The Way We Were

Jan. 25, 1923

The cost per capita of schools in incorporated towns and school districts in the territory last year was $97.31, and of schools outside of such towns and districts was $103.14 according to a recent statement made by Commissioner of Education L. D. Henderson. “Alaska boasts of a teaching force,” according to Mr. Henderson, “which is more highly trained and experienced than that of any state in the union. The average teaching experience of Alaska teachers is eight years.” A total of 67 schools were maintained, 17 in incorporated towns and districts, and 50 outside. In the latter, 60 teachers were employed and there was a total enrollment of 1,133 students. The total cost of operation for Wrangell was 138 students enrolled for a cost of $13,189, at $95.58 per capita.

Jan. 23, 1948

Members of the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce and the Junior Chamber of Commerce met at the Fire Hall last Friday at 8 p.m. to discuss and organize one commercial club for the town. The meeting was presided over by Junior Chamber President Fred Cunningham, with about 20 members of both organizations present. Neither organization had elected officers for the coming year pending the outcome of this meeting. There was much discussion, both for and against the merger, but on a motion by Z. M. Bradford, seconded by Peter McCormack, those present voted unanimously to merge. Thor Hofstad made the motion that the organization adopt the name of the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce, Lew Williams Jr. seconding.

Jan. 26, 1973

Wrangell wrestlers recorded two first places and five seconds in the first Wrangell Takedown Tournament last Friday and Saturday. Sixty-five Southeast Alaska high school wrestlers took part in the competition, during which points were awarded on the basis of takedowns. Winning in their weight classes from Wrangell were Richard Kagee (134) and Dan Gross (187). Second places were recorded by Wrangellites Conrad Purvis (100), Frank Johansen (114), Richard Gile (157), Iver Nore (169) and Dale Rasler (heavyweight). Wrangell wrestling coach Terry Crenshaw said the tournament will be held here annually, and expressed optimism at the showing of the Wrangell wrestlers.

Jan. 29, 1998

The scene was familiar: The honky-tonk music filled the air as miners, prospectors and powdered women laughed and danced amid a full array of feathered gowns, silk ties, cigars and fancy hats. The saloons during the Stikine gold rush were lively. Once again, these sounds and sights are soon to be reenacted in Wrangell, as it has been for 16 years at the Shady Ladies Fancy Dress Ball. Held during Tent City Days each February, this annual ball brings back to life the bawdy, glittering gold rush spirit of the 1800s. The Brig Bar traditionally hosts the dance, with era dresses, entertainment, contests and a crowning at the end of the evening of the Shady Lady Queen and her court. Sylvia Bahovec, creator of the ball, recalls how the idea was conceived in October 1981. “It was winter, and cold, and I was trying to think of an idea to get out of our T-shirts and jeans and dress up. At 3 a.m. one morning I turned on the television and saw a Western with dance hall girls, fancy dresses, and I got the idea to put on a ball similar to the famous Hooker’s Ball in San Francisco.” In January of the next year she put an ad in the paper for “women, shady or otherwise” to get their costumes ready for the first annual Shady Ladies Fancy Dress Ball.