vb6 "tag" ability homogeneous asp.net?

i'm looking ideas opinions here, "real answer", i guess...

back aged vb6 days, there ability called "tag" controls, useful proceed store tradition information associated control. each unparalleled control it, bliss...

now, .net (at slightest webforms), it's there anymore...

does anyone have good deputy that?

i problem unequivocally often, where i have opposite functions run during opposite times lifecycle, things controls, i wish keep removed are, nonetheless should pass information specific controls.

i cruise million alternatives (starting module-level dictionary, obviously), nonetheless zero purify good ol' tag.

(note: i know i subclass controls chronicle instead. i'd rather not)

any suggestions?
how solve normally?
any ideas since private i initial place?

edit: i'm looking something intra-request, inter-request. i don't need information still there postback. between _load _prerender methods, example.

edit2: i know asp.net i know inadequacy between desktop web, guys!. i 'm only perplexing condensation .net gives me maximum. i know tradeoffs, trust me, greatfully answer presumption i do.