reflections

reflections
Here's the reason for the picture below this blog. In Detroit in the 30s, a man named George Buchanan made a fortune as a coal dealer. He decided to form a philanthropy for young boys and young men. His idea was to encourage self reliance. He set up tours to Alaska, the farthest he could go from Detroit, and still be in USA territory. The boy, or young man, had to earn at least 1/3 of the cost, his parents could pay 1/3, and Buchanan lent 1/3 of the cost. He never took collateral, and forgave the loan if the boy could not pay it. The trip took 31 days, train through Canada, ship through the inland passage, and train back through the US. We stayed over night at plush places like Banff, and Lake Louise in Canada. Then places like Paradise Inn at Mt. Ranier in the US.
The cost of the trip for those under 12 was $240.00 total!
I went at that cost in 1935 since I wasn't 12 until Sept., and the trip was in July as I remember. The picture is of the rocky side of a cliff facing the narrow gauge railway that we took to Atlin and White Horse. On the rocks it says " On toAlaska with Buchanan", which was his motto for the boys going. Marge and I were in Alaska a couple of years ago, and took the scenic ride on the Narrow Gauge railway for the few miles left, and went by the sign, much to my surprise. If you want a better view of it, go to Google and query "On to alaska with Buchanan", and you'll find the sign and a story.
RHD