The Way We Were

Jan. 22, 1925

According to reports reaching here today, A.O Sahlinger is now in the states negotiating with airplane manufacturers and making arrangements with the customs service for the operation of two fast planes into the Dease Lake district of British Columbia early this spring. Mr. Sahlinger has not stated the type of planes to be used, other than they would be capable of accommodating 12 passengers. It is his intention to operate the planes out of Wrangell, clearing at the customs house at the boundary of the Stikine River, and making Dease Lake the other terminus of the flight.

Jan. 20, 1950

In an effort to operate their shrimp cannery – which has been forced to suspend operations during the cold spell - Harbor Seafoods Co. is attempting to arrange a saltwater system for washing down refuse and shells at the packing tables. If they can obtain enough fresh water to use in the cooker, they can resume operations. This, of course, depends on the weather, but the forecast is for a break in the weather within the next three days. It is warm enough to fish for shrimp and the boats are ready to go as soon as it is seen that enough fresh water is on hand for cooking.

Jan. 22, 1975

Wrangellites have been invited to Petersburg’s first Winter Fest, scheduled Jan. 31 and Feb. 1-2. Chairman Jim Freeman said the program includes sports competition and social events. Winter Fest will open with a kickoff pancake breakfast at The Salvation Army building, beginning at 8 a.m., Freeman said. Other events will include a trap shoot, ski race, more trap shooting, ice skating, a free movie, live music, snowmobile races, cross-country skiing competition and judging of ice sculptures.

Jan. 20, 2000

Considering how anxiously people waited for the arrival of the new power generators for the municipal power plant, the actual delivery and initial setup was remarkably low key. The generators arrived one at a time: The first in late December (overshadowed by all the holiday activities), and the second on Jan. 9. There is a third generator due in the near future. The 45-foot-long diesel-fueled engines were set in their temporary resting place on Jan. 11 by two of the largest cranes on Wrangell. The plan for complete installation, testing and eventual changeover from old to new generators is still under development.