Cathy Sherman - The Cordova Times

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Cathy Sherman is a volunteer historian and recently-retired director of the Cordova library and Historical Museum. Sherman has been contributing to The Cordova Times for over a decade.

Award winning books are at your library

Cathy Sherman - February 7, 2018

Each year the American Library Association honors books, videos and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they...

Carrying on traditions is a way of life for Cordovans, whether it’s celebrating the annual Iceworm Festival drummed up many years ago over a hot toddy or the return of the fish in the summer. The Copper River Queens made an elegant debut in the Iceworm Parade shortly after the ’89 oil spill, gleefully waving their tails and depositing roe-colored ping pong balls for the egg takers from the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation. New banners mark the Iceworm Festival, but the Queens and the ever-loyal Iceworm help Cordovans keep mindful of the fact that while things may change around them … a lot of things stay the same.

Museum Memories: February 3, 2018

Cathy Sherman - February 3, 2018

Carrying on traditions is a way of life for Cordovans, whether it’s celebrating the annual Iceworm Festival drummed up many years ago over a...

At Your Library: Gaining daylight, but still time to watch movies

Cathy Sherman - January 31, 2018

The Cordova Public Library shelves are full of not only the bestsellers you want to read, but also some great movies and TV shows....

A couple of the boys were warding off the cold one night in 1961, and over glasses of their favorite “anti-freeze” they discussed just what was missing in Cordova’s winter social scene. The “couple of boys” for the record were Omar Wehr and Merle (Mudhole) Smith and they got to wondering why all the other towns in Alaska had some kind of festival each year and Cordova had none. A unique event was needed, and Omar came up with the idea of the Iceworm Festival. For that first festival’s visitors, Cordova Airlines offered a one-day $15 roundtrip special ticket, leaving Anchorage at 7 a.m. and returning at midnight the same day. This included transportation to and from the airport as well as a ticket to the Crab Feed Dinner! The annual event has continued ever since with many of the same events still taking place. A variety show features local talent, the crowning of the Iceworm Queen, the survival suit race, a grand parade, pet show, arts and craft fair, cake bake, and lots of activities guarantee a fun-filled weekend!

Museum Memories: January 27, 2018

Cathy Sherman - January 27, 2018

A couple of the boys were warding off the cold one night in 1961, and over glasses of their favorite “anti-freeze” they discussed just...

Cordova Library Joins Alaska Reads Program

Cathy Sherman - January 24, 2018

Alaska Reads is a biennial statewide reading program that features a selected publication by a living Alaskan author. This year’s selection is Steam Laundry...

As we continue the bowling story in Cordova, after the opening of the Club Bowl, leagues formed immediately — many were already forming before the Club Bowl even opened. A teen league also formed and Dick Barton donated the bowling ball he won to the most improved bowler in the Teen League after the 12 games of the season were played. Although a big percentage of the people in Cordova knew little about bowling, classes were started, associations and leagues were formed, balls and shoes were picked out and bowling began in earnest. In the early spring of 1963, the Women’s Association sent two teams to Fairbanks for the State Tournament. It would make a good story to say the new kids on the block won all the trophies but alas that only happens in fairy tales and only a few minor triumphs were realized on the lanes.

Museum Memories: Jan. 20, 2018

Cathy Sherman - January 20, 2018

As we continue the bowling story in Cordova, after the opening of the Club Bowl, leagues formed immediately — many were already forming before...

Ken and Don VanBrocklin and Bill Sherman decided to expand their business to include an eight-lane bowling alley. The plans were drawn, and construction began in the summer of ’62. The interior equipment was to be all A.M.F. automated equipment and the new, design of rounded seating arrangements. The Club Bowl was set to house an average of 100-150 bowlers who could bowl in four or five leagues. The grand opening at the new Club Bowl was a huge success and as the Cordova Times reported: “a good time was had by all!” Flowers were in abundance around the bowling center with congratulations from well-wishes, which added to the festive atmosphere. After the opening ceremonies, the serious league play began. Cliff Webber of Anchorage was the first bowler to roll a 200 game after the official ceremonies were over. In this photo, Bill and Kay Sherman celebrate! This photo came from the archives and collections of the Cordova Historical Society housed within the museum. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from Noon until 5 p.m. Stop by to see our new exhibit in the Copper River Gallery, “Winter White” featuring all local artists!

Museum Memories: January 13, 2018

Cathy Sherman - January 13, 2018

Ken and Don VanBrocklin and Bill Sherman decided to expand their business to include an eight-lane bowling alley. The plans were drawn, and construction...

Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien

Celebrate the month with books by authors born in January

Cathy Sherman - January 10, 2018

The Cordova Public Library staff often reach out to other sources for book choices for our collection. We subscribe to the New York Times...

Did you know there was a bowling alley in Cordova in 1908? How about a bowling alley in Cordova in the 1960s? Enjoy an evening of Cordova bowling history on Monday, Jan. 22, when the museum presents “The History of Bowling in Cordova!” Club Bowl’s story began when a team of brothers and their partner decided to expand their booming bar business. Don Van Brocklin and William A. Sherman purchased the bar in 1940 from the Baddon family. Bill entered the military service 1942 and Bob Van Brocklin became a partner in the same year. Bob Van Brocklin died in a plane crash in 1944. Don kept his interest in the business and in 1955 his brother Ken bought in. Bill rejoined the group in 1959 as a partner and in 1962 they began the plans for the bowling alley. Stay tuned for more! This photo came from the archives and collections of the Cordova Historical Society housed within the museum. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Stop by to see our new exhibit in the Copper River Gallery, “Winter White” featuring all local artists.

Museum Memories: January 6, 2017

Cathy Sherman - January 6, 2018

Did you know there was a bowling alley in Cordova in 1908? How about a bowling alley in Cordova in the 1960s? Enjoy an...

Volunteer for Library Board vacancies

Cathy Sherman - January 2, 2018

Two vacancies on the Cordova Public Library Board need to be filled. You can volunteer to work with our team to guide the library...

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