The Way We Were

Aug. 11, 1921

Some time ago a committee of Wrangell men, interested in marking the graves of unknown sailors and soldiers buried here, applied to the government for the necessary markers. Delegate Sutherland was asked to take the matter up with the War Department. Mr. Sutherland, deserves much credit from the community for he was successful in cutting the red tape of the War Department and a letter received here this spring stated that the markers were being sent and might reach Wrangell for Memorial Day. They were not received at that time, however, but arrived late in July and have been placed on the graves, which were moved into the cemetery some time ago. The nine graves, properly marked, show the community is not lacking respect for the dead ex-soldiers and soldiers, even though they are unknown.

Aug. 16, 1946

A modern up-to-date map of Alaska, the first of its kind ever to be issued, has been completed by the U.S. Geological Survey, it was announced today. Director William E. Wrather has already reported an amazing demand for the new maps, hundreds of advance orders having already been received from persons who had heard only word-of-mouth reports that it was in preparation. Compiled from data secured by careful ground surveys and by aerial photographs, the new map depicts the exact locations and patterns of all mountain ranges, streams, geographic boundaries, settlements, roads, railroads, coastlines, islands, lakes and other common map features. Preparation of this up-to-date map of Alaska was made possible by reason of an intensive program of mapping of the territory of Alaska and adjacent regions, carried on jointly by the Geological Survey and the Army Air Force to meet emergency wartime map requirements. Copies may be now purchased at 50 cents each from local agents or from the Geological Survey in Washington, D.C.

Aug. 12, 1971

A covered playground area will be constructed at the elementary school in time for the opening of classes, according to Principal Bob Prunella. The area will include a 44-by-66-foot compacted gravel area covered by a wooden, metal-roofed frame open on three sides. The structure, to cost about $20,000, will be located on the north side of the school and will include benches and tables. Plans also call for later installation of playground equipment, Prunella said.

Aug. 15, 1996

A problem that has baffled the City Council for 15 years — what to do with Wrangell’s garbage — arose again at Tuesday’s council meeting, and was put off needing further study and the return of an absent council member. Basically, the city is faced with two alternatives: Buy a garbage baler to compact trash in the landfill, or ship the stuff out of state. Wrangell produces about 2,900 tons of garbage per year. Of this, an estimated 1,700 tons are household waste, and 1,200 tons consist of wood and demolition debris. City Manager Scott Seabury advised that the city might get permits to burn the wood debris here, leaving only the household waste to be shipped outside. Estimated cost of bailing garbage is $92 a ton, according to figures from the engineering firm EMCON. For container transfer and disposal of all waste, the estimate is $165 a ton. The option to burn some of the waste and ship the rest would cost about $133 a ton.