By Jason James
Staff Writer
jjames@gulfcoastnewspapers.com
Though none of us currently with The Islander were here in 1977 when it all began, we still take pride in the fact our paper now enters it’s fourth decade of service to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan.
Our first issue hit the stands on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 1977, nearly nine years before this reporter was even born.
In that first issue the top story by Jesse Winder was that a portable police station was ready for use. A picture next to the story shows then-Gulf Shores Police Sgt. John Farrow, then-Police Chief James Maples, then-Mayor Mixon Jones, and current Police Chief Arthur Bourne as a patrolman. Bourne is pictured seated at a dispatcher’s desk inside the mobile communications vehicle. The vehicle even included an eight track tape player — oh the luxury!
The next story tells readers of the “town” of Gulf Shores’ upcoming acquistion of an emergency rescue vehicle. Winder compares the new vehicle to one featured in a 1972 Jack Webb film titled “Emergency.” According to the article, the $38,000 vehicle’s “sophisticated” equipment would include a self-contained air mask, life belts, and brace yourself — asbestos blankets. Gee, how times have changed!
Shifting to the left side of the page, a letter to the editor from Mayor Jones is displayed, complete with “Town of Gulf Shores” letterhead. In the letter, Jones expressed his sentiments toward the paper, and shared his excitement with its arrival.
The bottom item on the page highlights the arrival of a foreign exchange student from the American Field Service. The student, Ingunn Hagan, was from the tiny northern island of Stord, Norway. Hagan was quoted as saying, “I think Norway treats women more equally than here, a woman can do what a man does and always get the same pay.”
Winder concluded the article citingthat American television programs which aired in Norway in those days didn’t reflect life as it truly was in the South. The two programs he mentioned were “Kojak” and “Gunsmoke.”
Still not convinced things have changed all that much? Perhaps a few price comparisons will change your mind:
Cost of first-class stamp: 13 cents — now 41 cents.
Cost of a gallon of regular gas: 62 cents — now $2.64.
Cost of a gallon of milk: $1.68 — now $4.29.
Check again in 2037!
