The Way We Were

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

May 13, 1915: From the looks of the action of the town council last night, it is practically assured that Wrangell is going to have a baseball park and that we will be able to play the national game before the season is over. At a meeting last night the council set aside a section of town property in the eastern part of town, back of the dairy ranch, to be used as a town recreation park. Mr. William Lewis and F. Stanhope were given permission to build a ball diamond on the property if ways and means can be found to do it, and from the way the public spirited citizens are taking hold of the idea, they are going to be able to carry it through.

May 10, 1940: Called to Washington to testify in a case arising in Puerto Rico over a government project when he was Director of Territories and Island Possessions, Gov. Ernest Gruening flew to Wrangell with pilot Shell Simmons of Juneau Wednesday morning to catch the steamer Denali south. He is making a fast trip and expects to be here in time for the Potlatch June 3 and 4. His present plans, he said, call for his return to Alaska aboard the Pan-American Clipper on its initial flight from Seattle, the latter part of this month. The Coast Guard Cutter Haida will bring a large delegation of officials and other Juneau people down for the Potlatch, the chief executive reported. Mrs. Gruening will definitely be in the party, and he hopes to be himself if he gets back in time. Secretary of Alaska E.L. Bartlett and Mrs. Bartlett will be aboard as will a large number of others, complete lists having not yet been made up.

May 14, 1965: We sincerely hope you will never have need of it, but if an occasion should arise when you need an ambulance you can go first class in Wrangell. Wednesday two members of the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Dept., Leonard Angerman and Thorne Ferguson, arrived by ferry with the WVFD's new ambulance. The ambulance, technically speaking, is a 1965 Dodge utility van. However, herein lies the difference. The new Dodge is equipped with a new Emerson Resuscitator, roller stretcher, blanket sets, splints and all other necessary first aid equipment. The vehicle, which will accompany the fire department to all fires, is also equipped with a two-way radio coupled with a public address system which would enable the firemen to be contacted at a fire in the event of additional emergency.

May 10, 1990: Wrangell fishermen tuned up their outboards, fixed their rods and reels and filled their coolers this week as they prepared for the Wrangell King Salmon Derby opening on Saturday. Fishermen will hit the water at 8 a.m. Saturday for the chance to win a total of $11,500 in cash prizes as well as more than 70 items donated by local businesses. “We're expecting a great derby,” said one of the organizers, Jeff Angerman. “The weather has been good. The fishing has been good the last few years.” The derby will run through 10 a.m., May 28. Winner of the derby will collect a $5,000 prize. Second place is a $3,000 prize and third place is $2,000. In addition, the first fish over 60 pounds will collect a $1,000 bonus, and a $500 bonus will be awarded for the first 50-pound entry.

 

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