Peek at the Past

Here’s what made the news 54 years ago, from the May 8, 1958, edition of the Mat-Su Frontiersman.

Big plans under way for Colony Day

“Colony Day 1958 is going to be a big day in Palmer,” said Al Brooks, general chairman. “It is, if we get the backing and cooperation of the entire community.” A big parade will start off a series of events. Every merchant, organization and individual is urged to participate in some manner. Brooks is enlisting the participation of organizations with permanent booths at the fairgrounds to operate concessions during the day. It is hoped games such as a dart throw and shooting gallery will be operated by local organizations.

Weather holds up clean-up project

Just as soon as the weather breaks there will be a lot of grass burning started by members of the volunteer fire department, said chief Bernard Bouwens. A number of residents have requested this service in one phase of the Palmer Clean-Up Week campaign. Chief Bouwens said that no organizations or groups have yet contacted the firemen regarding clean-up projects being planned. The firemen volunteered to spearhead the campaign, but are urging that the entire community take their share of responsibilities in cleaning up the city. The clean-up week as proclaimed by Mayor Kenneth Lynn so that the city streets, yards and empty lots will be as neat and clean in appearance as possible for the annual celebration.

Lake George Road campaign told at chamber meet

Ice weighing 76,725,000 tons will be falling into the channel and traveling down the Knik River during the annual break-up of Lake George, famous as the largest self-dumping lake on the continent, according to Thomas Fink, vice president of the Territorial Junior Chamber of Commerce. Fink was guest speaker of the Matanuska Valley Chamber of Commerce and gave this and other interesting statistics in his report on the Lake George Classic being sponsored by the Anchorage Jaycees. Fink estimated that a proposed road into the Lake George are would probably run 14 miles from the Glenn Highway at the south end of Knik Bridge and about six miles along the face of the glacier.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1958 you could:

• Rent a two-bedroom apartment for $90 a month.

• Purchase five, 10-ounce packages of frozen strawberries for $1.

• Enjoy a six-pack of Pepsi for 39 cents.