind blowing a stick against the whistle cord and causing the whistle to blow. Most of the lumber piles at the sawmill are down as a result of the blow.
November 10, 1939: Better get the old “Bingo” eye sharpened for next Thursday night for the “Turkey Shoot” night at the Elks Club and the public is invited to join with the antlered herd for the big evening and a chance to get that Thanksgiving bird. Plans for the party were made last night at the regular meeting of the lodge and Past Exalted Ruler James Nolan and his committee were authorized to make it a gala event. It will be the winner's choice, Nolan explained, the lucky ones getting either an order for a turkey or a grocery order up to the same amount. Wrangell had its first touch of winter Thursday of this week when it awoke to find its ground covered with snow. About half an inch was recorded by the Weather Bureau, all of which melted by late afternoon and turned to rain.
November 13, 1964: James N. Clouse, technical director for the Alaska State Housing Authority, was in Wrangell the first of the week making a survey of the housing needs in the community, AHA is looking over the area with the thought of possibly building rental housing units here, he explained. He said the agency has in mind about 25, one to four bedroom houses as initial start, perhaps increased to 50 at a later date. AHA acquires the property, builds the houses and employs an agent in the area to handle rentals, etc., he said. Financing is done through cooperative agreement with the Federal Housing and Home Finance Agency. Clouse met with the Planning Commission and City Council.
November 9, 1989: Wrangell's population has dropped from 3,100 to 2,630. That's the result of a census performed last month by the city. The results of that census will be forwarded to the Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs, where officials plan on using a population figure of 2,412 for Wrangell in deciding how much revenue sharing money to dole out to the community. The population estimate of 2,412 comes from the Alaska Department of Labor. It had become the official estimate of population for Wrangell because the 3,100 figure is based on an older, 1986 housing survey conducted by the city. The Department of Community and Regional Affairs had been using the 3,100 figure since 1986. But, since that figure was more than two years old, the agency looked for a more recent population estimate. Officials found that more recent estimate with the Department of Labor, which bases its figures on employment, the number of people seeking Permanent Fund Dividends and other indicators.
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