Peak at the Past

As it appeared in the Feb.1, 1973 FRontiersman

500 to compete in Hatcher Pass 60

"We expect at least 500 men to be checked out Saturday at 11 a.m. for the fourth-annual running of the Hatcher Pass 60," said race marshal Doug Olive of the snowmachine race.

Fresh snowfall will double the challenge of this year's race, according to the Palmer Kiwanians, who have been marking the trail, flagging, trail signs and using red oxide dye. The route is from downtown Palmer to Willow via Hatcher Pass.

Miss Willow Winter Carnival will award the prize money and trophies at the Willow Community Hall Saturday.

Carnival's first weekend sets attendance record

In spite of heavy snowfall and competition from the Midnight Sun 600, the Willow winter Carnival set an attendance record for the first weekend of activities, sponsors of the event said.

Storm conditions forced the cancellation of the Alaska Sports Car Club Willow Endurance race and a skydivers' exhibition, but it didn't cancel the Earl Norris Cup Senior Sled Dog race, which was won by Norris' son, J.P. Norris.

5,000th telephone

Matanuska Telephone Association's 5,000th telephone was installed at the residence of Ronald and Georgene Reekie in the Upper Fire Lake area. The 5,000th telephone came after 17 years of service by the association.

According to General Manager Max Clements, present projections indicate the association's 10,000th telephone will be installed during the next five years.

Total installments during the year 1972 reached 829 telephones. This compares with 269 telephones being installed during a similar time period five years ago [1967].

Hartley Motors advertised a new line of Ford vehicles, including the LTD Brougham Hardtop and the Galaxie 500 Hardtop, which had options such as white sidewall tires, wheel covers and the "Ford Motor Company exclusive power mini-vent windows."

At Matanuska Maid Building and Farm Supply, you could buy everything from bath tubs to milk.