The Way We Were

Jan. 24, 1924

A new device that is a wonderful improvement in the power trolling gurdy and which will be a boon to fishermen has been invented by Steven A. Shepherd of Wrangell. With the aid of this new line-hauling device, the fishing lines are readily drawn up by power so that it requires no effort on the part of the fisherman to haul in his lines. One of these machines is in actual operation on Mr. Shepard’s gas boat, and the numerous fishermen who have seen it in operation are very enthusiastic over the machine and pronounce it a wonderful improvement in power gurdy. Mr. Shepard states an arrangement has been entered into whereby the Wrangell Machine Shop will manufacture the machines.

Jan. 21, 1949

The Wrangell Elks Lodge will present a set of filmstrips entitled “Our American Heritage” to the Wrangell school system as a part of the Elks’ program to “Make Democracy Work,” A. V. Ritchie, exalted ruler of the local Elks announced today. Ceremonies for the formal presentation will be arranged later, he said. “Our American Heritage” dramatizes the development of our democratic freedoms from the Magna Carta through colonial times and the early struggles of the republic down to the problems that challenge the preservation of democracy today. “Our American Heritage” was produced by the Reader’s Digest at the request of the National Education Association.

Jan. 23, 1974

Wrangell voters waded through rising snow last Thursday to register heavy approval of the hospital bond issue. The proposal authorizing the sale of up to $200,000 in general obligation bonds to complete a nursing home addition at the hospital won by a 148 to 33 margin, according to unofficial returns released by City Clerk Joyce Rasler. The approval clears the way to include a basement addition to the nursing home. The basement will include offices for at least two doctors, a morgue and other spaces. Construction on the 11-bed nursing home structure, which will be a west wing to the existing building, is scheduled to begin in the spring.

Jan. 21, 1999

News that a proposed city harbor may be built in the bay near Cemetery Point has sparked new interest in the Native cemetery there. Local Native leaders met earlier this year to address concerns and were pleased by the city’s response that the graves will remain intact. Cemetery Point is considered a culturally significant site because it is the only intact Native cemetery left in Wrangell. According to a report submitted in 1994 by archaeologist Gerald Kary, “During historic times, Cemetery Point has been the traditional burying ground for Native peoples of the Stikine and early explorers and settlers. Russians are known to be buried near the grave of the American soldier who raised the Stars and Stripes over Fort Wrangell in 1867.” Should funds ever become available to enhance Cemetery Point, it is hoped that steps will be taken to allow a historic investigation of this unique site.