March 15, 1917: Forty years ago last Saturday Judge Wm. G, Thomas arrived in Wrangell. When asked if any of the buildings that were here then are still standing Judge Thomas said: “The only buildings standing now which were here when I landed on March 10, 1877, are the buildings of the old garrison. The building now occupied by F.D. Bronson, the customs collector, was the Captain’s quarters. The big log building which is now used as a jail was then the barracks proper, while the small log building used as an office for the United States commissioner was the military wardrobe.” Asked if he had lived here continually for the past forty years Judge Thomas said: “ I have regarded Wrangell as my headquarters ever since I first came to Alaska. During the first six years that I was in the North I spent most of the time up the Stikine River, but since 1884 I have called Wrangell my home, and I have lived here continuously since 1884 except when away in the customs service, or serving as a U.S. Deputy marshal. I have held a commission for a subordinate federal office of some kind under every president since Cleveland’s first administration,”
March 13, 1942: Lew M. Williams, Jr., Wrangell High School senior, has been notified by Delegate Anthony J. Dimond of his appointment as first alternate candidate for the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. The principal candidate is Roy Madsen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Madsen, widely known resident of Kodiak. Young Williams has been ordered to report at Ketchikan for qualifying examination on April 15. Alternates are selected, providing they qualify, only if the principal candidate fails to meet the requirements.
March 10, 1967: Exploratory talks involving mutual power and transportation problems were held here between Premier W.A.C. Bennet of British Columbia and Alaska Gov. Walter Hickel. Gov. Hickel said after the 90-minute meeting that plans will be made to set up a formal meeting in September so the two leaders can further the discussions. He said his state is interested in purchase of B.C. power for Southeastern Alaska where costs range between 14-16 mills. “A complete loop system through Alaska and B.C. was discussed informally as well as joint power development,” Gov. Hickel said. A road access through the Alaska Panhandle was also discussed “but not a corridor as such” because this would involve deeding Alaska territory to British Columbia, he said. One proposal was to link Telegraph Creek in Northwestern B.C. with Wrangell, Alaska, by following the Stikine River to Sumner Strait. The road would provide sea route for B.C.’s Stewart-Cassiar Highway. They also discussed linking the B.C. and Alaska ferry systems in freight and passenger service. This is contrary to the U.S. Jones act which is outdated and shouldn’t apply to Alaska.” Paving of the Alaska Highway was also included in the talks and both leaders agreed this is the responsibility of their respective federal governments.
March 12, 1992: The Alaska Marine Highway System has announced an incentive for ferry passengers to travel with their vehicles during March. “From March 16 through March 31, customers booking reservations for drivable vehicles to or from Bellingham, Prince Rupert, or Stewart/Hyder for Travel during this coming May will be allowed a free, licensed driver for that sailing,” explained George Foster, traffic manager for the system. Some restrictions will apply for this promotion. Information regarding reservations, payments, and cancellation policies were available beginning Tuesday, however, bookings for the free adult fare will not be available until March 16.
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