Peak at the Past

Here’s what made news in the Mat-Su 51 years ago, from the Oct. 2 and 9, 1959, issues of The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman:

Palmer voters to decide issues

Unless a good percentage of registered voters turn out for the Oct. 7 Palmer election, bonding companies may be reluctant to partner with the school district should a $300,000 bond question pass. By law, 65 percent of those who vote must say “yes” to the bond for it to go through.

Also, an $81,000 federal grant is also riding on the passage of the bond, which will help the district replace Quonset huts and other off-campus places that are housing classes, including church basements and lodge halls.

There is also one seat up for election on the school board, a five-year term.

More space

needed now

Palmer Board of Education President Ed Smith told a group of residents at a public meeting that Palmer schools are in desperate need of more space and are depending on a $300,000 bond question passing in next week’s election.

The district is growing at the rate of about one classroom’s worth of students per year, he said.

Also, children in the Sutton community who attend Palmer schools spend 45 minutes each way traveling to and from school.

The bulk of the bond would go toward an addition to Swanson School.

Bond issue gets green light

Although passage of a $300,000 school bond question for Palmer schools needed 65 percent approval at the ballot box, voters overwhelmingly said OK, with 85 percent — 309 of 365 — voting “yes.” In a follow-up school board meeting, Ed Smith was re-elected as board president.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in October 1959 you could:

• Get frying chickens for 59 cents a pound;

• Enjoy 5 pounds of apples for 99 cents;

• Eat at the Lutheran Turkey Dinner for $2 (children 12 and younger 75 cents);

• Get flannel and cotton shirts for $1.59 each;

• Stay entertained with a radio-phonograph combo unit for $69.95 (discounted from $110).

and

• Buy pork “nuckles” for 29 cents a pound.