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

As it appeared in the April 13, 1972 Frontiersman

Taxpayers group sets first membership meeting

The first general membership meeting for the Matanuska-Susitna Taxpayers' Association will be held on April 23.

An informational flyer is being distributed to borough residents this week, describing the work of the organization. The committee can not yet disclose its decision on the borough assembly's proposal for an independent fee appraiser to assess a sampling of the borough's taxable properties.

Valley natives organize

Natives of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley organized last Sunday into a corporate unit called the Matanuska-Valley Native Corporation.

The purpose of the organization will be to obtain a better voice in current land claims negotiations, a spokesman said.

Youth group asks for

use of center

A group of young people representing the newly formed Palmer Youth Activities Council, along with their Jaycees sponsors, appeared at the regular meeting of the Palmer City Council to ask for the use of the Palmer Community Center (railroad depot) for their activities.

In other business, City Manager Bill Curtis informed the council of the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency that an environmental assessment hearing be held about the new sewage treatment system.

At the Center Theatre in Palmer, big stars could be seen on the screen 30 years ago. Elvis Presley and Mary Tyler Moore were starring in "Change of Habit," which was a double feature with the movie "Light At The Edge Of The World," which had Kirk Douglas and Yul Bryner in it. Sean Connery's movie "The Red Tent" could also be seen at Center Theatre.

At Matanuska Maid Building and Farm Supply, you could buy tires for $21 each and a new car battery for $6.

In the classified section, you could rent a one-bedroom furnished apartment in Palmer for $150 a month, or buy a lot in downtown Palmer for $3,500. A 1967 Ford station wagon could be purchased used for less than $1,000, and it included snow tires.