The Way We Were

Oct. 5, 1922

Better Homes Week is to be observed throughout America Oct. 9-14. Twenty-two governors are taking part in the movement. Gov. Scott C. Bone, who early gave his support to the movement, made the following statement today: “Alaska has approximately 55,000 homemakers. It has less than 10,000 homeowners. The Better Homes in America Movement was inaugurated for the avowed purpose of strengthening in the mind of people the desire to own their own homes and spread knowledge of how to improve them. This purpose is so lofty and manifestly in the public good that I bespeak the interest of all Alaskans in the movement.

Oct. 3, 1947

At last night’s city council meeting Ralph Devenny reported it was costing taxpayers around $5 a day for street lights and shades which fall victim to an epidemic of small boys with air rifles. Councilman Lennie Engstrom also pointed out that drains are continually being plugged by youngsters, necessitating the expense of cleaning them out. It was decided that parents could be prosecuted under an ordinance which cites a fine of from $5 to $100 for destroying property.

Oct. 6, 1972

Nine Wrangell senior citizens are working this week at jobs provided through a new federal program called Mainstream, according to Mrs. Marleita Wallace, volunteer supervisor. Mrs. Wallace said more workers 55 years old and older are needed and can learn more about the job offers by calling her. The program is funded by $5,000 offered Wrangell by the federal Officer of Economic Opportunity to try Mainstream on a pilot basis. Mrs. Wallace said Wrangellites employed under the program are Herb Bradley, Matilda Paul and Cowboy and Emily Gotardo, all at the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall; Elizabeth Murry, at the library; Martha Jager and Amy Paul, as nurses; Lucille Swift, at the Civic Center; and Mary Ferguson, police department.

Oct. 2, 1997

The building where Norris Gift Shop is located will be 100 years old this coming spring, with a history spanning from the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 until the present. It has housed businesses ranging from bars to a bakery. In the spring of 1898, brewmaster Bruno Grief built the Fort Wrangel Beer Hall on the east side of Front Street to sell brew from his brewery on the west side of Front. He began brewing beer in 1896, and operated his brewery and a saloon for almost 15 years. The building changed owners a number of times and housed a variety of adult recreation businesses until 1952. A. Lemieux operated the building as a billiard hall and rented the upstairs rooms. It continued to be used as a bar and pool hall until Prohibition in the 1920s, when it became a card room and cigarette shop. Fred Cumming purchased and remodeled the building in 1946. The Elks Lodge was on the first floor, he rented out the second and lived on the third. After the fire of 1952, a dentist, Mr. Wheeler, bought the building. The Elks Lodge then became Lee Stella’s bakery. Ten years later, Richard Stough purchased the building. It is now occupied by Norris Gift. The building has been significantly altered by some of the owners, including covering the eight-inch shiplap siding with asphalt shingles. However, the building proportions hint at its former unique character as a beer hall.