Some comments from readers and visitors:

Received this letter from Craig Franckowiak, a visitor to the Copper Rail Depot. The letter is dated July 26, 2005:

Dear Ron:

    Finished "Legacy of the Chief."  Couldn't stop reading it once I started.  A very enjoyable and informative reap.  The Polish character in your book did nothing to embarrass his people or their history (note: that was a reference to the composite character Johnny "Gakona" Gdanski who is half Ahtna, half Polish and who was forever concerned that he might not be living up to the standards of his grandfather, the great chief Nicolai (real), or his father Emil (fictitious), who worked as a painter at the mill.--RS).  The Irish however are another matter. It is interesting to note that they would engage in the same behavior that has inflicted so much injustice and suffering in their own land when imposed by another invading culture up to and including the present (note: he refers to a fictitious group of railroad workers, most of whom really were Irish nationals, who worked together in such a way that the effect was to discourage Native laborers on the railroad, of which there were few. This was based partly on my own personal experiences working on the construction of the Alyeska Pipeline where such events really happened --RS).

    I will have to read "Legacy of the Chief" again in about 6 months to see what I missed on the first try.

    As this letter confirms, Jane and I made it back outside safely.  We definitely intend to return. Do not be surprised when you know someone is coming again to the Copper Rail Depot.

    We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our evening in your establishment and the pleasure of your company and kind assistance in acquiring information about the Alaska Railroad (note: I was able to assist this couple in completing a part of their journey through Alaska which happened to include a trip aboard our Alaska Railroad -RS). This experience was our most truly Alaskan one.  Thanks to you we have some small understanding of how true life in Alaska must be.  Not the urban image projected by the tourist industry and the larger cities.  Jane tells everyone she sees about our evening in Copper Center.

    Thank you Ron for our enlightening visit.  Next time I will ask you to run the train. I did not see the sign on the wall until we were leaving (at that time a sign read: "$20.00 to run train" - -RS).  I almost came back. I should have.

Sincerely,

Craig and Jane