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

As it appeared in the Oct. 29, 1947 Frontiersman

Dial phones may be installed here in spring

The planned installation of a $50,000 automatic dial telephone system in the Valley was this week announced. The necessary equipment, in its entirety, is available and has been promised to the Valley Telephone Exchange for spring delivery.

The Valley Telephone Exchange managers said they must be assured of a minimum of 300 subscribers before undertaking the purchase of the new equipment. The unit under consideration would take care of approximately 500 users.

The advantage of a dial system are many. The purchase of the new equipment will permit immediate expansion into rural areas.

Valley interests many in states

The rosy future ahead for the Matanuska Valley is spreading its bright pink glow farther and farther away. Letters and requests for information of business and farm possibilities here reach Chamber of Commerce heads almost daily.

Duel in the sun to thaw Palmer early next month

Another "first to be shown in Alaska" movie is due to arrive at the Valley Theatre soon. "Duel in the Sun" released in the states in April, is coming here in November.

This much-discussed movie has been filmed in Technicolor with stars Gregory Peck, Jennifer Jones and Lional Barrymore.

"Enjoy the luxury of a home equipped with adequate plumbing and heating" blared one headline in an advertisement.

Bus service to Anchorage was taking place daily, as was bus service from Palmer to Wasilla, through O'Harra Bus Lines.

If you wanted to get in contact with the Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Anchorage, you could call their phone number -- Main 19.

The Frontiersman was in its second month of publication, and Viola Daniels did just about everything, from editor to publisher to founder.

It was published on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and subscriptions cost 75 cents a month. It was delivered by carrier in Palmer only, and mailed everywhere else.