29 September, by the Parking Lot

This is the path to Porter Creek, as you leave the Super A Parking Lot. We are fortunate Up Here, are we not?

The other guy who staked "Rabbit's Foot" claim...

Ole Dickson had a partner when he staked Rabbit's Foot mineral claim. He had 3/5 interest, and JOHN PATTENT WHITNEY had the other 2/5 interest.

Who was J P Whitney? A century ago, he was part owner of "Whitney and Pedlar", one of the two big merchants in the territory. The other "big" merchant was Taylor and Drury. In fact, it appears that Whitney and Pedlar's store was built right across 1st Avenue from the White Pass Railway Station, where T & D's - and Horwoods - now stand. The Hougen website displays a photo taken on Victoria Day, showing that area of town, right after the 1905 Fire.

Robert Service wrote a poem in 1906, Bob Smart's Dream, in which it is predicted that J P Whitney would be a multi millionare and donate a the fine Ear Lake Park to the city of Whitehorse. This rosy forecast was, however, not to be. He put too much money in copper mine claims, and not enough into his store. Taylor and Drury and Pedlar bought him out of the merchandising business in 1912.

So, he tried the fox farm business. Built on the east side of the Yukon River, The Whitney "Black Silver Fox Fox Farm" sported a 2 storey log structure (built 1914) to house his 'warden', Charles Barlow. By 1918, however, fur prices had fallen so low that many fox ranches went out of business, including the Black Silver Fox farm. (This building finally burned down in 1996 after being derelict for many years.)

And it is here that your Blogress loses sight of J P Whitney.... except for this photo taken about 1905. There he stands, J P Whitney, on the Sternwheeler "La France", docked along the Yukon River. I'll bet he had a lot of fun - and a lot of friends - when he lived in the Yukon. (This photo is in the Yukon Archives, #4028, MM Coll)

a Reminder: the Advance Poll coming up:

Yukon Party's strategy to improve Yukon health care

As Yukoners know, we don't have enough health care professionals in the Territory. The Yukon Party has a 6 point plan to rectify this problem. The $$$ for this Strategy results from the cooperation among the 3 northern territories.

To quote Premier Fentie, "The funding for these initiatives comes from the Territorial Health Access Fund. If you recall, this fund came about as a result of the three northern Premiers walking out on Prime Minister Chrétien back in 2003 to emphasize the fact that federal per capita funding for health care North of 60 simply doesn't work because of large land areas and small populations. We are now dedicating $12.7 million of the THA towards the recruitment and retention of doctors and other health care professionals."

In a nutshell, these strategies are:
Family Physician Incentive Program for New Graduates.
Medical Education Bursary.
Nursing Education Bursary.
Health Professions Education Bursary.
Nurse Mentoring Program.
Social Worker Mentoring Program.

You can read the news release describing these in more detail here.

Your Blogress notes that the most important word in the Yukon Party's dictionary is "cooperation."

Archie and Heather, Friday evening

Until Election Day (10th October), all the candidates are out in their ridings, walking and knocking on doors, and talking with whoever will talk to them. Archie is no exception. Friday evening, he and his niece, Heather, were out walking on Gibbons and Holly and (I think) Evergreen.




It's getting darker earlier, and it's colder, too. You can see why November elections are not popular with our politicians!

Rabbit's Foot Canyon and Ole Dickson

Now that the road through Rabbit's Foot Canyon is entering the 21st Century via the "Road Weather Information System" (thanks to the Yukon Party government!!)... let's take another look at its past.

Its name, "Rabbit's Foot" is the name of a copper claim. Two people staked that claim: John Pattent Whitney and Ole Dickson, both of Whitehorse. Such claims comprised some 42.34 acres.

And... here is a 1903 photo of Ole Dickson, in the doorway of the old Takhini Roadhouse. The photo shows a sleighing party, including William, Anna and Deyo Puckett, the ladies' bowling team, Mrs. Wilde, and Mary Helm's parents. The Yukon Archives holds the original, as part of the Mary Helm Collection (89/25#1).

Imagine Yukon's Future Tomorrow

The Yukon Party's election slogan is "Imagine Tomorrow." All this optimism is built on a solid foundation of 5 years of cooperation: cooperation among all the north-of-60 governments in dealing with the Federal government... ie "new Territorial Funding Formula, ... marketing of the 2007 Canada Winter Games ... better access to federal health care... better access to childcare and post secondary education and training programs."

The Yukon has gone through some 20 years of a mild depression, brought on by non -cooperation among the verious First Nations Land Claims, the 3 Northern Territories, and the Federal government. Our Yukon Party has concluded Final Agreements with the Kluane First Nation, Kwanlin Dun First Nation, and the Carcross Tagish First Nation. It is working with all the Yukon First Nations to make them full partners in Yukon's economic development.

The result is a rebirth of optimism in Yukon's future, one that would make the pioneers of 100 years ago proud.

For the specifics of the Yukon Party platform, go here.

Getting with the Programme... the Election that is..

Archie wants me to do stuff on the Yukon Party's track record, as it is VERY CLOSE to the actual VOTE. Fortunately, from your Blogress's point of view, it is an excellent track record (one doesn't like to bloviate and pretend, you need too many subjunctive clauses to do that)

Anyway, our Yukon Party has received praise from Canada's Auditor General (Sheila Fraser), for something called 'accountability', which means the Yukon citizenry know what is happening with all the money (and it is a LOT of $$$). Our YP government has established a small but EFFECTIVE internal audit division... with higher standards than are met by some other Canadian jurisdictions... and the audits have been extended to Yukon's publicly owned corporations (eg, Yukon Housing, Yukon Liquor).

All this means that the Yukon Party government prizes honesty and accountability and transparency, which (we all agree) is a Good Thing..

another thing about Rabbit's Foot Canyon:

Just where IS Porter Creek, before it flows into the subdivision? The topographical maps are not of much help (believe me, I looked).

However, Google Map seems to indicate that Porter Creek comes down the hill north of MacIntyre Creek, and then - at the point where the City Dump road takes off the highway - turns slightly north to flow along the highway until it dives under the highway to reappear in Porter Creek Subdivision.

This means that the Rabbit's Foot Claim is on your right as you drive up towards the City Dump!

If you disagree, let me know!

Why "Rabbit's Foot Canyon" anyway??

This is a portion of a map in the Yukon Archives (#H12), entitled "Town of Whitehorse, and Adjacent Copper Belt", dated June 1902, compiled by H G Dickson, D.L.S. The dark blue lines are MacIntyre Creek and Porter Creek. The former is easily seen today, and marked with a sign(at the Fish Lake Road). However, aside from the fact that Porter Creek is somewhere in the weeds along the west side of the Rabbit's Foot Canyon road, coming out on the east side of the road at the Centennial cutoff... well, maybe a lot has happened since 1902?? Or maybe some of you readers know?

A very small Whitehorse is included on this map, but for reasons of space and the Blog format, your wise Blogress has cut it off in favour of presenting a closeup view of the interesting names given to the various claims. One thing is impressive, as I meander through this dry and dusty paperwork: those guys were so OPTIMISTIC back then: they visualized a huge manufacturing city, one that would be built on the wealth generated by copper ore, and their own energy.

Anyway, note the "Rabbit's Foot" Claim, handily encircled by photoshop. And more about this later....

Rabbit's Foot Canyon Joins the 21st Century

Your Blogress took this photo of tubing in a hole, at the corner of the Highway and the Fish Lake Road. So, what is it? It doesn't look like much, but this is Modern Technology Extraordinaire!

A "Road Weather Information System" is being installed on the road through Rabbit's Foot Canyon. As we all know, that particular stretch of road is particularly lethal in winter time. This electronic sensor system, funded by the Yukon Party's government, will provide warning to drivers and the guys with the sand, when the road is dangerously icy.

As you have probably also noticed, there have been major improvements made on the road between the Two Mile Hill Intersection, and Porter Creek. Given the increasing traffic (because of a better Yukon economy, which is because of having the Yukon Party running things for the past 5 years) this will help make it safer to drive around here. Which is a Good Thing!

Snow on Gray Mountain

Your Blog I Ching opines: AIEEEEEE....

Is your name on the Voters' List?

This is a good question to ask. Your Blogress is again immersed in Elector List data bases and has noted that some people who should be on, are not. And a number of buildings seem to have been missed. And there is one case of people ending up on the lists of TWO Ridings. It is also difficult to see if there are electors who are outside the Yukon, who have been missed on these lists.

So, just to be sure, check to see if you - and any other qualified elector - is on that list. Each Candidate will have a 'preliminary list' by now; and also the Yukon Party Headquarter (3rd and Elliott); and of course, your Returning Officer:
Porter Creek North: Room 1, Trails North Motel, open 4:30 - 8:30 Mon to Fri.
Telephone 667 8710
Porter Creek Centre: 45 Boxwood, Church of the Northern Apostles, open 3:30 - 7:30, Mon to Fri., Telephone 667 8721
Porter Creek South: Room 1, Casa Loma Motel, Centennial, open 4:30 to 9:00, Mon to Fri.,
Telephone 667 8711.
Also: REVISION DAY for electors who are not on the list willbe TWO DAYS:
9 am to 9 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept 26 - Sept 27
AT YOUR RETURNING OFFICE (see above).

Archie's telephone# is: 393-ARCH; Dean Hassard's (PC South) is: 393-3399

Photo time. Why? Because!

It's been awhile since this Blog has seen a photo of Archie, so...

Voters' Lists and Revisions Information

Today, Thursday, 21st September -is an important one for we Election junkies: the new Enumeration Voters lists are complete and will be delivered to the Candidates, as well as being posted for the public to see at the Returning Offices.

Now is the time to make sure you are on the Voters' List.

If you are NOT on the list, the wonderful Elections Yukon is going to be open for revisions business next Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept 26 and 27, at each Electoral District Returning office, 9 am to 9 pm.

Archie's District Returning Office (PC CENTRE) is at the Church of the Northern Apostles, 45 Boxwood (at Wann Road), telephone 667 8721. Its regular hours are from 330 to 730, Mon - Friday.
Jim Kenyon's Returning Office (PC NORTH) is at Room 1, Trails North Motel, on the Alaska Highway, telephone 667 8720. Its regular hours are from 430 to 830, Mon - Friday.
and
Dean Hassard's Returning Office (PC SOUTH) is at Room 1, Casa Loma Motel, Centennial Street, Telephone 667 8711. Its regular hours are from 430 to 900, Monday - Friday

The Campaign Headquarters Telephone # for BOTH Archie and Dean is 393ARCH. It can, of course be found in the Super A Parking Lot, festooned with large signs. It will be open after 2 pm weekdays...

Today, Archie is in Old Crow

This is the 21st September, and Archie has gone up to Old Crow to do a walkabout with Premier Dennis Fentie. Archie owned a grocery store in Old Crow - and Arctic Red River - for a few years, and therefore knows a lot of the folks in that village. They will return to Whitehorse tonight, and tomorrow, there will be one of a regular Friday noon gathering of candidates at the Headquarters of Headquarters, down at 3rd and Elliott (the Microage building).

Archie's place on the Ballot

At 2 pm this past Monday, the Returning Officer drew the (3) candidates' names - one at a time - out of a plastic bowl. Archie's name was drawn first, so his name will come first on the October 10 ballot. Liberal Party David Laxton's name will be second, and Kate White, representing the NDP will be third. Your Blogress is not sure that this will matter very much. I suppose that if there were 5 or more candidates, the order of names might affect the election outcome, but with 3 people running in Porter Creek Centre, well... On the other hand, Archie coming first is a plus sign for our side, is it not?

VerSluce Meadows: a Project for Porter Creek

The Porter Creek Community Association is proceeding with plans to make something out of the Versluce Meadows. Gail Johnson presented the initial plan to the group, and has consented to continue as the head of the Park Committee. Your Blogress took some photos of the area the other day, and can only agree that something should be done with the space.



Every effort is being made to make a "Space" that will meet the needs of all Porter Creek residents. Archie has been front and centre throughout the past year with this project, and will continue doing so, as part of the next Yukon government.

Leaf Time

19 September: not a good day to be a leaf

A little something on Proxy Voting

The "Special Ballot" assumes you are in the Yukon during voting hours, but for one reason or another, cannot get to the Polling Station. (See below, and also the Elections Yukon explanation for this).

The Proxy Vote is for the person who WON'T BE IN THE YUKON TERRITORY during voting hours. Or: if you live in an isolated Yukon area, you can register as such before an election is called.

In short, the Proxy Vote exists for those Yukon Citizens who are geographically challenged; the Special Ballot takes into consideration other difficulties voters may face.

This Proxy identifies some other person who you trust will vote according to your wishes, "to vote for me for the reason that I shall be absent from the Yukon during the hours fixed for voting." OR you can authorise a registered political party or candidate to vote for you. The Proxy voter must vote for you at the advance poll, or on polling day.

You must sign the "Application to Vote by Proxy" form which can be seen and downloaded at the marvellous Elections Yukon website.
'

Time of the Signs!

The Election has been called, Polling Day comes on 10th October... and now is the time for Signs. The trick is to paper the street with Archie's Signs, and thus drive the other guys NUTS. Note that in the photo below, there is a SECOND Archie Sign half way round the corner. It's all psychological warfare, really. It keeps the Campaign Workers busy, throughout the campaign, putting new ones up, and replacing the older ones that the wind blows down...

Private Jets parked at Whitehorse Airport

A covey of private jets parked out there; and along with all the (huge) RVs we see around town, tourism is doing fine! Another possibility - and a good one - is that the huge increase in mining investment in the Yukon (a result of Yukon Party efforts) means that people who have a stake in those investments are coming to the Territory on business.

Special Ballots

These ballots are available for Yukon voters who will be IN the Yukon Territory during voting hours BUT, because they are
a. Housebound
b. Unable to vote in advance or regular poll because of employment, etc.
c. a student, or student's spouse or dependent, in an educational institution which is NOT in your own electoral district (eg, you are resident in Mayo, but are attending Yukon College in Whitehorse)
d. a temporary resident in a transition home
e. unable to vote in person at an advance poll or on polling day.

The Special Ballot can be downloaded from Elections Yukon. You cannot fax the signed ballot into Elections Yukon: you must mail it in, or have it delivered by hand. If you HAVE been issued a special ballot, you cannot vote in person at your polling station on polling day, or be issued a second ballot paper. So, don't lose it!

For a complete rundown, go to Elections Yukon.

Electoral Information

Having never been closely involved in an Election, your Blogress is interested in the details. I DO know, however, that the Election Act and its regulations are meant to ensure that we don't have elections like Zimbabwe's (is that benighted country still in the Commonwealth?) Each District has its own Returning Officer (PC Centre is Joanne Green) and its own Office (45 Boxwood Cr, Church of the Northern Apostles, phone is 667 - 8721 and hours are Mon to Fri 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

The Big Dates are: Revision (when you aren't on the List, or they mispelled it, or something), at the Returning Office. next Tuesday and Wednesday (Sept 26/27), 9 am to 9 pm.

There will be an Advance Poll (in case you won't be here on the 10th October) at Selkirk Elementary School, Sunday Oct 1 AND Monday Oct 2, from 2 pm to 8 pm.

Obviously, the Elections people WANT YOU ALL TO GET OUT AND VOTE!

And then, there are a couple of items I learned about this past weekend:
Special Ballot. And Proxy Vote.

Look to the next entry for info re that, or go to the ElectionsYukon Site for an excellent explanation.

a couple of not important remarks

Making population data bases has its own strange interests: you have to concentrate on spelling, and etc, so your attention CANNOT WANDER; but then, it is very very boring as you go into the 5th hour of a name list.

So, little things start to catch your interest. Today, I noticed that there were a lot of Porter Creek women named "Lisa Marie." I think Elvis would be proud!

Archie went along Evergreen tonight, with his campaign manager, Pat Berrel.

This is how the people vying for your vote spend the campaign season: walking around tapping on doors, and asking the citizen for his or her vote. It is Democracy at its best, people. And this is why democracies are so flexible, and successful - in asking for YOUR vote, the political candidate must pay attention to your concerns and opinions.

That vote of yours is no small thing, and should never be scorned. Being a Citizen of a democracy is a great privilege, one enjoyed by few people on earth today.

Zero Tolerance for Drug Dealers...

Dennis Fentie has announced "Zero Tolerance for Drug Dealers" - ie, a stick - along with a carrot: " a Focus on treatment and treatment facilities for their victims."

Drug houses will be shut down by using the enforcement provisions of the Substance Abuse Action Plan. Citizens' information and complaints will be focussed by a Community Enforcement/ Information Campaign. The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, passed by the YP government, is a key part of this plan.

Given an 80% recidivism rate in our current Corrections Process, Fentie said, one of the most important parts of this plan is a Yukon Community Court, led by a partnership of government, RCMP, Judiciary, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society of Yukon, the Committee on Abuse in Residential Schools, Legal Aid, and the Council for Yukon First Nations. The idea is to avoid turning our correctional facilities into a warehouse of alcoholics and drug addicts.

With Fentie, as he described this proposal, was Vicki Durrant, the Candidate for McIntyre/Takhini. (Scroll down to the bottom of the linked page.) Vicki has had years of volunteer experience in working with young people in our city. As Mr Fentie noted, the YP's approach is to involve all parts of the community in this effort, government, professional and volunteer.

Tuesday, opening day!

I have been remiss in my duties as your Blogress, because I have been making another data base, this time for Dean Hassard, who is the YP Candidate for Porter Creek South. And here is the headquarters Archie and Dean will share until October 10.
The signs certainly make it look LARGER, don't they?? You can find it at the back of the Porter Creek Super A Parking Lot, by the trees:

Downtown, the Territorial YP Party opened its own headquarters (where Microage had its Whitehorse shop, on 3rd and Elliot):

It isn't quite as cozy looking as the Porter Creek one, but then, this is the Headquarters of Headquarters. Marie Cox is in charge of the admin here.

And this rather wonderful poster was shown off, with the YP slogan, "Imagine Tomorrow." It portrays Elaine Taylor (Whse W); Dennis Fentie (Watson Lake); Jeannie VanBibber (Mayo-Tatchun) and Marian Horne (Pelly Nisutlin).

Porter Creek, a very short history

In wandering around Porter Creek (a real treat, the trees are GOLDEN), your Blogress has marvelled at the SIZE of the lots in the area. And then that question led to... whence cometh Porter Creek?

The logical person to ask was Jimmy Smith, Yukon's Commissioner from Nov 1966 to mid 1976. He told me that Porter Creek's lots were originally surveyed in 1950/51, and were sold from 1952. The largish sizes were intended to make room for the owners to drill their own wells and maintain their own septic tanks.


By 1967, Porter Creek was a local government issue, that is, would it be a subdivision of Whitehorse, or would it be a town unto itself?? Among others, Ken McKinnon (a later Commissioner, by the way) was on the side of a separate Porter Creek. Jimmy Smith, however, cut through the gordion knot of this battle, and - taking a CMHC metropolitcan plan's map -drew the borders of the City of Whitehorse... and included Porter Creek IN, as a subdivision. He could do that, because the Commissioner had most of the power in those days. The Government was a tiny thing, it could almost fit into a broom closet beside the Commissioner's desk.

As to Centennial Road, your Blogress has understood that this was ORIGINALLY the Alaska Highway, but re-named (in 1967??) because the Highway we know today was built bypassing Porter Creek.

Archie has started his 'door to door' campaign

....and here is a photo taken last night, when Archie was on Oak Street. He was late getting going because he attended the Porter Creek Community Association Fall meeting at the Guild Hall. Gail Johnson gave a presentation on the Versluce Meadows first phase report, a project Archie has strongly encouraged and supported.

We're having a wonderful September, and Porter Creek Streets look just beautiful!

Election Campaign begins in earnest...

..and a small group of interested 'marchforarch' supporters gathered to make plans as to how we proceed during the next month. Pat Berrel is Archie's Campaign Manager. He said something interesting: it was Archie's strong committment to something called the "Whole Child Program" that made Pat decide to actively support Archie's re-election.

Now, your Blogress knows NOTHING about this "Whole Child Program", but I will find out more, and report back to you as to what exactly this is. In the meantime, the internet link to their website is here. A study was done specifically for the RCMP as well as the WCP Board of Directors. The Programs receives high marks all round.


The Whole Child Program has offered programs since September 2001 to "coordinate services for students and families in this inner city area of Whitehorse through an active open school concept." It began in Whitehorse Elementary School and has recently expanded to include Elijah Smith Elementary.

Yukon Party has 3 new Candidates

Jerry Johnson has decided to seek the YP nomination for Whitehorse Centre Riding. "One of my most important concerns is to see that the needs of our seniors are being met," he says. The Yukon Party's government's decision to re-open the Thompson Centre as a continuing care facility, "is welcome news for those needing this specialized care." He is impressed with the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods legislation and the Substance Abuse Action Plan, too.

Jerry is married to Gail Hackney, and has made his home here for the past 14 years. (Your Blogress knows this man and thinks he is a very good person. The Yukon will be lucky to have him as a member of the YTG legislature. )

Vicki Durrant is seeking the YP nomination for McIntyre-Takhini Riding. She is a founding member of the Youth of Today Society and was instrumental in establishing Whitehorse's Blue Feather Youth Centre. She advocates strongly on behalf of youth and other disadvantaged people in our society.

As such, she has actively participated in the Children's Act Review, the Substance Abuse Summit and the Corrections Consultation.

Steve Nordick is seeking the YP nomination in the upcoming (October 10) election. He is "deeply committed to the Klondike region and its citizens," and he wants to "help our community grow and prosper, with all the programs and services we need to keep our families safe and healthy."

He and his wife, Tracy, own and operate the 5th Avenue Bed and Breakfast, a business that makes them very aware of the needs of Yukon's tourism industry. He is also the Operations Manager for Mackenzie Petroleums and Kluane Freight Lines in Dawson, both businesses that depend upon placer mining. As Steve says, "Our miners have always been a sustaining force to the health and well-being of the regional economy and they deserve our unwavering support."

The Facts about Yukon's Mining Boom...

Jim Kenyon - Yukon Party representative for Porter Creek North has a website now. And in it (under "Issues") is an interesting note. Some people think that the Yukon's current prosperity 'just happened' and that our mining activity would be occurring under any political leadership. Sort of like, it's all in the stars, all we have to do is clap our hands, think positively, and life will just get better...

And then there is Reality. The Mining Association of Canada released its "Facts and Figures" on the 18th of August.

In 2002, Yukon had $7.8 million in Mineral Exploration and Deposit Appraisal Expenditures.
In 2004, Yukon had $22.0 million in Mineral Exploration and Deposit Appraisal Expenditures.
In 2005, this rose to $54.2 million.
This constitutes a 146.7% increase from 2004 to 2005!
…and 2006 should be substantially higher yet.

Well, 'world mineral prices' have risen, haven't they?? Maybe it's just Fate, right?

Canada’s national average increase for the 2002-2004 was 16.3%.

YUKON, WORKING WITH THE SAME PRICES AS THE REST OF CANADA, DID ALMOST TEN TIMES BETTER THAN THE CANADIAN AVERAGE!!

AND the Yukon Party's government did this while increasing Yukon's protected areas to the highest in Canada.

Good for our guys!

Yukon Election Called: October 10th!

The writ has been dropped (why is it 'dropped' anyway??), and the Territorial Election will be 10th October. And the Election Headquarters for Porter Creek Centre AND South has arrived, and is now in the Porter Creek Super A parking lot.

Sort of small isn't it? However, the idea is not to lounge around a comfy spot, the idea is WORK!! Archie and Dean Hassard will share these quarters for the whole of the campaign.

'The two carpenters working on the front porch are Smiley Ford and Bill Hueberschwerlen. Bill wants me to include his nifty logo in this blog. I agreed to do so because (a) the Hueberschwelens have lived in Porter Creek for decades; and (b) it's a nice looking card. So, here it is:

More memories: Clyde Wann

Paul White is sharing a story about Clyde Wann... you can find it by clicking on 'Comments' at the end of the Clyde Wann Story. Also, if you have any other stories about the man, then email them to me, and I will enter them into the Clyde Wann Comments section. I think Mr Wann was an exceptionally interesting guy, who was well known by a LOT of Yukoners, and stories about him would be most welcome. I will save any and all that come my way, and put them into the Yukon Archives at the end of this Election Campaign.

More on Clyde Wann, of Wann Road, Porter Creek

Clyde Wann was a business man, and did a lot for the Yukon in his day. As we noted earlier, his company, Yukon Airways and Exploration, was the first to go into the airline business in the Yukon, back in 1927.

And then, after WWII, on the new Alaska Highway, Clyde built and operated FOUR highway lodges: Morley River Lodge (Mile 777.7), Swift River Lodge (Mile 733), Beaver Creek (Mile 1202) and Destruction Bay Lodge (Mile 1083).

It was tough running these isolated lodges in the 1950s and 60s: the road was gravel and dust and crooked, and the winters were much colder than they are today. Each lodge had to provide its own electricity and plumbing and other such services we take for granted today. Operating FOUR of them was a very difficult assignment, and Clyde Wann must have been quite a business person to do so successfully.

Anyway, I have been re-reading Bill Hodson's book** about life on the Highway during the 1950s (mainly). It is a completely great book, well written and researched, with colour photos, and vivid stories of people and adventures from that time. And there, on page 47, is a mention of Clyde Wann:

"Nibs (Feller) and I spent the night at the Swift River Lodge, where we witnessed a near riot in the beer parlour. Clyde Wann, the owner, was held captive while free beer was passed out for a couple of hours. When they had drank enough beer, the guys, a construction crew, threw all the furniture into the Swift River than ran nearby."

**The book may be purchased at Mac's Fireweed. It is called "Reports from Hines Creek and Coal River; stories by Bill Hodson", self published, 2004. The cover has a photo of Ken McKinnon with Bill Hodson, Back Then.

Corrections are being made!

The story of Holly MacDonald requires some editing. His wife and daughter tell me that the family lodge was named the "Clans Inn" and was at Pelly Crossing. Also, Holly and Josephine grew up in the Chinook Valley, Alberta, not Woking. So, I will go on down to that entry and make the necessary changes.

Also, the Election Headquarters STILL has not arrived to Porter Creek. I guess it is a lot farther from Teslin than I had thought.

Today is Tuesday, 5 September....

and Archie and Dennis Fentie gave a press conference outlining the YTG "Climate Change Strategy" which has been adopted. "This strategy provides direction on the broad strategies that the Yukon government can pursue internally to address climate change in the Yukon," Archie said.

Also, your Blogress has had LOTS of cards made, advertising this site, and they will be available at the election headquarters at the Porter Creek Super A Grocery Store. (Assuming, of course, that the trailer I keep hearing about actually materializes... but it WILL, it WILL. I know it will!)

Archie & Dean to set up their election headquarters

Its destination is the Super A parking lot, Centennial Road, Porter Creek. I had hoped to put up a photo of said trailer today, but.. it hadn't arrived this afternoon. Instead, you will have to be satisfied with some plants and rocks (taken today). Leaves look pretty when they turn red, don't they?

Holly MacDonald, of MacDonald Road

MacDonald Road curves around the north end of Porter Creek, marking the 'industrial' portion of the subdivision. It was named after Holly MacDonald, a man killed in an accident on the Mayo Road, October, 1969.

Holly was born in Manitoba in 1919, and raised on a homestead in the Chinook Valley, Alberta. After serving Overseas in the Canadian Army, he moved back to Alberta, and then - in 1953 - headed to the Yukon with his wife Josephine and his family, where he built a sawmill and a lodge ("The Clans Inn") at Pelly Crossing.

He was active in the Canadian Legion and the Conservative Party. In Holly's obituary in the Yukon Daily News, Ken Shortt noted that Holly "... always had one or more crusades to fall back on. He was continually campaigning for memorials to veterans, Yukon oldtimers or other historic figures. Or else he had a community project to work on. A ball park, a community hall, better lighting - they were all equally important to him."

But Holly was most famous and loved for his vivid stories and the sheer enjoyment he took in being alive. History - especially Scottish History - fascinated him, but so did northern history, and military history and politics. Many of his stories were published in 'The Beaver'. It might be worth someone's time to collect Holly's literary work: Dick North truly admired his writing ability, citing the very well-done obituary of Jim Porter:..."It was a eulogy, and as a eulogy, it was a masterpiece of writing...." (Midnight Sun Yukon Magazine, Dec 5, 1969)

The Highlander in the photo is the sign that decorated Holly's lodge on the Pelly River.