The Wrangell sentinel., 1923-10-04
John Hooper, President of Tourists Societies, Gives
 Some Valuable Advice.
Predicts That Southeastern Alaska Will Become a
 Mecca for Tourists

In an interview with MT. John Hooper, president of the Tourists Societies, now making an extensive survey of southeastern Alaska, and who came to Wrangell on invitation of the Wrangell Commercial Club. he said:-
 'In all my travels I have never enjoyed any trip as I have the three I have made into Alaska This pres- ent trip has also served to make me better acquainted with the most suitable points for the purpose of the tourists stop-oyers. Between Ketchikan and Juneau seems the logical point for the tourists to con- centrate his trip. and the two best points for accommodations and access sibility. plus the advantages of be- ing closest to the glaciers, fishing and hur sing grounds, are Wrangell and Juneau, with side trips to the famous Cassiar country, Taku Gla- cier. sitka and Skagway. Many of our tourists have asked the question. Why go further?'
 First, want to commend the Wrangell Commercial Club for their aggressiyeness. Each member seems to be an enthusiastic booster. Presi- dent Grant, your worthy mayor. and the executive committee are on the job day and night, putting Wrangell on the map. and these efforts will shortly be of a character that will mean prosperity in great degree for this town. I was more than de- lighted with the presentation of an illuminated certificate of honorary life membership in the Wrangell Commercial Club. This means that I shall never forget to boost Wran- gell, as I consider you have here one of the coming tourist centers of the world. It is bound to be so, with the best hunting country at it's back; with all the wonderful gla- ciers and mountain scenery at its very doors; with such excellent ac- commodating people, and with the Stikine River and it's great beauties, right at your door.
 ''In my trips in and around your vicinity, I was astounded to find that you had this past summer grown not only cauliflower. lettuce. asparagus, celery and other vegeta- bles. but also apples. cherries, rasp- berries. strawberries, entrants and gooseberries. Through the extreme kindness of Rev. H. P. Corser, I have been shown many beautiful flower gardens and spots of beauty, and I shall carry back the message to the great gatherings of tourists in Cal ifornia and elsewhere that here in Wrangell is one of the best places on this earth to stay for a week, a month, or more. In all my talks I shall not forget Wrangell. It is Land of Hearts Desire, the entrepot Land of Hearts Desire, the entrepot for the last great west.
 "Our tourists organizations are going to urge the transportation companies to put on more boats. and also to concentrate their efforts in getting the tourists to the South eastern points. and look for 50.000 tourists to come here, if the trans portation is available. The tourist traffic Is the one best crop that will make Wrangell famous. Our people are clamoring to get here. Reserva- tions for 1924 are already being made AS in the case of southern Cal ifornia. and Los Angeles especially. industries will come here when the tourists flock in.
 You have the most interesting to- tems in original positions. You have magnificent harbor. with million 'ollar outlook that is incomparable. ToQ have the hunters paradise at your door. You have glaciers and canyons on the Stikine, reached only through Wrangell. This will be one of the worlds greatest tourists