We Serve Locals Only
Monday, January 28th, 2008
“Locals Welcome” original acrylic painting by Gail Niebrugge, permanent collection of Alaska Airlines Corporate Headquarters, Seattle, Washington.
Establishing the brand new Wrangell-St. Elias National Park created turbulent times and chaos for the local people. Powerless to stop the United States Government, the only recourse open to the residents was to refuse service to the park rangers as they arrived to set up operations. The locals refused to sell fuel, to rent space or homes, to sell groceries, to charter airplanes, and on and on. It was a foolish tactic and grew ugly before it ended, for the powerful resources of the government were no match for these fiercely independent folks. Years later I still found small reminders, somewhat forgotten in remote places, like the sign on the chalkboard at the door of the bar at McCarthy Lodge. I smile when I see this painting, and know how many of those same people and their children are now employed by the park and proud of their jobs. What great subject matter this period made for me, an artist seeking material for original paintings and drawings, creating a contemporary history through my work.
More tomorrow,
Gail Niebrugge, Artist Alaska
