YUKON-CHARLEY RIVERS The World Turned Upside Down: A History of Mining on Coal Creek and Woodchopper Creek, Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska

1 Holmstrum's name appears with a number of variant spellings including Holmstrum, Holmstrum, Hulmstrom and Hulmstrum among others. For the purposes of this study, the most common spelling "Holmstrum" is being used throughout. Unlike the case of Frank Rossbach, no living relatives of Holmstrum have been located to clarify the spelling.

2 Having staked her original claims with her husband James H. Currie in 1904, then following a re-marriage to Emil Olson (possible spelling Oleson), Bessie Currie continues to own claims under the name of Bessie Olson/Oleson through the mid-1930s.

3 Notices of Location Nos. 26-49, Circle Mining District, Locations -- Book 3 (1907-09), pp 9-20.

4 A cord of wood measures four feet by four feet by eight feet (128 cubic feet).

5 A number of books about sternwheelers on Alaskan rivers have been written, including a number by those who worked on or piloted the steamboats. Among them are: Arthur E. Knutsen, Sternwheelers on the Yukon (Kirkland, Washington: Knutson Enterprises Inc., 1979); Melody Webb, "Steamboats on the Yukon," Alaska Journal, Vol. XV (Summer): 21-29; and Basil Hedrick and Susan Savage, Steamboats on the Chena: The Founding and Development of Fairbanks, Alaska (Fairbanks, Alaska: Epicenter Press, Inc., 1988).

6 "Bray to Moran," Deeds, Bills of Sale, Options to Purchase, Book 1, Circle District, 1900-1906, p. 149.

7 "Notice of Coal Land Location, Notice No. 170," Circle Mining District, Locations -- Book 4, pp 62-62.

8 For many years, Noonan's name has been reported as "D.J. Noonan." Careful examination of the original records shows it to be "D.T. Noonan." No other records have been located identifying anyone named "D.J. Noonan" in Alaska or the Yukon during this period. Noonan appears to have arrived in the Yukon in June 1898 when he was recorded by the NWMP at Chilkoot. ("NWMP Records At Chilkoot: Checkpoints Listing People Who Entered the Yukon," in Filson's Pan for Gold Databases at http://www.gold-rush.org.)

9 "Gertrude Bench Claim," Circle Mining District, Locations -- Book 1 (1900-1902), p. 325.

10 The "limits" of a creek or placer area are defined as the banks or edges. Right or left is determined by facing downstream. Therefore, the right limit of Coal Creek, would be the eastern bank of the creek.

11 "No. 1 Below Discovery on Magnet Hill," Circle Mining District, Locations -- Book 1 (1900-02), p. 326.

12 Discovery was made on the "D.T. Noonan Association" claim on February 26, 1902. "D.T. Noonan Association," Circle District Locations, Book 1 (1900-02), p. 357.

13 McGrath's prospecting eventually landed him over on the Kuskokwim River where the village of McGrath was named for him. See: "Clary Craig Database" Dawson City Museum, copy in the possession of the author.

14 Sherman Fraker and Doe Overgaard mined ventures on Little Eldorado Creek north of Fairbanks. Overgaard, along with Frank Reynolds, was partnered with Jess Rust on "Five Above" on Little Eldorado, Fraker and his partner Otto Nelson worked a neighboring claim. See: Clara Rust, "I Was a Bride on the Little Eldorado, Part One," Alaska Sportsman, (March 1963): 14-16; and Clara Rust, "I Was a Bride on the Little Eldorado, Part Two," Alaska Sportsman, (April 1963): 24-25, 32-33.

15 Information regarding the various rushes in the Klondike and Alaska was compiled from William R. Hunt, Golden Places: The History of Alaska-Yukon Mining, With Particular Reference to Alaska's National Parks (Anchorage: National Park Service, Alaska Region), n.d.

16 Information regarding the various rushes in the Klondike and Alaska was compiled from William R. Hunt, Golden Places: The History of Alaska-Yukon Mining, With Particular Reference to Alaska's National Parks (Anchorage: National Park Service, Alaska Region), n.d.

17 Information regarding the various rushes in the Klondike and Alaska was compiled from William R. Hunt, Golden Places: The History of Alaska-Yukon Mining, With Particular Reference to Alaska's National Parks (Anchorage: National Park Service, Alaska Region), n.d.

18 Information regarding the various rushes in the Klondike and Alaska was compiled from William R. Hunt, Golden Places: The History of Alaska-Yukon Mining, With Particular Reference to Alaska's National Parks (Anchorage: National Park Service, Alaska Region), n.d.

19 Information regarding the various rushes in the Klondike and Alaska was compiled from William R. Hunt, Golden Places: The History of Alaska-Yukon Mining, With Particular Reference to Alaska's National Parks (Anchorage: National Park Service, Alaska Region), n.d.

20 Many of the early claims staked by "those who came early and stayed late" were re-staked in 1935. This appears to be an attempt to clarify and define the claims in preparation for Gold Placers Inc. purchase. Many of the location notices, although signed by the claimants, were in fact filed for recording by Ernest Patty or others working for Gold Placers Inc. at the time.

21 Information regarding the various rushes in the Klondike and Alaska was compiled from William R. Hunt, Golden Places: The History of Alaska-Yukon Mining, With Particular Reference to Alaska's National Parks (Anchorage: National Park Service, Alaska Region), n.d.

22 Location notices filed from 1944 to 1948 represent claims on areas adjacent to, or immediately outside of, those where the dredges were working. They were primarily staked on Colorado Creek (tributary of Coal Creek) and a strong of claims between called "Nos. 40-63 Between Woodchopper and Coal Creek." The claimants were, for the most part, associated in one way or another with Gold Placers Inc. and Alluvial Golds Inc.

23 Charlene Porsild, Gamblers and Dreamers: Women, Men, and Community in the Klondike (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 1998), 201-209.

24 Based on the 1901 manuscript census for the Yukon including 38 census districts for Dawson City proper, Klondike City, South and West Dawson, and Moosehide Village.

25 Based on Porsild's "Master Index" developed from published and unpublished sources including archival records (census and other official records), diaries, and other written accounts of individuals living in the Klondike from 1898-1914.

26 Derived from entries in Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteers published from 1901 to 1912. They are indexed in David A. Hales, et al, An Index to: Dawson City, Yukon Territory and Alaska Directory and Gazetteer, Alaska-Yukon Directory and Gazetteer, and Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer and Business Directory, 1901-1912 (Fairbanks: University of Alaska, Alaska and Polar Regions Department, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, September 1995).

27 Occupations of those working claims in the Coal Creek and Woodchopper Creek drainages were derived from entries in Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteers published from 1901-1912. They are indexed in David A. Hales, et al, An Index to: Dawson City, Yukon Territory and Alaska Directory and Gazetteer, Alaska-Yukon Directory and Gazetteer, and Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer and Business Directory, 1901-1912 (Fairbanks: University of Alaska, Alaska and Polar Regions Department, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, September 1995).

28 Although this is an accepted euphemism for prostitution in the Kiondike, it is included here using a literal definition of "selling cigars and confections."

29 This category includes individuals who reported owning their own store or working for a store. Also included are those who worked for, or managed operations for the North American Transportation & Trading Co. (NAT&T Co.) and the Northwest Transportation and Trading Company (NWT&T Co.).

30 A "Layman" is one who has taken a lay on a claim. It refers to the financial arrangement between the owner of the claim and the layman. A lay is defined as: a share of the profit; specifically in whaling and sealing, the proportionate share of the profits of a voyage which each officer or member of the crew receives. This term has been introduced into Alaska placer mining where it means a lease worked on shares or a royalty.

31 A setter is a saw filer or a helper who puts the "set" into saw blades when they are resharpened, generally working in a saw mill. The "set" is the angle away from center that creates the kerf which in turn allows a saw blade to cut without binding in the wood.

32 This includes individuals working on the Casca, Canadian, Delta and the Monarch.

33 "Notice of Location, No. 347," Circle Mining District, Locations -- Book 4 (1910-18), p. 135. Brentlinger was accompanied by: L.C. Brentlinger (possible relative), J.P. Broadwater, A.M. Couchman, T.A. Hanson, and W. (William) J. Julian.

34 Deeds, Bills of Sale, Options to Purchase, Book 2 (1906-10), Microfilm No. 255, p. 490.

35 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1911-12), p. 139.

36 "Deed of Mining Claim," L.M. Reynolds to Lee Pate. Deeds, Bills of Sale, Options to Purchase, Book 2, (1906-10), Microfilm No. 255, p. 556-7.

37 "No. 6 Below Disc.," Circle District Locations, Book 4, 1910-1918, p. 374.

38 "No. 2 on Grouse Creek," Circle District Locations, Book 4, 1910-1918, p. 454.

39 See: Power of Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2, 1900-1906, p. 192. Also, "Certificate of Location of Placer Mining Claim: No. 1, Grouse Creek", Circle District Locations, Book 4, p. 453.

40 "Great Unknown," Circle District Locations, Book 4, 1910-1918, p. 135.

41 "Kitty Association," Circle District Locations, Book 5, 1918-1935, p. 310.

42 George McGregor to Frank Rossbach, letter dated July 25, 1933.

43 Jim Couch, "Tomorrow is for Hot Springs," The Alaska Sportsman, October 1956: 37.

44 Power of Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 1, 1900-1906, p. 468.

45 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer, 1901, p. 140 and Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer, 1902, p. 243.

46 Charlene Porsild, Gamblers and Dreamers: Women, Men and Community in the Klondike (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 1998), 124 and Lael Morgan, Good Time Girls of the Alaska-Yukon Gold Rush (Fairbanks AK: Epicenter Press, 1998).

47 Porsild, 129.

48 Power of Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2, 1909-1936, p. 91.

49 "No. 1 Above Discovery," Circle District Locations, Book 2, 1903-1906, p. 235.

50 "Hillside No. 4 Above," Circle District Locations, Book 2, 1903-1906, p. 294.

51 "Discovery", Circle District Locations, Book 2, 1903-1906, p. 282.

52 "Homestead Notice of Location," Circle District Locations, Book 2, 1903-1906, p. 289.

53 The "limit" of a creek is the side of the creek when viewed looking downstream. Therefore, the "left limit" of a creek is the left side when looking downstream.

54 "Left Limit, Rose Creek," Circle District Locations, Book 2, 1903-1906, p. 308.

55 "No. 1 Above," Circle District Locations, Book 2, 1903-1906, p. 382.

56 Personal communication from Connie R. Brian, Monroe, Utah, June 17, 2002.

57 The historic record is unclear if this is an abbreviation for Christian or Christopher. In either case, it always appears in the records with a period at the end indicating an abbreviation.

58 Power of Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2, 1909-1936, pp 27-28.

59 "Birch Bench Association," Circle District Locations, Book 4, 1910-1918, p. 45.

60 Ed Grignon is listed as an early miner at Fortymile. Jesse U. Powers also have been at the camp in the years prior to the Klondike stampede. See: Michael Gates, Gold at Fortymile Creek: Early Days on the Yukon (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 1994), 158 and 164.

61 "NWMP Records at Chilkoot," in Filson's Pan for Gold databases on the World Wide Web at http://www.gold-rush.org/ghost-07.htm.

62 Claim No. 29079, recorded in "Placer Mining Applications, Vol 1" in Filson's Pan for Gold databases on the World Wide Web at http://www.gold-rush.org/ghost-07.htm.

63 Claim No. 40862, recorded in "Placer Mining Applications, Vol. 1," in Filson's Pan for Gold databases on the World Wide Web at http://www.gold-rush.org/ghost-07.htm.

64 "No. 4 on Alice Creek," Circle District Locations, Book 2, p. 292.

65 "Notice of Placer Location, No. 155 and 156," Circle District Locations, Book 4, pp 56-57.

66 "Notice of Placer Location, No. 157," Circle District Locations, Book 4, p. 58.

67 "Notice of Location No. 1464," and "Notice of Location No. 2029," Circle District Locations, Book 6, 1935-1941, pp 38 and 164.

68 Power of Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2, 1909-1936, pp 508 and 511.

69 "Notice of Coal Land Location, No. 170," Circle District Locations, Book 4, pp 62-63.

70 Filson's, "NWMP Records at Chilkoot: Checkpoints Listing People Who Entered the Yukon."

71 According to Lael Morgan, the Floradora was described as a "marvel of opulence, hung with seven-foot-high oil paintings of nudes in tremendous guilt frames, which had been packed on men's backs over the trail in the early days." (Morgan, Good Time Girls of the Alaska-Yukon Gold Rush (Fairbanks AK: Epicenter Press, 1998), 70.)

72 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1907), 552 and (1909-10), 534.

73 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1909-10), 534.

74 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1905), 463.

75 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1909-10), 548 and (1911-12), 572.

76 Martha Louise Black, My Ninety Years (Edmonds, WA: Alaska Northwest Publishing, 1980), 47.

77 Lael Morgan, Good Time Girls of the Alaska-Yukon Gold Rush (Fairbanks AK: Epicenter Press, 1998); and Charlene Porsild, Gamblers and Dreamers: Women, Men, and Community in the Klondike (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 1998).

78 Charlene Porsild, Gamblers and Dreamers: Women, Men, and Community in the Klondike (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 1998), 104.

79 Charlene Porsild, Gamblers and Dreamers: Women, Men, and Community in the Klondike (Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 1998), 105.

80 Porsild points out that the NWMP were keeping a close eye on the "Flora Dora" at the time but reported that they could find no evidence of an illicit liquor trade being conducted (Porsild, 112). Shortly afterward, the Floradora's name was changed to the Hotel Royal Alexandra. W.W. Chandler continued to work there as a clerk through 1912. (Lael Morgan, Good Time Girls of the Alaska-Yukon Gold Rush (Fairbanks AK: Epicenter Press, 1998), 70.

81 Porsild, 112.

82 In Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer, Ms. Lewis' address is given as 217 1st Avenue in Dawson. Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer, (1911-12), 421.

83 "Notice of Location, No. 160," Circle District Locations, Book 3, p. 66.

84 "Notice of Location, No. 371," Circle District Locations, Book 2, p. 270.

85 "Notice of Placer Location, No. 765," Circle District Locations, Book 2, p. 339.

86 Mongrain, Chas. E., "Clary Craig, Post Office Worker List of People Dying or Leaving [the] Kiondike", in Filson's Pan for Gold databases on the World Wide Web at http://www.gold-rush.org/ghost-07.htm.

87 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1907), 153.

88 Mongrain, Chas. E., "Placer Mining Applications, Vol. 2 and 3," in Filson's Pan for Gold databases on the World Wide Web at http://www.gold-rush.org/ghost-07.htm.

89 Murphy, F.J., "NWMP Records at Lake Bennett: People Who Entered the Yukon Via Boats," in Filson's Pan for Gold databases on the World Wide Web at http://www.gold-rush.org/ghost-07.htm.

90 Murphy, F., Claim Nos. 10315, 90580, 97081, "Placer Mining Applications, Vol. 2," in Filson's Pan for Gold databases on the World Wide Web at http://www.gold-rush.org/ghost-07.htm.

91 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1905), 431.

92 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1907), 571.

93 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1909-10), 552.

94 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1911-12), 577.

95 "Location Notices No. 297 and No. 297," Circle Recording District, Book 4, p. 124.

96 There are two variations that appear throughout the records for this individual. The first is spelled "Olsen" and the second is spelled "Oleson." It is unclear which is the correct, if either.

97 George McGregor to Frank Rossbach, July 25, 1933.

98 George McGregor to Frank Rossbach, July 25, 1933.

99 Dale Patty, "The Patty Family at Coal Creek," presented before the Eagle Historical Society, July 18, 1998.

100 "Notice of Placer Location, No. 157," Circle Recording District, Locations, Book 4, p. 58.

101 "Notice of Placer Locations, No. 156," Circle Recording District, Locations, Book 4, p. 57.

102 Power of Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2, 1909-1936, p. 60.

103 "Notice of Placer Locations, No. 38," Circle Recording District, Locations, Book 3, pg. 207.

104 "Notice of Placer Locations, No. 581," Circle Recording District, Locations, Book 2, pg. 273.

105 Ibid.

106 Claim Nos. 237, 996, and 11423, recorded in "Placer Mining Applications, Vol. 2 and 3," in Filson's Pan for Gold databases on the World Wide Web at http://www.gold-rush.org/ghost-07.htm.

107 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1907), 153.

108 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1909-10), 135; and (1911-12), 140.

109 The historical record is unclear if Seligman and Margaret were married first and then he joined the company or if he was part of the company then married McRae's daughter. The two eventually divorced after which Seligman continued to hold his 500 shares of Alluvial Golds, Inc. stock until 1974 when he received $45,000.00 from the company to liquidate his assets.

110 Glen Franklin interview.

111 Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2, 1909-1936, p. 507.

112 Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2, 1909-1936, p. 571.

113 John C. Slaven is Frank Slaven's brother. Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2, 1909-1936, p. 572.

114 Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2, 1909-1936, p. 508.

115 Toupain, Carrie in "Clary Craig, Post Office Worker List of People Dying or Leaving [the] Klondike", in Filson's Pan for Gold databases on the World Wide Web at http://www.gold-rush.org/ghost-07.htm.

116 Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 1, 1900-06, p. 215.

117 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1901), 406; and (1902), 413.

118 Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District Recorder, Book 1, 1900-06, p. 466.

119 Polk Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1905), 130.

120 "No. 10 Above Discovery," Location Notice #611, Circle District Locations, Book 2, 1903-06, p. 280.

121 "No. 3 Above Discovery," Location Notice #611, Circle District Locations, Book 2, 1903-06, p. 281.

122 George McGregor to Frank Rossbach, letter dated July 25, 1933.

123 Ernest N. Patty, North Country Challenge (New York: David McKay Company, Inc., 1969), 144-5.

124 George McGregor to Frank Rossbach, letter dated July 25, 1933.

125 USGS Geologist J.B. Mertie recorded the following in his 1936 field notebook: "Monday, Aug 3, 1935 -- From Woodchopper camp, walk to Woodchopper. Stay there in afternoon, because Jack Welch, whom I wanted to take me to Circle, was drunk, and unfit to operate his gas boat." (J.B. Mertie, USGS Field Notebook (1925), pg 68.) There are a number of other entries noting Welch being unable to operate his boats due to his drunken condition.

126 North Country Challenge, 145-6.

127 North Country Challenge, 145-46.

128 The story of the flood is taken in it's entirety from North Country Challenge, 146-49.

129 North Country Challenge, 147.

130 North Country Challenge, 148.

131 North Country Challenge, 149.

132 North Country Challenge, 149.

133 Martin Adamik's name appears throughout the records with a number of spelling variations including: Adamik, Adamick and Adamvik. For consistency, it is spelled in this document with the most common variation, and that which appears in the payroll records for Gold Placers, Inc. (1936). These records are located in the Stanton Patty Collection, Ernest and Kathryn Patty Division, at the University of Alaska — Fairbanks, Elmer E. Rasmusson Library.

134 Dale Patty, interview, July 19, 1998; and Glen Franklin, interview, January 12, 1999.

135 Frank Hall (of Juneau) and his son Mallie (of Eagle River) currently hold the ground occupied by Adamik's lowest claims.

136 "Sun Rise," Location Notice Number 70, Circle District, Book 4 -- Locations, 1910-1918, page 26.

137 "Martins," Location Notice Number 545, Circle District, Book 4 -- Locations, 1910-1918, page 363.

138 "No. 2 Above Discovery," Location Notice Number 758, Circle District, Book 4 -- Locations, 1910-18, page 398 and "No. 1 Above Boulder Association," Location Notice Number 943, Circle District, Book 4 -- Locations, 1910-1918, page 434.

139 "Notice of Grouping," Location Notice Number 214, Circle District, Book 5 -- Locations, 1918-1935, page 281.

140 Glen Franklin, interview, January 12, 1999.

141 Dale Patty, interview, July 19, 1998.

142 Dale Patty, interview, July 19, 1998

143 Glen Franklin, interview, January 12, 1999.

144 Glen Franklin, interview, January 12, 1999.

145 Glen Franklin, interview, January 12, 1999 and Dale Patty, interview July 19, 1998.

146 Dale Patty, interview, July 19, 1998.

147 Karen Patty, "Coal Creek -- Woodchopper, 1954-1958," unpublished manuscript. Copy in Mrs. Patty's possession.

148 Dale Patty, interview, July 19, 1998.

149 Dale Patty, personal communication, January 21, 1999.

150 Dale Patty, interview, July 19, 1998

151 "From Ketchikan to Barrow," Alaska Sportsman, April 1961: 25.

152 "Clary Craig, Post Office Worker List of People Dying or Leaving [the] Kkondike," in Filson's Pan For Gold Databases at http://www.gold-rush.org.

153 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1911-12), 495.

154 John McPhee, Coming Into the Country (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1977), 249-57.

155 Glen Franklin, interview, January 12, 1999.

156 Ernest Patty, North Country Challenge (New York: David McKay Company, Inc., 1969): 113.

157 Dale Patty, interview, July 19, 1998.

158 Ernest Patty, North Country Challenge (New York: David McKay Company, Inc., 1969): 113-14.

159 North Country Challenge, 113-14.

160 Glen Franklin, interview, January 12, 1999.

161 North Country Challenge, 114.

162 North Country Challenge, 114.

163 Dale Patty, interview, July 19, 1998.

164 Dale F. Patty, "Coal Creek and Woodchopper Mining," June 12, 1998, unpublished manuscript in Mr. Patty's possession, p. 4.

165 Dale Patty, interview, July 19, 1998.

166 Glen Franklin, interview, January 12, 1999.

167 North Country Challenge, 114.

168 Dale Patty, interview, July 19, 1998.

169 Dale Patty to Douglas Beckstead, personal communication, January 23, 1999.

170 This site has been occupied by a progression of cabins dating to possibly the turn-of-the-century. Melody Webb Grauman in "Yukon Frontiers: Historic Resource Study of the Proposed Yukon-Charley National River," Occasional Paper No. 8 (Anthropology and Historic Preservation Cooperative Park Study Unit, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, November 1977), 506, credits Charlie Moon, a miner and prospector on Coal Creek in the 1920s with building one of the earliest cabins at this location. Subsequent owners included Hank Counette, Phil Berail, Ray Bell and Gordon Bertoson. Currently, Richard Smith has a cabin at the site.

171 Tim's last name is not available at this time. It is possible it may have been Tim Gingrich, one of several Gingrich brothers who worked for Gold Placers Inc.

172 Karen Patty, "Coal Creek -- Woodchopper, 1954-1958," unpublished manuscript, copy in Mrs. Patty's possession, p. 17.

173 Dale F. Patty, "Coal Creek and Woodchopper Mining," June 12, 1998, unpublished manuscript, copy in Mr. Patty's possession, p. 4.

174 Ibid.

175 Ibid.

176 As a testament to the strength and constitution of a woman, Karen Patty accompanied her husband Dale to Coal Creek in June 1954 with their 9 month old son. The following year she had twins four months prior to returning to the camp for the summer. She and Dale, with a lot of help from others at the camp, had their family of five at the camp for the next six seasons. This was long before the days of disposable diapers!

Sally Murray was the wife of Ted Murray, the accountant for Gold Placers Inc. in the 1950s. Ted and Sally, as well as Dale and Karen Patty and Harry and Flo Gingrich were among the few couples who lived on the creeks with the dredge operations.

178 Karen Patty, "Coal Creek -- Woodchopper, 1954-1958," unpublished manuscript, copy in Mrs. Patty's possession, p. 17.

179 Ibid.

180 "Resident Dies," Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, January 24, 1961: 3.

181 "From Ketchikan to Barrow," Alaska Sportsman, April 1961: 25.

182 Samuel Downs Harvey, "An Alaskan Travelogue," holographic copy in author's possession.

183 1920 US Manuscript Census for Woodchopper, Alaska.

184 "No. 2 Above Discovery," Location Notices, Circle Mining District, Book 1 -- Locations, 1900-1902, page 328.

185 "Mineral Association," Location Notice Number 368, Circle Mining District, Book 4 -- Locations, 1910-1918, page 141. Along with Frank Rossbach and George McGregor, Holmstrum's claims provide a unique opportunity to examine who was working claims on Woodchopper Creek over the entire span of time prior to the Alluvial Golds Inc. dredge coming in in the 1930s. Holmstrum, initially working his ground alone, eventually partnered with Rossbach who then, following Holmstrum's departure, partnered with McGregor. McGregor eventually selling the claims to Alluvial Golds Inc. in the mid-1930s.

186 Dietrich Rossbach, interview, November 20, 1998; and Sonia Rossbach Defrances, interview, November 19, 1998.

187 "Comet," Location Notice Number 525, Circle Mining District, Book 4 -- Locations, 1910-1918, page 351.

188 Dietrich Rossbach and Sonia Rossbach Defrances have photographs, letters and other records from their father's time on Woodchopper Creek. Frank Rossbach developed and printed his own photographs while living on the creek, obtaining his supplies through mail order houses such as Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward.

189 Elva Scott to Doug Beckstead, June 13, 1999.

190 Samuel Downs Harvey, "An Alaskan Travelogue," August 1927. Original in author's possession.

191 A copy of George McGregor's diary is located in the collection of the Eagle Historical Society and Museums. A transcript of it is in the author's possession.

192 McGregor, George. Death certificate No. 4685, Clark County, Washington.

193 A tramp steamer is a freighter that has the capability of carrying a limited number of passengers. Conditions were not the best since the vessel's primary duty was cargo, not people.

194 Sonia Rossbach Defrances, interview, November 11, 1998 and Dietrich Rossbach, interview, November 20, 1998. Most of the information relating to Rossbach is derived from these interviews including dialog as related by Mrs. Defrances and Mr. Rossbach.

195 Pierre Berton, The Klondike Fever: The Life and Death of the Last Great Gold Rush (New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, 1989), 23.

196 The first record of John Holmstrum on Woodchopper Creek comes from an association mining claim filed for 160 acres of ground known as the "Mineral Association." The claim contained the placer ground from the confluence of Mineral Creek and Woodchopper Creek to a point one mile downstream on Woodchopper. Partners in the association included: John Corcoran, D. Crawley, H. Lewis, M. McLeod, W.F. Stair and E. Vass. [Circle District, Book 4 -- Locations, 1910-1918, page 141.]

197 Sonia Rossbach Defrances, interview, November 11, 1998 and Dietrich Rossbach, interview, November 20, 1998. Also, John McPhee, Coming into the Country (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1977): 222. According to Defrances and Rossbach, their father mentioned having known "Pete the Pig." McPhee identifies him as Pete Frisk, who eventually died at the Pioneer Home in Sitka (pg. 333). He later identifies Pete's camp as being on Hanna Creek, a tributary to the Charley River approximately ten miles south from Rossbach's claims on Woodchopper Creek (pg. 334). According to Pierre Berton, "Pete the Pig" was earlier at Fortymile (Pierre Berton, The Klondike Fever: The Life and Death of the Last Great Gold Rush (New York: Carroll & Graff Publishers, 1989), 18.).

198 John McPhee, Coming into the Country (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1977): 222. There are no records of anyone named the "Evaporated Kid" in the vicinity of Coal Creek and Woodchopper.

199 Sonia Rossbach Defrances, interview, November 11, 1998 and Dietrich Rossbach, interview, November 20, 1998.

200 Circle District, Book 4 -- Locations, 1910-1918, page 349.

201 Circle District, Book 4 -- Locations, 1910-1918, page 350.

202 Circle District, Book 4 -- Locations, 1910-1918, page 351.

203 This story is taken in its entirety from Sonia Rossbach Defrances, interview, November 11, 1998 and Dietrich Rossbach, interview, November 20, 1998.

204 Sonia Rossbach Defrances, interview, November 11, 1998 and Dietrich Rossbach, interview, November 20, 1998.

205 By the time McGregor wrote this letter, the country, and in fact the world, was wrapped in the throes of the Great Depression. Because of their lifestyle, it had little effect on the miners living along the Yukon.

206 Cornell worked for the Alaska Railroad during the summers during the early 1930s.

207 Bessie Curry Olsen, in addition to Flora Brentlinger, Kate (Mrs. Jack) Welch and Kathryn Patty is one of the few women who held placer mining claims in the two drainages. She was previously married to James Curie (of Circle) and later to Emil Olsen.

208 The biography of Frank Slaven is taken in part from: Douglas Beckstead, "Frank Slaven's Life on the Yukon River During Gold Rush Days," Slaven Family Bulletin (16), April 1999: 1-7.

209 One caveat must be put forth. Pay careful attention to how their last names are spelled. The boxer spelled his name "SLAVIN" while the one who later lived at Coal Creek spelled his "SLAVEN". Initially it was thought that the variation was due to handwritten records and semi-literate clerks. In the end this has proven to be an incorrect assumption.

210 Lewis Green, The Gold Hustlers: Dredging the Klondike 1898-1966 (Anchorage: Alaska Northwest Publishing Company, 1977), 44, 138-39.

211 Lewis Green, The Gold Hustlers: Dredging the Klondike 1898-1966 (Anchorage: Alaska Northwest Publishing, 1977), 145.

212 Ira Joralemon, "Report on Coal Creek Placers," 4

213 Lewis Green, The Gold Hustlers: Dredging the Klondike 1898-1966 (Anchorage: Alaska Northwest Publishing, 1977), 109. Joralemon, "Report on Coal Creek Placers," 4.

214 "New Mining Co. Starts Big Works," Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, December 12, 1935, p 5. Also, Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1901), 291; (1902), 259; (1905), 465; and (1907), 568.

215 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1902), 259 and 387; (1905), 476; and (1907), 578.

216 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1907), 559; and (1909-10), 556.

217 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1902), 352; (1903), 433; (1905), 467; and (1907), 570.

218 Polk's Alaska-Yukon Gazetteer (1901), 377; (1902), 395; (1905), 468; and (1907), 581.

219 William Rodney, Joe Boyle: King of the Klondike (New York: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1974), np.

220 Dale Patty, personal communication, June 25, 1998. Patty is referring to the fact that Slaven's Roadhouse was the more popular of the two between his and the Woodchopper Roadhouse owned and operated by Jack and Kate Welch and located five miles down river from Coal Creek.

221 Glen Franklin. Interview, January 8, 1998.

222 17 Stat. 348, The General Mining Law of 1872.

223 Undated article from the Dawson Daily News, copy in the author's possession. The copy was provided by Sherrie Harrison and the Slaven family.

224 Undated article from the Dawson Daily News, copy in the author's possession. The copy was provided by Sherrie Harrison and the Slaven family. It is evident that this article comes from the Dawson Daily News as it uses terms relating to mining in the Circle District that would not fit with a report written in Missouri.

225 Dale Patty, personal communication, June 25, 1998.

226 Ira Joralemon, Adventure Beacons (New York: Society of Mining Engineers of AIME for the Mining and Metallurgical Society of America, 1976), 325.

227 J.B. Mertie, "Field Notebook, 1938" in the USGS Archival Collections, Anchorage, Alaska.

228 Sonia Rossbach Defrances, interview, November 19, 1998 mentions her father, Frank Rossbach, telling stories about Valentine Smith. Melody Webb, in "Yukon Frontiers: Historic Resource Study of the Proposed Yukon-Charley National River," Occasional Paper No. 8, Anthropology and Historic Preservation Cooperative Park Study Unit, University of Alaska, Fairbanks (1977) credits "Woodchopper Smith" with constructing the roadhouse at the mouth of Woodchopper Creek (pages 497-501).

229 George McGregor to Frank Rossbach, July 25, 1933 (see page 52 for the full text of this letter).

230 Glen Franklin, interview, January 8, 1999.

231 According to USGS geologist J.B. Mertie's field notebook, Mertie discussed naming several geographical features with Slaven during a visit to Coal Creek in late August of 1938. Therefore, he could not have left the country prior to late summer of 1938.

232 Washington State Department of Health, Division of Vital Statistics, Certificate of Death No. 4074.

233 The 1920 US Census lists Frank Slaven as a widower at the time. However, ten years earlier, in 1910, he appears as "single." At this point, no records have been found indicating when, or to whom Slaven was married.

234 Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 14, 1942, p. 22.

235 The management and proprietors of the Bonney-Watson Funeral Home in Seattle, Washington graciously provided copies of their files associated with Frank Slaven.

236 Records for individuals granting power-of-attorney to Frank Slaven are recorded in "Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District, Books 1 and 2" and available on microfilm through the Bureau of Land Management in Fairbanks, Alaska.

237 Jennie Greathouse granted her power-of-attorney to Slaven while living in Santa Cruz, California on August 16, 1935 ("Jennie Greathouse to Frank Slaven," Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District Recorder, Book 2, page 508) and again while she was living in Douglas, Arizona on September 3, 1935 ("Jennie Greathouse to Frank Slaven," Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District Recorder, Book 2, page 511).

238 Those individuals from Santa Cruz granting Slaven power-of-attorney include three Slaven family members (Emma J., Flora, and J.C. Slaven) and two others (Jennie Greathouse and Maude A. Hohenshell).

239 Although they lived at the mouth of Coal Creek, the document granting power-of-attorney from Mary E. Bissell to Frank Slaven was notarized at Woodchopper, Alaska the location of the nearest notary public.

240 "Emma J. Slaven to Frank Slaven," Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2 (1909-36), 507. Emma Slaven was Frank Slaven's step-mother.

241 "Flora Slaven to Frank Slaven," Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2 (1909-36), 571. Flora Slaven was J.C. Slaven's second wife.

242 "J.C. Slaven to Frank Slaven," Power-of-Attorney, Circle Mining District, Book 2 (1909-36), 572. J.C. Slaven's full name was Joseph Clarence Slaven. (Sherrie Harrison to Doug Beckstead, personal communication, March 18, 2001.)

243 Evangeline Atwood and Robert N. Dearmond, comps, Who's Who in Alaskan Politics: A Biographical Dictionary of Alaskan Political Personalities, 1884-1974 (Portland, Oregon: Binford & Mort, 1977), 14.

244 Lael Morgan, Good Time Girls of the Alaska-Yukon Gold Rush (Fairbanks, Alaska: Epicenter Press, 1999).