The Way We Were

Nov. 22, 1923

Today at noon at the Wrangel Hotel the accommodations were taxed to capacity by an unusually large group that attended the regular weekday luncheon. Commissioner L.D. Henderson told of the progress of the educational movement and the great need in Wrangell for a better school building. The value of an education and the imperative need for catering to the future through the training of youth were urged in a convincing way.

Nov. 19, 1948

O.F. Ohlson, receiver for Alaska Asiatic Lumber Mills Inc., reported that no bids were received for the company’s Wrangell property. “It is true,” Ohlson said. “The present situation does not look very good to prospective investors, as all larger sawmills in Southeast Alaska except the Ketchikan Spruce Mils are closed down because of the present maritime strike, and the fact that the U.S. Army is not purchasing lumber and will not be in a position to do so for some months.” It is also thought that investors in the states who have shown great interest in the property and have expended large amounts in research work were influenced by these conditions, and also the present economic instability. Therefore, they decided not to submit their bids.

Nov. 21, 1973

Work is progressing on City Market’s 10,000-square-foot, two-level addition. Walls and roof are on the steel building, it is heated, and interior work was progressing this week toward an opening before the first of the year, according to City Market co-owner Benn Curtis. The market will use the 5,000-square -foot first level for major expansion. The second level, with two entrances, will be leased, but a tenant has not yet been announced. Curtis said five more merchandise aisles will be included in the new section.

Nov. 19, 1998

Athletes young and old will soon have another location to practice their skills. A new covered playground is under construction near Evergreen Elementary School on the fill area. The new covered area will be lighted and have facilities for basketball and removable nets for volleyball. There will be a paved basketball court 50 feet by 84 feet under a roof measuring 86 feet by 112 feet. While the roof will allow for use in rainy weather, cold weather also will be welcome – the city plans on purchasing a portable rink for ice skating and hockey. The project, paid for from city funds, will cost approximately $300,000. Project manager Mark Storm said the expected completion date is spring 1999.