Peek at the Past: Feb. 14, 1957

Here’s what made the news 55 years ago, from the Feb. 14, 1957 edition of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman:

Mission board role an issue of hospital meeting

Continued cooperation with the Board of National Missions of the Presbyterian Churches is expected to be a major issue at the annual meeting of the Valley Hospital Association. The reason for the discussion are many questions being asked by Palmer people about why the board has not acted on an offer of the Third Division Liquor Dealers Association. Because of the hospital’s inability to meet its debts, many people do not understand the board’s reluctance to accept help from all sources. President of the hospital board of directors, A.H. Mick said, “The fact is, the hospital board did vote to accept this particular offer. In late December, however, the Board of National Missions urged the hospital board (which) therefore asked the liquor dealers to delay their gift until the church policy could be reconciled with local attitude.”

Representative to lobby for hospital

Financing of the attempt to have the Alaska Mental Health Hospital located in the Matanuska Valley was the main topic of discussion at a meeting held this week between the Steering Committee and representatives of various local organizations. It was the consensus of those attending that the Valley should send someone to Juneau to represent the Valley when the site of the hospital comes up for decision. It was suggested by the group attending that each organization in the Valley, as well as all individuals who can, contribute at least $10 toward the expenses that will run into several hundred dollars. The local chamber of commerce has already contributed $50 toward the financing of the work. When the bill comes up in Juneau, time will be of great importance and a representative from the Valley will have to be ready to go at a very short notice.

Chamber considers survey

The Matanuska Valley Chamber of Commerce may sponsor an area-wide development survey.

Eugene Reid, chairman of the chamber agriculture committee, presented such a proposal and received enthusiastic backing from the membership. Reid stated he first became interested in such a project after having read an article titled, “The whole town pulls together” in a recent issue of Reader’s Digest. It was an article about a town that had followed recommendations made by a development survey concern. The letter points out the difficulty in starting any major development program, in getting past the talking stage and into some form that signifies stability and responsibility.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in 1957, you could:

• Purchase a two-pound loaf of cheese for 69 cents.

• Buy three pounds of ground beef for $1.29.

• Enjoy Corn Flakes for 29 cents a box.