Peek at the Past: A look back in Mat-Su's history

As it appeared in the July 28, 1977 Frontiersman:

Borough outlines $3.4 million plan

Since receiving word last week that the Mat-Su Borough would be getting $3.47 million from a federal grant through the Economic Development Administration, the Borough assembly has held two emergency meetings to decide what to do with the money.

The funds are a result of federal applications asking for only $900,000.

"Probably the reason we received more money than the amount requested was due to the high unemployment rate in the borough. According to the U.S. Department of Treasury's revenue sharing office, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has an unemployment rate of more than 40 percent," explained Ronald McNeese, the borough finance director.

Road problems reviewed by Wasilla council

The Wasilla City Council granted approval to the Wasilla Jaycees to install an enclosed swimming area at Wasilla Lake and discussed ongoing road problems, among which was the rejection of further funds for upgrading Susitna Avenue.

Representatives of the Jaycees approached the council with plans to rope off approximately 50 yards of beach on the southside of Wasilla Lake and turn it into a swim at your own risk area.

One advertisement asked "Why did the Kentucky Fried Chicken cross the road? To get to Wasilla," because KFC opened up in the Wasilla Airport Mall.

Another advertisement for a construction company exclaimed that "For under $30,000, the most popular home could be yours."

At D&A Supermarket, bananas were 39 cents a pound, you could get four pounds of potatoes for a dollar and New York steaks were going for $3.49 a pound.

At Hartley Motors, you could buy a '76 Toyota Celica for $3,800, a '76 Bronco 4x4 for $5,750 and a '76 Grenada for $2,950.

You could even buy a used '74 Pinto wagon for $2,350. If you were bargain hunting, you had to settle for a '69 Galaxie for only $450.