The Way We Were

February 27, 1919

An event in Wrangell, which is looked forward to from one year to the next is the annual firemen’s ball. By common consent, Washington’s Birthday is a date always reserved for the Wrangell Fire Department and the fine boys never fail to celebrate the day in a manner that gives unmistakable evidence that they are glad that the “Father of His Country” lived.

Seldom, if ever, has the Redmen’s hall been more beautifully decorated than on this occasion. From the center of the ceiling overhead streamers were suspended to the walls. On each wall there was a row of Japanese lanterns, but the decoration that attracted the most attention was the fire apparatus in front.

All numbers were enjoyable but the moonlight waltzes were especially popular. The “moon” which furnished the moonlight was a suspended drum containing an electric bulb.

March 3, 1944

Final drafting of the federal soldier-vote bill by Senate and House conferees made no provision to handle ballots of soldiers in Alaska or Hawaii. It is reported that the conferees took such action because it would cause too much confusion in handling ballots from the Territories. Federal ballots to provide for absentee voting by men and women in the armed services were approved by the joint conference. A restricted Federal ballot will be available to overseas service members only if they have applied for a ballot from their home state and not received it by October 1.

February 27, 1969

If the City of Wrangell operated on the budget prepared for this year, it would be $70,000 in the hole when the year ends. But, with a program of slashing spending throughout the fiscal document, the deficit will be approximately $15,000, City Administrator Clayton Schmitt said today. Reason for the deficit is that the City Council Tuesday night okayed the budget for the year, but did not approve two measures aimed at providing the money needed in the budget. The adoption came at a heavily attended council session on Tuesday. Approximately 60 persons jammed the tiny council chambers above the fire hall.

Many spectators protested the city’s plan to increase the sales tax from 3 to 5 per cent. Another matter discussed by the council was the sale of Bishop Rowe Hospital. The result of the public bid meeting was reviewed and it was announced that Ben Engdal’s bid of $4,500 was high. Councilmen rejected all bids.

February 24, 1994

Eleven Wrangell High School students and teacher Dan Roope are in Washington, DC., this week to learn, firsthand, how American government operates. The group is participating in the Close Up Foundation government studies program for high school students.

According to a news release from the foundation, during their week in Washington, they will attend seminars with members of Congress, and meet with journalists, lobbyists, government officials and political figures to learn more about the governmental process.

 

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