Peek at the Past

Here’s what made the news 42 years ago, from the Aug. 14, 1969, edition of the Mat-Su Frontiersman:

No caribou, wolf season on Peninsula

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game reminded hunters there is no open season on wolves or caribou on the Kenai Peninsula. Caribou disappeared from the area at the turn of the century and were re-introduced in 1965 by the Department of Fish and Game. Recent observations suggest moderate success as newborn calves have been seen, but the population is not large enough to permit hunting. Wolves also disappeared during the 1900s. Now, however, at least one family group has returned to the proposed wilderness area of the Kenai National Moose Range. Hunters are urged to check all hunting regulations before going afield.

Scattered frosts nip vegetables

Scattered light frosts hit the Matanuska Valley, wreaking havoc on local crops. Affected were large areas south of Palmer and west of Wasilla. Some residents reported losing large portions of their gardens to the sudden cold spell. Grain harvest preparations are being made as oats and barley turn color. Rainfall over the past week has allowed kernels to fill adequately, but straw will be short and yield will be down about one-half.

TV broadcast experiment likely

A 42-foot earth station owned by Comsat and presently in the Philippines may be sent to Alaska for a 10-month experiment in public television broadcasting, according to U.S. Sen. Mike Gravel. Gravel said the station could be used in a program he has proposed to furnish at least three remote Alaska communities with educational television. “It is time we used 20th century communications to bring the modern world into sharp focus for those who live in remote areas,” he said.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1969 you could:

• Purchase a pound of cheddar cheese for $1.19.

• Buy cabbage for 15 cents a pound.

• Enjoy a six-pack of Coca Cola for 89 cents.

• Move into a one-bedroom modern home for $7,900.