Peek at the Past

Here's what made the news 64 years ago, from the Dec. 24, 1947, edition of the Mat-Su Frontiersman:

Scout troop is organized

Commending the advancement in Scouting work in the Valley over recent months, Hal Gribbile, field executive for this area, announced the institution of a new troop of Boy Scouts in Palmer. The troop will be American Legion-sponsored. Mr. Gribble said the added troop would be an asset to Scouting in that it will give existing Valley troops more competition, as well as giving better area coverage in the area.

He also explained future plans for Boy Scout work, including air encampment at Fort Richardson, a Scout rally in Anchorage and a camp somewhere in the Valley this summer.

Legion plans park for Palmer

Palmer's first park will be requiring the attention of a volunteer lawn-mowing brigade in about six months, according to plans formulated at the latest American Legion meeting.

It was decided to seed and landscape the three Legion-owned blocks across from the Matanuska Hotel.

The parkway will extend from the hotel corner down to a point just past the new King Automotive Service building. This land has been set aside as a park reserve in existing plans for a future town.

ARC offers fund to buy equipment

There is $3,000 on deposit to the account of the Valley branch chapter of the American Red Cross to be used for the purchase of needed equipment at Valley Hospital. The help has been extended through the Anchorage chapter of the American Red Cross, which recently completed a survey of Valley hospital needs. Originally, $2,200 was promised, but when it was discovered what type of equipment was needed, the amount was boosted to accommodate. The funds will be administered locally, rather than through the Anchorage chapter.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1947, you could:

• Buy heavy snow boots for $4.95 at the local surplus store.

• Purchase six cans of tomatoes for $1.99.

• Get a pound of apples for 20 cents.