The Way We Were

January 30, 1919

Captain Johnson, M. P. Olson and Verne Clark left Wrangell on October 29 on the gas boat Myrtle H. and since that time they have been at the mercy of the sea. Olson remained in charge of the boat, which is on the beach at Egg Island. These three men had a very thrilling experience and are fortunate indeed that they are today alive to tell the tale. They came outside to Baranof and lost their rudder between Cape Omaney and Whale Bay. After attempting to reach Cape Hinchinbrook, it was necessary to take shelter behind Egg Island. Here, ten days were spent, when high winds drove them on the beach. Johnson and Clark rowed to Hinchinbrook lighthouse, when the wind and sea swamped their skiff and they were compelled to walk to the lighthouse. There, they borrowed a dory and rowed to Johnson’s point, where they met the Native mail carrier from Hinchinbrook, who brought them to Cordova.

February 4, 1944

Alaska’s first Statehood dinner will be held in Wrangell next Monday evening at 7 p.m. with retiring Secretary of Alaska E. L. Bartlett as speaker of the evening to explain the arguments for and against the statehood proposal, it is announced by Mayor Fred G. Hanford and Leo McCormack of the local Statehood committee.

The dinner will be served at the Civic Center by the women of the Civic Club. Mr. Bartlett, who was through town this morning bound for Ketchikan, is one of the best informed men in the Territory on its functions due to his long residence in the Territory and his years of service in the Secretary’s office. Later the committee plans to have other speakers so that this community can become well informed on the statehood subject.

January 30, 1969

City crews will pump salt water into the city’s water mains tomorrow.

The City Council made the decision Tuesday night as the community’s water system continued to be plagued by freeze-ups and broken mains.

Fresh water will be kept in the mains leading to the hospital and the elementary school. City officials said they would provide fresh drinking water for residents by truck. Water has been trucked to many residents during the past few weeks. The action was taken as the community went into its fourth week of a drought. Neighboring Petersburg has been out of water since the middle of last week. School supt. Ray Nims said he would keep classes going as long as possible.

February 3, 1994

A full slate of activities is on tap for this weekend’s annual Tent City Days celebration. Things get under way today with the setting up of an art and craft fair at the Wrangell Museum this afternoon.

The youth basketball tournament involving all-star teams of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders from Wrangell and Petersburg begins today with the tip-off of the first game. Tonight’s action will feature co-ed teams, according to Park and Recreation Director Ron Koch. Later this month, Wrangell’s all-stars will travel to the Devil’s Thumb Days celebration in Petersburg for a rematch.

 

Reader Comments(0)