Dawson City - A History of Growing Pains 1896 - 1906
As prepared by Dawson Historian, John Gould.
DAWSON ELECTRIC LIGHT CO.
There is not amore striking or dramatic passage in ancient scripture than "The Lord said let there be light: and there was light." In the centres of civilization the prevalence of cheap and brilliant light has robbed darkness of its terrors, and it requires a sojourn in the Arctic region to make one appreciate the vast strides which have been made in the matter of lighting since the composition candle displaced the tallow dip some 40 years ago.
We of the north must be permitted to enthuse a little over the advent of Dawson's new electric light plant, the property of the Dawson Electric Light & Power Co. limited, and which came down the river just ahead of the ice blockade which would have left it at Bennett for the winter, to puzzle the aboriginals and make Dawsonites swear.
The company was formed early in the year with a paid up capital of $75,000.00 with Billy Chappell as president and Alex McDonald as vice president. With a short summer it was hoped to get the necessary equipment in before freeze up. And owing to the fact that it all had to be packed over the pass a low voltage system was chosen the pieces of the apparatus were of a more convent size. Machines with a capacity of 500 lights were installed. Boilers of sufficient size and power were not available until the summer of 1899.
A large three storey building was erected on the bank of the Klondike close to its junction with the swift flowing Yukon. Tubular type boilers were installed of 250 horse power, that could be increase by 50 more horse power if needed. Two engines of 100 horse power each were added, two 1000 light, 1000 volt alternating generators were put in. (Klondike Nugget Nov. 1,1899)
COUNTERFEIT MONEY IN TOWN
In late November ten and twenty dollar bills alleged to be issued by the Toronto Commercial Bank, were being passed around the Dawson businesses. Complaint had been made to the Police by the Canadian Bank of Commerce that some bad money had been offered at the bank for deposit. It was tendered by a customer who had aroused his suspicions as to its genuineness it was not done with intent to defraud but merely to get an expert opinion.
Corporal McPhail, of the town station was detailed to investigate the matter, it took only a short time to find that others had been victimized. It was discovered that a Mrs C.F. Smith was passing the bad bills, she would go into a store make a small purchase and would pay with one of the counterfeit bills, receiving good money in change. She was
immediately arrested and bound over for trial. Little was known of Mrs Smith, she had arrived last summer with Mike O'Donnell, a gambler employed by the Pavilion. (Dawson Daily News November 21, 1899)
A PLEASANT SOCIAL
Alex. McDonald. having placed the use of his hall at the disposal of the members and friends of St. Andrew's Society last evening, a most enjoyable dance was held there which delighted all who attended. The reed band of the Field Force provided music which was simply superb, not only in the artistic sense but also from the dance point of view. Along with the usual numbers dances were added the Scotch Reel, Highland Schottische and Jersey, which were highly enjoyed by both dancers and spectators R. Henderson gave and exhibition Highland Fling, which was encored again and again. The same gentleman played the pipes for the Highland Schottische. Everyone voted it was the most enjoyable event of the season, particularly as it was gotten up on a days notice, and the Scotsmen state it is only an earnest of what they intend to do to provide for the public on St. Andrew's nich. Mrs A. McDonald. Mrs McKay, Dr. Mcdonald and G.C.McKenzie captivated everyone with their Scotch Reel, while the Highland Schottische promises to become one of the most popular dances of the season. (Dawson Daily News Nov.23,1899)
SIX DAY RACE
A Go-as-You-Please contest to begin next Monday
Nigger Jim and Murray Eads of the New Pavillion, have leased the Palace Grand for six days' go as you please foot race to begin next Monday. The race last four hours each day, commencing in the afternoon at 5:30 and ending at 9:30.
A sawdust track has been constructed around the outer limits of the theatre, so that the seating capacity is in the centre and among the boxes. The admission will be 50 cents.
There are six entrees viz: Geo Taylor, Jas. Earl, Geo Risner, Fred Thoemer, Montague Martin and Bert Ford. Each man has put up a $ 100.00 entry fee, the winner to take the fee
money and fifty percent of the door receipts. Montague, Martin and Fred Thoemer are well known globe trotters; Geo Taylor has made several fast records in the States, and Bert Ford is a fast sprinter for a short distance. All have been training diligently for the past two weeks. Score boards will be in evident at the the track and the New Pavilion. (Dawson Daily News Nov. 24, 1899)
©John Gould
(This is copyrighted material and under no circumstances is allowed to be copied or used without the express permission of the author)