The Way We Were

June 8, 1922

The town council held its regular monthly meeting last Thursday evening. The matter of water rates was discussed and on motion it was ordered that beginning with June 1 an extra charge of 25 cents per month be made to all families having water-power washing machines. The rate of water rent for the Wilson & Sylvester sawmill was fixed at $10 a month while the mill is in operation, and $2.50 a month when shut down. The Alaska Sanitary Packing Co. was granted a water rate of $75 for the year. At the previous meeting, Dr. S. C. Shurick was appointed town health officer, and the contract for the town’s hauling was awarded to I.C. Bjorge at $1.45 per thousand feet.

June 6, 1947

A total of 1,009 X-rays were taken last week in the free mass X-ray program sponsored by the territorial Health Department in its territory-wide project in combat of tuberculosis. About 30 cases were found in Wrangell of tubercular condition requiring further attention and five cases of heart ailment. Dr. J.T. Marshall, in charge of the project, expressed his appreciation to the people of Wrangell who cooperated so well and expressed his thanks especially to the survey chairman, publicity and volunteer committees and to the Civic Club for use of the hall and hospital for use of its developing room and office. “The success of the survey here,” he said, “shows clearly the effort put forth.”

June 9, 1972

Alaska Department of Fish and Game employees have just completed their annual deer mortality surveys. Forty-three, mile-long sections of beach were walked along the high tide line and inside the fringe of the beach timber. Seventeen transects were walked throughout Unit 3 (Petersburg-Wrangell area). In addition to looking for deer carcasses, area game biologist Bob Wood said browse plants were examined for the amount of deer use they have received. Carcasses are examined when possible for bone marrow, which shows the condition of the deer, and an attempt is also made to determine cause of death, such as starvation or wolf kill. Examination of browse plants and general observation of deer sign shows deer numbers vary greatly by island. Zarembo, Woronofski and Wrangell islands showed virtually no sign of deer. The heaviest deer presence was seen on Mitkof Island, as six carcasses were found on this transect alone, and many more browse plants had been killed by deer. Browse use indicated deer populations also exist on Etolin and Kupreanof islands. Overall, concluded Wood, winter losses were light in view of the severe winter. Browse plants remain in good condition, and in most areas deer numbers are sufficient to provide reasonably good hunting.

June 5, 1997

Bicyclists came from all directions, some on dirt bikes, others with training wheels, all headed for the Bike Rodeo at the ferry terminal on May 31. From 10 a.m. to noon the enthusiastic youngsters were guided around the bicycle skill course in the parking lot by members of the Parent-Teacher-Student-Association, Police Department and volunteers. The rodeo is held each year to encourage young bikers to ride carefully and defensively and to help them be aware of the condition of their bike. Skill exercises were mapped out on the lot, including signaling and scanning, steering, evasive maneuvers, emergency turning and balancing on a curve.