Peek at the Past: As it appeared in the June 20, 1968, Frontiersman

Dairying leads Alaska agriculture

No other phase of agriculture in Alaska offers as much income to the farms of this state as does the dairy industry, said Ed Kern, marketing specialist with the Alaska Division of Agriculture.

Milk sales during the past year are valued at $1.867 million, accounting for 46.4 percent of Alaska's farm income from sales of agricultural commodities, according to Kern.

At the present time, 37 dairy herds are producing fresh, Grade A milk for the consumers of Alaska. All but two are located in the Matanuska Valley area. As a result, 91.7 percent of the milk produced comes from here.

Commons repairs planned

Plans for repair of the fire-damaged University of Alaska commons were being expedited this week in an effort to have the university's main dining facility opened in time for the fall semester.

Fire last Friday caused an estimated half million dollars damage to the 5-year-old building and resulted in the death of a student. It was the worst fire in the university's 51-year history.

The Alpine Inn in Sutton was under new management and was having a grand reopening with a free buffet and draft beer.

At D&A Super, you could buy a pound of round steak for 98 cents, five jars of applesauce for a dollar and a 32-ounce jar of Kraft salad dressing for 69 cents.

At Lazy Mountain Aviation, you could learn how to fly and earn your pilot's license for only $150. If you were a wife or a husband of a spouse who flew, you got a $25 discount.

Matanuska Maid Building and Farm Supply was touting the new farm machinery in an advertisement. "Just arrived, new pieces of farm machinery from New Holland and International Harvester. Cut your labor costs by adding the right equipment for all your farm needs!"