The Skagway Commercial Club
Source : P277-001-003 Alaska State Library Wickersham State Historic Sites Photo Collection
The article continues to discuss the many shops in Skagway , stating that the visitor may find a variety of travel souvenirs including “ brown bear , black bear and polar bear skins … also nuggets for watch charms , and nuggets made into watch chains , bracelets , stick pins , and brooches … varieties of cribbage boards and napkin rings , made from the tusks of the Alaskan walrus ; moccasins made from the hair seal , and Indian baskets made in every shape and size conceivable .” 22 A discussion of the temperate climate is next in the article along with a description of the Skagway gardens as well as the wild berries in the area , and the midnight sun . All these features “ help [ ed ] characterize Skagway as the natural headquarters for tourists .” 23
The booklet continues to describe the trip from Seattle or Vancouver on the spacious and comfortable steamers into Southeast Alaska and briefly mentions other locations that will be visited by the steamship companies , including “ Ketchikan , Juneau , Wrangell , Treadwell , and its great gold mines , Haines , Sitka , Killisnoo , the Indian Village Metlakahtla , Fort William H . Seward ; also Taku and Muir Glaciers , and miscellaneous other places of interest .” 24 An entire article is dedicated to discussing the beauty of Skagway ’ s location at the top of Lynn Canal as well as the mountain climbing , hunting , and fishing expeditions possible during a stay in Skagway . Of course , the summer salmon runs are singled out for specific mention .
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