The Way We Were

July 5, 1923

The boxing contest between Ralph Prescott and Kid Stokes at the rink on July 4 was the biggest sports attraction of the day. Six rounds were fought and the fight resulted in a draw. Stokes is a Juneau man. Prescott is a home boy. Stokes is 25 years of age and weighs 135 pounds. Prescott is 18 years old and weighs 140. Prescott had not been in the ring but once before. In the first round Stokes was more aggressive, but after that it was about a standoff. All rounds were lively and the last one without doubt the fastest ever seen in a local ring. Each boxer appeared to be desperately determined to knock the other one out. Consequently, the last round was an exhibition that furnished intense excitement, although the bout terminated in a draw.

July 2, 1948

Mayor Doris Barnes this week learned of an honor accorded her by Jessen’s Weekly, a Fairbanks newspaper, and by its readers in an award announced last week by the newspaper. Jessen’s Weekly had asked its readers to suggest the names of persons who, in their opinion, had been of outstanding service to Alaska. The newspaper was awarding handsome bronze and ebony plaques to those the readers suggested as most deserving. Forty-nine plaques are being distributed. The commendation citing the plaque to Mrs. Barnes says: “Mrs. Doris Barnes, who has shown that a woman can be as good a mayor of an Alaskan town as any man. Prominent in Alaska’s Federation work. Alaska needs more women like her.” Mrs. Barnes is one of five women in the territory to receive the plaque.

July 6, 1973

A Wilderness Scout program has been organized by the Rev. Bill Smith, pastor of the Wrangell Assembly of God Church. Mr. Smith said about 10 boys are participating in the activities so far. The minister, an outdoorsman and commercial fisherman in addition to his pastoral duties, said he designed his scouting program especially for life in the Alaska wilderness. “There are three degrees,” said Mr. Smith, “and they require a lot of effort to pass.” The minister said his charges will work on the first degree of his scouting program this summer. Among items on the checklist are identification of 20 plants and birds, 10 animals and 10 kinds of fish, camping skills, cooking, identification of edible plants, handling of firearms, use of a compass, fishing, rope splicing, first aid, trapping and boating skills.

July 2, 1998

Nathan Shoultz may be crabbing this summer, but not about his future. Shoultz, a 1998 Wrangell High School graduate and class salutatorian, will be facing college in Tennessee this fall with several scholarships in hand and a rich background of musical experiences, but not before leaving a unique and promising music contribution to the Wrangell community. With the help of Peter Helgeson, KSTK news director, and the use of the local radio studio, Shoultz recently completed a CD, “Next in Line,” of original piano and vocal compositions, and has pledged the first $500 he receives toward the annual music scholarships awarded at Wrangell High School. He leaves on Aug. 15 for Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “I can’t wait to get there to put together a band.”