Peek at the Past: As it appeared in the July 28, 1983, Frontiersman

Unemployment rate down

The Mat-Su Borough's unemployment rate dropped to 13 percent from 13.5 percent in May. The June rate in 1982 was slightly higher at 13.1 percent, according to the Department of Labor.

Alaska unemployment has been high partially due to an influx of job-seekers from the Lower 48. If conditions continue to improve in other states, the movement to Alaska may diminish.

New Miss Big Lake reigns

After long moments of agonizing silence, the judges' decision was announced -- a stunned and delighted Jerri Morrison had become the first Miss Big Lake to be crowned in 10 years.

Dressed in a pale yellow gown that set her blond hair off perfectly, 19-year-old Jerri accepted her crown and trophy from Lee Ann Belarde-Ogard, winner of the last Miss Big Lake pageant held in 1972.

In 1983, a seven-night Caribbean cruise, including airfare to San Juan, Puerto Rico, was going for $1,769 per person, according to an advertisement for ABC Travel Time.

An editorial asked if zoning is a trick or a treat, an issue still facing Valley voters. Another news item that received attention was that of a proposed Knik Arm crossing -- which is again in the spotlight.

Things were still pretty expensive following the oil boom. At Matanuska Trading Post, lawnmowers were going for between $150 and $250, with propane grills going for around $200, the same price as today.

At McClure-Keyes Motors, a Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 demo model was listed at $13,900 while a Chevrolet Celebrity demo model was $8,601. At Palmer-Wasilla Video Cache, a new 19-inch television was $349 and one of those new VCRs was on sale for $499. It did come with a "four-button wired remote control" for added value.