Peak at the Past

Here’s what made news in the Mat-Su 47 years ago, from the Oct. 24, 1963, issue of The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman:

Board recommends training program

for travel industry

The Alaska Travel Advisory Board has recommended a training program be established at the University of Alaska and other institutions in the state to train students for work in the travel industry.

The recommendation, one of several adopted by the board in its meeting in Haines last week, proposed that the Alaska Travel Promotion Association encourage its members to employ graduates of such a course whenever possible.

Incorporation to be decided Nov. 5

Voters of the Big Lake area will decide whether or not to incorporate as a second-class city on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The election will be held at the Big Lake Grocery. The proposed city covers 19 square miles, including Big Lake, Mud Lake, and Rocky Lake, also part of Flat Lake and Lake Stephan. Proponents of the incorporation cite the need for police and fire protection, roads, sewage, and garbage disposals. Those opposed argue that these services are not yet needed and that the extra burden of taxation will drive summer residents away, destroying the recreation potential of the area. Only permanent residents may vote in the election.

Property owners in the area are estimated between 2,000 and 4,000, but most are summer home owners.

Egan sees integrated

Alaska Highway System

An integrated highway system connecting all areas of Alaska with a network of roads comparable to other states was envisioned by William A. Egan in his remarks to the first organizational meeting of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee on overall highway needs study. Following statehood, a primary and secondary road system was established within the financial boundaries of the new state, he said, but the need for expansion of this system and the addition of a third category of roads to provide adequate surface transportation for all communities in Alaska.

Where these roads should be, how to finance the construction and maintainance of them, and an estimate of the cost should be included in the front report of the study. Egan stated that Alaska was neglected by the federal government for many years in respect to road needs, but the results of this study could provide the rectification of this injustice.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in October 1963, you could:

• Purchase two 1.5-pound loaves of bread for 79 cents;

• Get 18 oz. of lunch meat for 89 cents;

• Buy a 2-pound loaf of Velveeta for 87 cents;

• Enjoy 1 pound of seedless grapes for 29 cents;

• Get a 1-pound package of butter for 73 cents.