The Way We Were

Oct. 9, 1924

A survey just made of the enrollment in the Wrangell schools compared with the enrollment a year ago shows an increase of 10 students. These figures are based upon the enrollment in grades first through 12th and do not include children of kindergarten age. The present enrollment in the schools is 153, and for the past year on the same date it was 143. The greatest increase has been in Mrs. Bronson’s room, where the registration has more than doubled over the enrollment at this date a year ago. Her present enrollment is 23 compared with 11 for the same time last fall.

Oct. 7, 1949

In a fairly heavy run of balloting, Peter C. McCormack won the race for mayor in Tuesday’s election. His margin was a scant three votes, with the final count showing 157 for McCormack and 154 for Fred Hanford. There were 314 ballots cast in the election. Due to the closeness of the mayoralty count, the canvassing board recounted several times to ensure the accuracy. McCormack replaces George Gunderson as mayor. New councilmen elected were Harry Coulter and George Smith, for three-year terms; and Dr. E. J. Wheeler and Vern Smith for two-year terms.

Oct. 9, 1974

A plan to allow senior citizens free ferry travel between Alaska ports during winter months will go into effect Nov. 1, according to Gov. Bill Egan. Egan said persons 65 years and older will be able to board ferries on a space-available basis at any Alaska port and travel to any other Alaska port. The free travel for senior citizens will be available from Nov. 1 each year through the month of April, the governor said. Egan called it “a logical extension of the services provided to Alaskans by our Alaska Marine Highway. Making travel available to senior citizens on a space-available basis during winter months will permit those Alaskans living on fixed retirement incomes to visit friends at a savings.”

Oct. 7, 1999

Alaska is experiencing an upsurge in numbers of elderly citizens, with a projected 600% increase from 1980 to 2015. It is one of eight states which can expect to double its number of residents 85 years of age and older in the next 15 years. Wrangell does not remain isolated from these statistics. The number of choices and opportunities for senior citizens in Wrangell is growing but, as yet, does not equal the range of services and living arrangements available in many other places. Nevertheless, a scale of care beginning with independent living and moving on to long-term care exists for a variety of needs.