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In honor of Alaska's 50th year of Statehood, the Douglas Fourth of July Committee will host a special program, "Stories and Pictures of the Douglas Bell and Cannon" by Mark Whitman, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Mt. Jumbo Gym.

Whitman has spent months researching the origin of the cannon and bell. He has made contacts thoughout Alaska and England in coming to a conclusion. Douglas School alumni have helped with information, and he has collected stories of early Douglas and Treadwell in his quest for information.

At Saturday's program, refreshments will be the 1940s prom classic: Kool-aid and cookies. All Douglas School alumni, past and present Douglas Fire Fighters are especially invited.

This year, Mount Bradley Enterprises Corp., with Leif Lie and Travis Larsen, refurnished the cannon and bell. They also constructed new cement pads for their bases in front of the Douglas Post Office.