The Way We Were

Feb. 28, 1924

Wrangell’s champion basketball team returned Monday afternoon on the Alameda from their two-week trip throughout Western Washington; a trip that demonstrated that basketball in Alaska is on par with that of the states. Even during the heavy playing schedule that was forced on the boys in order that they might return to their studies sooner – with seven games in nine evenings – the boys held up under the strain. Such a schedule is seldom attempted even by colleges, and it is a credit to the condition of the players that such a stiff schedule could be played with only one substitute player. Throughout the series of games the boys were welcomed at the various schools, where assemblies were held in their honor. Mr. Garfield was the principal speaker on the tour, but was ably supported by Rev. Corser and Elton Engstrom. The purpose of the talks was to dispel the old beliefs that Alaska was a land of ice and snow.

Feb. 25, 1949

H. A. Wells, it was announced, is now manager of the Wells Sawmill out Zimovia Highway. The mill was leased a short time ago by Francis Bernardo, and J. Hurn was put in charge as manager. However, Mr. Hurn left today to return to his former home in Marysville, Washington, and Mr. Wells, who owns the sawmill, succeeds him as manager. Wells will handle affairs of the sawmill until further notice. The mill will continue to operate, weather permitting.

Feb. 27, 1974

Wrangell Wolves wrestlers rose from third to second place in league standings last weekend when they defeated the Petersburg Vikings. The Wolves took two matches from their Petersburg rivals, 30-27 and 29-18. In first-match competition, Wrangell Wolves registering pins were Kevin Castle at 101, Alan Ollivant at 108, Frank Johansen at 115 and Iver Nore at 158. The match, which was the first of the two-contest trip and, as such, counted in league standings, put the Wrangell club in second place behind Ketchikan. Wrangell now has a 3-2 league record, with four league matches remaining in the season. The Wolves will wrestle next tomorrow and Friday here against Petersburg again.

Feb. 25, 1999

If the Alaska Department of Transportation successfully woos the cities of Wrangell, Petersburg and other points on Prince of Wales Island, locals may be able to hop a ferry (a new, smaller and faster one than the current ships of the Marine Highway), travel quickly to Ketchikan, shop most of the day, then return home that evening with their new packages in hand. There is a slight hitch - ferry passengers would need wheels or a lot of stamina to walk to the terminal, as it would be located on the southern tip of Wrangell Island. This was one of the scenarios presented to the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce and to other interested residents last Thursday by Jeff Ottesen from the Department of Transportation.