For years I have been promoting the services of the National Park Service in Skagway, Alaska. Twenty buildings in town are on the national historic register as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park along with the Chilkoot Trail and portions of Pioneer Square in Seattle.  In addition to a charming museum with a replica of the “outfit” of one ton of goods required by the Mounties to be presented at the Canadian border by every eager stampede, the Ranger Station also has a series of great movies, ranger talks and guided walking tours – all free to the public.

Last week I peaked in and saw that one of the rangers, Jay Proetto, was giving a talk entitled, “The Wizard, The Gold Rush  and The Tramp,” a fascinating look at how the depression of 1880 created social and economic tension that resulted in the writing of the political satire, The Wizard of Oz, and the Klondike Gold Rush. What a treat to find an intriguing look at the factors that help create Skagway presented in such an original and compelling way.  Check out our National Park Service resources.