The Way We Were

March 9, 1922

The following excerpt from a letter of Acting Governor Thiele will interest residents of Wrangell who are being asked to join the Alaska Historical Association. “I heartily concur with you in securing an appropriation from the coming Legislature for the purpose of establishing a branch museum at Wrangell. I remember distinctly while in Wrangell visiting Chief Shakes House, and seeing a number of Tlingit curios there. Their association with the people of Wrangell should at all times remain there, and … I will cooperate with you in doing all I can to secure a branch museum in your town.” It is hoped by the committee engaged in securing Alaska Historical Association members that the residents of this oldest town in Southeast will demonstrate their interest in preservation by joining the association in large numbers. Subscription lists are at the Sentinel office, the Wrangell Hotel and at the U.S. Customs House.

March 7, 1947

Over 100 men are now employed in Wrangell’s Alaska Asiatic Lumber mill. Many of them are local residents, but many more have come in from Juneau and the Outside, making a sizable payroll for the town. This week, Tuesday afternoon to be exact, the first pile was driven for the new 110-foot-by-120-foot planer building, which will rise from what was once a fill-in of old slab piles. It will be the biggest building Wrangell ever saw. Clearing is going on and the steel work has arrived for the dry kiln building which will be erected next to the planer plant. As rapidly as possible space is being made for the big boilers which will drive the 1,500-horsepower steam turbine that will generate power for the mill and the equipment which will make Wrangell’s sawmill the largest in Alaska.

March 10, 1972

Work got underway this week on a $98,393 state improvement project in Wrangell harbor. The work, being done by Tom O. Paddock Co., of Juneau, under a state Department of Public Works contract, includes: Extension and redecking of the city (Reliance Shrimp) dock, lengthening and relocating 45 feet farther south the north-south finger float adjacent to the dock, dredging of nearly 4,000 cubic yards of mud from the bay in the vicinity of the dock and the floats to give a minimum depth of 10 feet at mean low water, rebuilding of the city grid, including new piling and a new, wider walkaway. Tom Forrhies, construction supervisor for the state, said the job is scheduled for completion in early June.

March 13, 1997

Tuesday night the city council passed two school funding proposals. Consideration of a proposal from the schools to fund an internet connection was discussed at length. Ed McLain, school curriculum and instruction director, stated the internet proposal would tie each of the three schools together. The program could also serve the community through evening programs. The council voted to fund the equipment, wiring, installation for a total of $10,400, leaving the training expense to the schools.