50 Years Ago (or thereabout)
From the Farthest-North Collegian, April 1956

Alaska Constitutional Convention Ends

More than 1,000 Alaskans crowded into the University of Alaska gymnasium on Feb. 5 to witness the signing of the proposed constitution for the future State of Alaska.

Dignitaries from all over the territory participated in and watched the historic occasion. Gov. B. Frank Heintzleman praised the delegates for making "a great stride toward ultimate self-government and self-determination."

The delegates became as much a part of the campus scene as students as they carried out their task in the new $600,000 Student Union Building. The students turned over the structure to the delegates, and moved in only after the convention ended. This gesture drew high praise from William Egan, convention president, Thomas Stewart, convention secretary, and from the delegates themselves.

The convention officials also praised the assistance and cooperation provided by the university administration and staff and faculty members. Dr. Donald R. Moberg, head of the history and political science department, received special thanks for helping to plan the convention and for aiding it while it was underway.

In the closing hours of the convention, Dr. Ernest N. Patty, university president, was asked to appear before the delegates. After he was thanked for his cooperation, he received the official ivory gavel, which was used throughout the convention. Also donated to the university was the fourth copy of the constitution bearing the original signatures of the 54 delegates. Dr. Patty said that both objects will be displayed in a prominent place on campus.

Archivist's Note: The University's copy of the constitution as well as several copies since donated by convention delegates are housed in the Archives, Alaska & Polar Regions Collections, Rasmuson Library. Dr. Patty's ivory gavel is cared for by the University Museum of the North.

25 years ago:
From the Polar Star, April 22, 1981

Music Matters
by Mike States

Pop music in America has gone independent, once again stealing a page from the British rock scene. During the past two years, small, regional record labels have sprouted up in nearly every American city large enough to have a recording studio, and Fairbanks is no exception.

Mainly promulgated by college and progressive FM radio stations and by local/regional music publications, the new artists are largely New Wave, experimental and anti-commercial in nature, but an extremely wide variety of styles has been evident.

Used as stepping-stones by many artists (Devo, B-52's, Police), independent labels offer musicians more artistic freedom than money-grubbing major labels in general. Also, as the better groups gain recognition locally, then statewide and regionally, they are usually in a stronger position to deal with the majors once their marketability has been proven. The public is the big winner (and final arbitrator), since they are able to enjoy a much wider variety of product.

The record industry first touched Fairbanks last summer with the release of a four-song mini-album entitled "Beat the Cynics."

Produced by the local Unregulated Record Co., the disc was banned from local AM radio stations for being "too heavy."

Described as "avant-garde apocalyptic rock" by one local wag, the record is currently receiving extensive East Coast college and FM play. New releases by Richard Jesse and the Movement are expected this summer and by the Cynics in the fall.