The Way We Were

Dec. 4, 1924

A second cold storage plant for Wrangell is scheduled to be in operation within three months after the beginning of the year. E. A. Albright, representing F. Klevenhusen, arrived in Wrangell on Tuesday evening for the purpose of putting the Columbia & Northern cold storage plant into shape to operate again after being shut down for six years. Mr. Albright is the engineer who constructed the Columbia & Northern plant at Wrangell more than 12 years ago. He will make a thorough inspection of the plant and dock and will make an estimate of the amount of lumber, piling and other material necessary to put the plant in first-class shape.

Dec. 2, 1949

The first shipment of playground equipment arrived recently for the playground across the street from the City Hall. Installation will begin as soon as draining of the ground has been completed, Mrs. Joyce Hay, chairwoman of the playground committee, reported. It is hoped that this can be accomplished before a cold spell sets in and freezes the ground. “The genuine spirit of cooperation shown by the people of Wrangell through their financial contributions, as well as money raised by the Civic Club playground committee, has made it possible for the attainment of the goal set to complete this project,” Mrs. Hay said.

Dec. 4, 1974

Tapping of hydroelectric power resources by Petersburg and Wrangell “is the only way the two communities can exist,” State Rep. Ernie Haugen told the Petersburg Rotary Club. Haugen said the two communities must press for development of the Thomas Bay hydroelectric project as the best answer to their electrical generating problems. “I am confident,” Haugen told the group at their Wednesday luncheon session at the Salvation Army hall, “that we’ll see 75 cent (per gallon) oil before 1980.” Wrangell relies solely on diesel-generating electric plants for its power. Development of power at Thomas Bay was proposed last year by Kaiser Engineers. A joint organization has been formed by Petersburg and Wrangell as an initial step.

Dec. 2, 1999

When we leave Wrangell, the closest big city we know is Seattle. But who would think this would be an average trip for some Wrangell High School students? In a different aspect of school-to-work, this is an opportunity for high school seniors to travel out of state for some of the best postsecondary prep that the Wrangell School District offers. Every year, one college hosts the annual College Fair, where over 250 college and military booths offer a wide variety and extensive information for our youth. Students interact with representatives, attend workshops, visit job sites and get to have some fun while they enjoy their short vacation. This year our school sent 10 seniors and two chaperones. Both chaperones commented that the activities went well this year, saying the students were trustworthy and took the fair very seriously.