The Way We Were

February 1, 1917: The following petition is being circulated in Wrangell this week: “We, the undersigned, residents of Wrangell and vicinity, respectfully petition the government of the United States to build a wagon road commencing at the mouth of Mill Creek, about eight miles from Wrangell, to run thence three-quarters of a mile, more or less, to Mill Lake; thence eight miles to Groundhog Basin, in order to enable those of us who have important mineral claims in Groundhog Basin to get supplies in to our properties on a large enough scale and at a reasonable enough expense to permit of adequate development.”

January 30, 1942: While most communities will dance to raise money for the fight against infantile paralysis which is emphasized annually on the President’s birthday, Wrangell will eat. The committee which has charge of the cooked food sale at the J.C. Johnson store Saturday afternoon has had splendid cooperation from everyone and promises an array of good eats that will tempt the most capricious appetite.

February 3, 1967: A milestone in Alaska Coastal’s 32-year history was reached last week when it received certification for its turboprop Grumman Goose. The certification was the culmination of 18 months of combined effort of the FAA, Alaska Coastal Airlines and Strato Engineering and represented an investment of more than a quarter of a million dollars. In addition to improving safety, the plane can climb to 10,000 feet on one engine and is capable of flying to Seattle. It’s speed carrying capacity and gross weight bear faint resemblance to the standard goose so familiar to all in southeastern.

January 30, 1992: Winter will be a little warmer for some residents of Karluk, thanks to local members of the Alaska Native Sisterhood. Former KSTK reporter Rhonda Lichtwark made a visit to the community of about 70 on Kodiak Island. She thought the children were attired in fashionably ripped blue jeans. At least she did until she noticed their clothes were stuffed with newspapers to keep out the cold. Lichtwark contacted ANS members in Wrangell and requested aid for the community in whatever form they could provide. In turn, Tis Peterman got in touch with Jessie Sheehan, a coordinator of activities for Karluk. Sheehan told Peterman the community would accept help from ANS. ANS gathered clothes, shoes, hats, gloves and some bedding to help the village get through the cold winter. A shipment was made Jan. 26, with the help of both Alaska Airlines and Mark Air, who donated their services for transporting the 14 boxes collected.

 

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