The Way We Were In the Sentinel

July 11, 1918

It was a safe and sane Fourth - and a dry one. Everyone had a good time. Money was not scarce: Witness the generous prizes and elaborate decorations. If a few sighed for the days that used to be, the vast majority appreciated the good order and the fact that one was spared, this year, the sights that frequently marred celebrations in the past.

In connection with the exercise held in the Redmen’s hall the morning of the Fourth, did you happen to notice the exceptionally fine programs? A great deal of time and thought and care went into their making so they might be fitting souvenirs of the great National celebration and be sent away to friends with a feeling of pride that such work can be done in Wrangell.

July 16, 1943

Sunday closing of liquor places went into effect in Wrangell last Sunday under mutual agreement of the operators and it planned to continue during the season’s fishing operations to assure that all persons will be on the vital job of getting up the fish pack under wartime conditions and shortage of labor.

Packers expressed appreciation for the voluntary action of the liquor stores, and said the first Sunday closing was deeply satisfying.

“All men were on the job Sunday morning and the boats operating,” said A.R. Brueger. Superintendent of the Farwest Wrangell, “and we all know we have to keep moving under these wartime conditions to get the pack up.”

July 11, 1968

The superferry Wickersham began calling at Wrangell this week. In spite of Jones Act limitations and mechanical problems that hamper its operation, we think the new ferry will serve as a stopgap solution to Alaska’s Marine Highway system problems.

It would have been better if the state could have built a ferry in this country or purchased an American ship. But we go along with Ted Stevens, Republican House leader, in his support of the purchase as a temporary solution. The permanent solution to the problem is not just a Jones Act revision, but inclusion of Alaska under federal aid to mass transportation programs.

Without such aid the state will have to consider charging out-of-state ferry riders a premium fare or putting them on the bottom of a waiting list for space on the ferries.

July 8, 1993

There are two new changes regarding the Forest Service’s management of the popular wildlife viewing area at Anan during the summer of 1993.

This new regulation prohibits dogs within 900 feet of the Forest Service recreation cabin, the trails leading to the observatory and the observatory structure. This will remain in effect until Aug. 31.

The second change was implemented to enable researchers to observe bear behavior in undisturbed areas. To ensure this, an area about 2,000 feet wide between the observatory and upstream to the forks of Anan Creek will be closed to visitors. This special closure will remain in effect to Sept. 30.

You do not need a permit to take your family and/or friends to visit the observatory. If you are, however, outfitting or guiding, you need to have a current permit on file at the Forest Service to be able to go to the Anan observatory structure.

There will also be Forest Service Interpreters at Anan, again this year, who will be more than happy to answer your questions and listen to your comments regarding these new policies or other concerns.

Note: Anan is located in the northwest corner of the Cleveland Peninsula, near the Bradfield Canal. It is a popular viewing area for black bear, brown bears, seals, and pink salmon.