Peek at the Past: As it appeared in the Jan. 18, 1973 Frontiersman

Borough introduces zoning and subdivision proposals

In the first move of a process expected to last for months, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly introduced its proposed subdivision and zoning measures.

The proposed zoning ordinance lays out zoning classifications and procedures, but involves no restrictive zoning except for a perimeter around the city of Palmer.

Gravel proposes

McKinley City

An international recreational center at the south foot of Mount McKinley, which would be about two years in the studying and 15-20 years in the making, was proposed yesterday by Sen. Mike Gravel, speaking to the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce.

He also said he would call for a study on a possible federal building to be located in Palmer.

The limited-population city, he said, would be a positive development based on Alaska's strongest suit -- natural beauty marketable to the tourists. He proposed it as an economic alternative to the location of a uranium enrichment plant in the west upper Cook Inlet area.

MTA asks $4.9 million to up phone service

A big boost to service for the smaller telephone exchanges will come if a $4.9 million loan application by MTA is approved.

The majority of the loan funds, if received, will be expended on plant facilities to upgrade all rural areas to four-party service.

At Parker's, you could buy a pair of men's dress pants for $7.98, and their advertisement indicated they had Levi's in stock "in waist sizes 18 to 50, including bell bottoms!"

The Rainbow Lake Lodge was located on the "Alaska-Fairbanks Highway." Their advertisement touted "Watch for what the future brings," and since there isn't a Rainbow Lake Lodge anymore, that future must have been a little cloudy.

Ford was advertising its new car, the Courier, for $2,222. "Before you settle on any import, check it against Ford's Courier," the ad said.

At the Jesse James Sports Shop, you could buy a new Colt 295 snowmachine for $995 or a 1970-71 Ski-Doo Nordic for $475, complete with an 18-inch track.