Our history: July 21, 1960

Here’s what made the news 52 years ago in the July 21, 1960, edition of the Mat-Su Frontiersman:

Chamber speaker urges continued interest in local airport

Harley Taylor, general chairman of the recent State Aviation and Sportsman’s Fair, told chamber of commerce members that he feels it is the responsibility of the chamber to maintain interest in the Palmer Airport, which was highlighted during the recent fair. Considerable improvement work was done at the airport, as well as at the fairgrounds, without actual cost to the community, he pointed out. “As this State Aviation Fair grows each year, the airport will become a more and more important part of this community,” he said.

Concession space selling fast for 1960 fair

Individuals and organizations planning to seek booth reservations for the Alaska State Fair are urged by fair manager Charles Tinch to contact the fair office as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Reservations for booths and display space are way ahead of schedule this year, with all food concession space already allocated. Booths are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Although there is additional space available this year, more reservations are being made and as a consequence, persons who wait until the last minute may find there is no available space.

Incubator goal reached: final payment is made

A check in full payment for the \respirator recently purchased for the neurosurgery department at Valley Presbyterian Hospital was this week mailed by Mrs. Frank Clark, president of the Hospital Auxiliary, sponsoring unit for the project. Mrs. Clark expressed her personal thanks as well as those of Auxiliary member to the many individuals, organizations and firms who contributed to the $1,300 fund and made the purchase of this invaluable piece of equipment possible.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1960 you could:

• Buy a summer swimsuit for $5.99.

• Purchase a cabin by the Little Su for $30,000.

• Get six candy bars for 25 cents.