Wrangell Sentinel -

In the Sentinel 100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago.

April 17, 1913: The Canadian Pacific Railway Co. took another whack at Sentinal Island, near Juneau, this week when the Princess Sophia, southbound, struck in the same spot which her sister ship Princess May struck in the summer of 1910. From the boatmen of the Sophia when she landed in Wrangell southbound Saturday, all that could be learned of the accident was that a 30-foot hole had been torn in her bottom forward and that her watertight compartments forward were keeping her afloat. The crew expected that the Sophia would stay tied up at Wrangell until daylight Sunday morning, but she proceeded on south after a brief call.

April 15, 1938: The Magic Piper, an operetta in three acts, presented Friday night by Wrangell grade school children, was an outstanding success. The operetta was directed by Miss Sue Harding, assisted by the grade teachers, Misses Conrad, McLaughlin, Caldwell, Mrs. Bordhead and Mrs. Coulter. There was not a dull moment from the time Robert Shermer stepped in front of the curtain and recited Browning’s versification of the famous old German story. The children, in costume, went through their parts to the delight of the large audience, which was most responsive to the excellent music and dialogue.

April 19, 1963: The Wrangell Chamber of Commerce this week took over sponsorship of the Wrangell Ferry Queen Contest. Contestants have until April 22 to register. Entry blanks may be obtained by contacting Mayor Doris Barnes or calling at the bank. In order to be eligible, the contestants must be between 18 and 28 years of age, never have been married and must have a high school education or its equivalent. Further rules are contained on the registration blanks. The successful winner in Wrangell will go to Ketchikan to board the ferry Malispina on its official inaugural trip. She will compete with Queens of other Southeast Alaska towns for the title of “Miss Alaska Ferry Queen,” which selection will be made during the inaugural voyage, and the “Miss Alaska Ferry Queen” will compete next spring in a state-wide judging that will lead to the “Miss Universe” selection in Florida.

April 14, 1988: A survey asking Wrangellites what kinds of park and recreation facilities they want in their community is being distributed across town this week. City Parks Director Ron Koch said copies of the survey form will be available at both City Market and Benjamin’s this week, while additional copies also will be distributed at local businesses and major employers. The survey follows a public workshop held April 6 as the Parks, Recreation and Youth Board attempts to gather public comments on the future of leisure-time activities in Wrangell. Koch said some of the 10 residents who attended the workshop April 6 suggested new parks be created near both Stough’s Trailer Court and the Panhandle Trailer Court. Others wanted better access to Mount Dewey as well as better signage to direct hikers to the trail and up the mountain.