Name: Whittier, Alaska

Established: December 23,1843

Setting: Present day.

Whittier, Alaska is a tiny town with a grand history. A constant Alaskan chill mystifies visitor who throw a line in the natural spring lake that never freezes. Majestic mountains and the wilderness cloister Whittier making it challenging to visit. Whittier was established right before the gold rush. An old abandoned Klondike trail traces the edge of town leading to an abandoned gold mine and a small abandoned neighboring town. By town council decree, it is illegal to mine gold from those abandoned mines due to the dangerous condition of the mines - walls falling and in shambles. An urban legend understood by most Whittiers is that there might still be gold somewhere. Occasionally there's evidence that lawbreakers take a pickax to rock, hoping to improve their status in town if they could strike a vein of the precious 24K nuggets.

Key industries: Fishing and glacier watching tours (Yes, there are glaciers in the natural spring lake--it is a phenomenon).

Area: 700 square miles, although only 75 are habitable.

Zip code: 99911

Mayor: Elizabeth Sanchez

Weather: -40 low, 35 high

Population: 432

Annual events:

Winter Festival December 23

Spring Festival June 19

Independence Day July 4

Hunting Season October 1

Popular attractions: Leaderboard featuring citizens' ratings/All-glass town hall/Arcade/Wilderness Gate/Festival fairgrounds/Sports Arena

It is currently winter, present day, and the townspeople are preparing for the Winter Festival, the day after the shortest day of the year, December 22. The Festival celebrates the equinox and honors the rugged miners from the '49er gold rush festivities. Events include a major soccer game that determines the fates of many of the townspeople. The Festival is the judgement day for citizens identified for expulsion to the wilderness...

Whittier, Alaska Town Project is a product created entirely by students enrolled in Creative Writing at Mundelein High School, Mundelein, Illinois.

©2021 by Mundelein High School Creative Writing Students

Mrs. Teuber (Teacher), Ms. Babowice (Instructional Aide), Ms. Klemstein (Instructional Aide)