PEEK AT THE PAST: June 15, 1972

Here’s what made news in the Mat-Su 38 years ago, from the June 15, 1972, issue of The Frontiersman:

Port idea floated

A developer will present a proposal for a seaport at Point MacKenzie to the Mat-Su Borough Assembly. The manager of the Port MacKenzie Co., has announced it is ready to develop 100 acres in the area with a more than half-mile frontage on Knik Arm.

An engineer has been hired because of the “feasibility studies, economics, financing and land coordination among governmental agencies and industries which will be required in the project.”

The borough’s budget includes about $17,000 in matching funds should the state agree to pump $300,000 into the port idea for a feasibility study.

Palmer paves way for industrial park

The city has taken the first step toward development of an industrial park that will make the Palmer the landlord for 14- to 16 industries. The park will be located on 135 acres south of town.

The $400,000 in bond debt needed to develop the project was passed by city voters by a wide margin, 107-29. Now Palmer is looking to sell bonds on a negotiated basis with the state. Improvements needed at the site include road work, a rail spur, and water and sewer. Those upgrades will be in addition to the bond, which is expected to pay the cost of land acquisition.

PHS chorus has

a long way to go

When the International Youth Music Festival kicks off in Switzerland next year, the Valley is expected to play its part.

The Palmer High School chorus wants to be there, and is raising the estimated $18,000 it’s going to cost to attend. If the chorus meets its goal, more than 40 students will take a three-week tour overseas, including about five concerts in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

One of the major fund-raisers will be a raffle for a 2-acre plot of land with public lake access on Kings Lake Estate. Tickets are $1 each, and the lot has been donated by Mr. and Mrs. John Shaw of Palmer.

Chorus members will also play a portion of their expenses.

It cost what?

According to advertisements, in June 1972 you could:

• Buy a package of 24 placemats for $1.50.

• Enjoy the Father’s Day specials at Parker’s store, including three sport shirts for $5, a barbecue set for $1.99 and 50 percent off all hand tools.

• Get a sporty new Ford Pinto at Hartley Motors. According to its advertisement, “Pinto is different where it counts.” At just under $2,000, the Pinto is $149 cheaper than the Toyota Corolla, the ad says, adding you should “fun-test a ‘72 Pinto at your nearby Ford dealer.”

• Enjoy a 10-piece fried chicken dinner for $1.85.