Dawson City - A History of Growing Pains 1896 - 1906
As prepared by Dawson Historian, John Gould.
were assisting in the construction of the hall were in attendance. The secret
orders which were represented were; Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias,
B.O.P. Elks, Woodmen of the World, Red Men and the A.O.E.W. The hall was a
two storey building, 22 feet by 44 feet. The lower floor was used as a reading
room and for social gatherings of the members of the different orders. The
second storey into lodge rooms and ante rooms the grand opening to take place
before Christmas. The hall was dedicated in September. A procession
of the orders involved in he construction of the hall started at the Exchange
Building about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and was led in a double file by Commissioner
Ogilvie and U.S. Consul McCook, to the fraternity hall near the Presbyterian
Church. There were about 1500 people in the parade, the incomplete hall would
only hold a portion of the crowd the rest stood and looked through the door
and windows. The hall is to be completed by
ThaBksgtWflg Day on November 23. A benefit was held in the Monte Carlo Theatre
in early November to raise the necessary funds to complete the hall. It wasn't
until early December that the Fraternal Temple was finally finished, the grand
opening was held just before Christmas, in December 1899 there was another
society formed. The Yukon Theosophical society were holding meetings in the
Board of Trade building on Front St.
They had a membership of 30 and held animated discussions on the general principals
of theosophy.
NEW JAIL
New quarters for the city jail and police offices were built on Third Avenue in the summer of 1898, to replace the ones that were burned in the old Post Office building fire. The new building is a neat log structure 50 feet by 22 feet with one cell and a cage for drunks. (Klondike Nugget November 2,1898)
WONDERSCOPE. (Movies)
The Wonderscope company had a well filled house at the Monte Carlo Sunday
evening The entertainment is remarkable wholesome and good and might be termed
an 'Illustrated Lecture," for the description of the views are connected
in such a fashion as to give a very good idea of the late Hispanic - American
war. Very few of the views but are brand new and the very best which could
be secured. The moving pictures give a very good idea of modem warships in
action. Probably the most appreciated feature of the evening's entertainment
was the illustrated singing of Mr. Fred N. Tracy. The gentleman
has a clear mellow and expressive voice, peculiarly well fitted for ballad
singing and the picture illustrating the song, thrown upon the screen in series
throughout the song added a charm which predestines illustrated song singing
to become a permanent amusement of future generations. It was announced from
the stage that an entire change of program will be made next Sunday. (Klondike
Nugget Nov. 30,1898)
LOCAL BREVITIES
The public Library and reading room has passed into the hands of the Presbyterian church and has been removed to the top of the A. C.Co. Office building.
The skating rink is no more, at least the covering of the rink. Along came the "Typhoon" of Thursday afternoon and away went me tent into shreds. Several narrow escapes from injury pedestrians from flying signs are reported.
The Wonderscope, on Sunday evening at the Monte Carlo, was greeted by a full house. New pictures were introduced and new songs by Mr. Fred Tracy. By request he repeated his favorite of a week ago: "It's a picture of My Best Girl."
The net proceeds of the Hippodrome sparring contest has been turned over to St. Mary's hospital as ordered by the referee, Mr James Donaldson. (Klondike Nugget Dec 7,1898)
CHRISTMAS FOR THE CHILDREN
The ladies of St. Paul's gave a royal celebration on Tuesday. Presents for everybody a general season of merrymaking - A general Klondike Christmas festival.
The Christmas gathering at the Episcopal church Tuesday was a genuine treat for every one whose good fortune to attend. The ladies to whose good efforts credit is largely due for the splendid success of the entertainment worked untiring to add to the pleasure of those who were present. The little folks were especially in evidence and the manner in which they enjoyed every moment of the time was a constant source of pleasure to all the older ones who were there.
All dainties which are so closely associated with Christmas memories had been provided and the long tables which had been arranged fairly groaned beneath their burden of good things. Between 35 and 40 children were present and a happy sight they made as they gathered around the tables, to do justice to the generous spread. The older ones were not forgotten and all were served with tea and cake limited in supply only by demand. When the tables had been removed the Rev. M. Bowen called the children to order and invited Gov. Ogilvie to act as Santa clause. The governor responded with a humorous speech and deputized Dr. Grant to act in his stead.
The Christmas tree which stood in one comer of the church was beautifully decorated with strings of pop corn, sacks o nuts and candies, and other ornament suitable to the occasion, and was beautifully illuminated with numerous wax candles.
There was a present on the tree for every child and in addition each one received a remembrance in the shape of a sack of candy. The rear of the church was decorated with flags and evergreens forming an effective background for the Christmas tree. Festoons of evergreens were also strung along the ceiling of the building and a number of Japanese lanterns added color to the scene.
After the tree had been unloaded of its treasures and the presents had all been distributed Gov. Ogilvie entertained the audience with his gramophone. At the conclusion of this feature of the program a magic lantern exhibition was given by Mr. Bowen. The slides were mostly taken from biblical scenes and during the exhibition the children's knowledge of the scripture was quite thoroughly tested by the reverend gentleman.
During the afternoon a flash light photo of the assembly was taken by Mr.Hegg. The photograph will be highly prized reminders of a real, genuine Klondike Christmas.
Among the ladies who contributed towards the success of the entertainment
are the following; Mrs. Bowen, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. D.W. Davis, Mrs. Brenner, Mrs.
Rutledge, Miss Mulrooney, Mrs. T.C. Healy, Mrs. Tarbox , Mrs. Gannon, Miss
Flora Davis, Miss
Josephine Pickel, Miss Anne Burke, Miss Flosie Barrett, Miss Faith Fenton,
Mrs. Logan and Mrs. M.P. West. All credit is due to the untiring zeal and energy
with which these ladies worked. (Klondike Nugget Dec 31,1898)
©John Gould
(This is copyrighted material and under no circumstances is allowed to be copied or used without the express permission of the author)