The Way We Were

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

October 14, 1915: The big stern wheeler Tyconda, which made two trips up the Stikine River earlier this year, caught fire and was totally destroyed recently at Anchorage on Cook Inlet. The vessel left here last May after proving unsatisfactory on the river on account of not having sufficient power to forge the rapids on the Stikine. L.C. Berg and Chris Wedo came in town this afternoon from mining property at Aaron’s Creek on the mainland about twenty miles from Wrangell. The work for the season had closed down on account of snow, there being a foot and a half to two feet at the mine, and also on account of business interests which call Mr. Berg to Seattle.

October 18, 1940: Last year in agreement with Wrangell’s young Americans that Halloween pranks would be out, the Elks Lodge put on a free show for the youngsters on Halloween in the Coliseum. The boys and girls kept their part of the bargain in such fine style, the Elks have decided to play host to them again. So on Halloween, October 31, there will be a free show for all children in Wrangell up to 12 years of age, with the understanding that there is to be no window soaping, no carrying away of property and other damage such as has been reported in the past. Chairman P.L. Stump of the Elks Committee and manager J.R. Brown are planning a special show.

October 15, 1965: Mayor Ballard this week announced the appointment of council committees for the year as follows, the first named in each committee being the chairman. Police, fire and harbor - Mason, Murkowski and Jenkins. Water, sewer and streets - Hodge, Bradley and Murkowski. Property, cemetery and hospital - Nore, Jenkins and Hodge. Airport and Port of Wrangell promotion - Murkowski, Mason and Bradley. Light and power - Bradley, Mason and Nore. Finance Nore, Bradley and Jenkins. International relations - Mayor as chairman and all councilmen as co-chairmen. Fred Eastaugh was reappointed city attorney on a temporary basis. The firm of Hubbel and Waller was reappointed city engineers and Bob Urata and Dr. Gary Floyd were appointed to the hospital board.

October 18, 1990: Wrangell adults and school children will celebrate national Red Ribbon Week Oct. 20-28 in a series of events designed to help rid the community of drug abuse. Local organizer Kathy Moody said the purpose of the 1990 campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment toward creation of a drug-free America. The events will kick off a little early in Wrangell - Friday night at the middle school with a fun night for seventh and eighth graders. The event, sponsored by the local chapter of Alaskans for Drug-Free Youth will begin at 7 p.m. in the middle school commons. Beta Sigma Phi will host a community dinner at the American Legion Hall from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21. Price for the dinner of crab, shrimp and turkey will be $5 per person, with money raised going to fund the Alaskans for Drug-Free Youth chapter. Local churches also are expected to commemorate the week with religious events on Oct. 20-21, organizers said.