PEEK AT THE PAST: April 2, 1953

Here’s what made news in the Mat-Su 57 years ago, from the April 2, 1953, issue of The Frontiersman:

Easter greetings

More than a half century ago, the newspaper carried an Easter message in large type on the front page:

“Attend church this Easter. Hear hymns of ageless beauty and magnificence. Find peace and security in His teachings. And remember that in these uncertain times, you will find renewed faith — renewed hope — in regular attendance at your church. Go to church Easter Sunday … every Sunday.”

Hospital groundbreaking set

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Valley Presbyterian Hospital will take place in a week. The ceremony will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Yukon Presbytery in Anchorage.

The new hospital site is located just behind the present hospital, the newspaper reports (it does not tell the location of the “present” hospital).

Search continues

Rescue personnel continue to look for three jet airmen missing somewhere north of Anchorage. The airmen have been missing for two days. Two fliers parachuted from their F-94-B all-weather jet fighter in the Skwentna area Tuesday evening, but officials at Elmendorf Air Force Base fear for the survival of the plane’s pilot.

No egg hunt

There will be no Easter egg hunt in the Valley this year.

The Kiwanis Club, which as in years past sponsored the event, declined to continue the practice at least for this year. The Frontiersman reports:

“Many youngsters no doubt will be disappointed to learn of the decision. However, a number of factors were considered before the decision was reached.”

Generally, the weather has not cooperated with the event and it was thought that the hunt became competition for other special observances of Easter Sunday for Valley churches. Also, as reported, “Considerable criticism developed last year in regard to the waste of food through unfound or unused eggs.”

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in April 1953 you could:

• Buy denim jeans for boys and girls for $2 to $2.75.

• Get a 28-ounce jar of peanut butter for 87 cents.

• Enjoy the “miracle ride” of the new 1953 model Fords.

• Be fashionable with the new line of spring hats from $10 to $20 each.

• Pay 29 cents for a can of Jolly Time popcorn.

• Buy a whole or half smoked ham for 77 cents a pound or turkey for 69 cents a pound.

• Get a dozen eggs to color for Easter for 79 cents.