In the Sentinel 100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago.
December 17, 1914: Mr. F. Matheson, who has just returned from a trip to Seattle brings back the important news that in all probabilities there will be a bank established in Wrangell next summer. Mr. Matheson states that while in Seattle he was interviewed by Mr. R.W. Courtney in regards to the bank. Mr. Courtney states that there is a possibility of raising the money but asked as to the Wrangell business taking half of the stock, which they will most certainly do. Under present banking laws there must be twenty-five thousand dollars on hand before a bank is possible, and it is assured that this amount will be easily raised once the townsite survey is settled for good.
December 15, 1939: The holiday spirit is brilliantly reflected this week in store windows about the town. Colored light, wreaths, Christmas trees, tinsel and ornaments set off to fine advantage the wide variety of gifts on display that are an inspiration for every need, convenience and pleasure. Among the outstanding displays, the Den O' Sweets shows not only a tempting array of interesting looking candy boxes filled with delicious contents, but also one window of toys that draws longing glances from small citizens passing by. Another window suggests all the comforts of home and fireside with a unique collection of pipes for men. The Mode, Wheeler's Drug and Morrow's Drug are among other attractive windows.
December 18, 1964: More than two hundred and fifty school patrons braved the freezing weather last night to attend the school's annual Christmas program. The program opened with the high school chorus singing a group of six Christmas numbers. Following the chorus section of the program, the brass section of the school band played several numbers, interspersed by solos, duets and quartets. Of the latter, Donna Stokes and Colleen Murphy played “A Manger,” and Fred Downs a trumpet solo, “Silent Night.” A trumpet quartet “Beautiful Saviour” by Gilbert Urata, Gareth Eyon, Gary Ferguson and Charles Gadd, seemed to hit a delightful note with the audience. Laura Fennimore played a clarinet solo, “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” and a trumpet solo was rendered by Chris Beane, Frank Zahn and Paul Downs. Audience participation was enjoyed as they were asked to join with the high school chorus and band in several of the well-known Christmas carols. Bryant Benjamin and Mrs. Donald Riach accompanied various numbers. The program was under the direction of Donald Riach, music instructor. More than 80 youngsters participated in the program.
December 14, 1989: Wrangell will become the permanent home for the cougar killed last month by a Back Channel homesteader once the case against him is concluded by the courts. Don McKnight, planning director for the Division of Wildlife Conservation in Juneau, said he has written city officials to let them know the cougar - the first confirmed in Alaska - can remain in Wrangell. Paul Matteoni, the homesteader who shot the cougar outside his cabin Nov. 25 has been charged with illegally taking a non-game animal. He was scheduled to appear in court earlier this week. McKnight said once the court no longer needs the carcass as evidence, the cat probably will be forfeited to the state. While the state will retain ownership of the carcass, he said, it will be placed on loan to the city of Wrangell for an indefinite period. “The city will be able to keep it way past my lifetime and yours,” he said. “That's basically forever.” Scientists at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks wanted the entire carcass to document the first cougar known to live in Alaska. But McKnight said “they were willing to compromise” when they learned Wrangell officials wanted to keep the mounted animal here. Instead, he said, the skull and skeletal remains will go to Fairbanks to become part of the state's official depository for samples of species found in Alaska. Precise measurements of the 120-pound mountain lion also will be taken and kept on file in Fairbanks, he said.
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