Peek at the Past

Here’s what made the news in the Dec. 21, 1972, edition of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman.

Lake pollution control tabled until Jan. 16

Everybody testifying at the Mat-Su Borough Assembly hearing on a proposed ordinance controlling organized use of borough lakes agreed that pollution control was a good thing. However, enough of them added that familiar refrain, “but, this one goes too far,” to prompt the assembly to table the measure until Jan. 16 for further study and possible change. Major emphasis of those questioning the lake pollution control ordinance as written was on the measure’s requiring two portable outhouses per 100 people expected at any organized event to be held on a borough lake. Others are concerned that the provision was far too strict for events such as the Big Lake 500 snowmachine race, which hosts up to 5,000 people. Also testifying were local recreational enthusiasts, who said a larger problem was presented by individual abuse, such as littering and indiscriminate dumping, than by responsible organizations.

$12,000 museum in upper Susitna Valley

Talkeetna not only has the largest historical society in the state, it now has a museum building appraised at $12,000. Approved by the borough assembly and the Matanuska-Susitna school board, the Little Red Schoolhouse will soon become Talkeetna’s museum.

The transition will take place as soon as the new Susitna Valley High School is ready for occupancy and the students from the Little Red Schoolhouse are moved into the elementary building. The area of the Talkeetna Historical Society encompasses Talkeetna and the Cache Creek region. Two buildings in Talkeetna have already been designated as historical sites, the Fairview Inn and the B&K Trading Post. Such a designation means these buildings can never be condemned or moved for eminent domain.

Weekend winds cause

widespread damage

The looks of the Valley after last weekend’s high winds ranged from the generally disheveled to a few spots of total destruction. Winds reaching up to 79 mph were recorded in Palmer and Wasilla and caused major damage to roofs and aircraft, blew down various barns and trailers, and knocked out power in the Matanuska and lower Susitna valleys. Line crews worked shifts of 24 hours or longer, but were continually hindered by the extreme wind forcing the chill factor far below zero. Willard Johnson of MEA commended his personnel: “Their skilled and vigorous handling of the storm-damaged line repair work allowed us to avoid what would have been a disaster for many.”

It cost what?

According to advertisements in the Frontiersman, in December 1972, you could:

• Take a new snowmachine home for $995.

• Purchase five pounds of bananas for $1.

• Buy nine pounds of mandarin oranges for $3.49.

• Install a new convertible dishwasher for $223.95.

• Enjoy a prime rib dinner at Harold’s Club for $4.95.