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In The News
The Nome News
Nome, Alaska
Saturday, December 2, 1899
Vol. 1, No. 9
Page 1.
NEWS NOTES.
A brand-new Old Glory floats from the Flagstaff of St. Bernard hospital, the
gift of contractor P. J. Lauritzen.
City recorder Pennington reports a material increase in the business of his
office.
There is said to be a scarcity of provisions at Cape York and people are warned
not to visit that camp without taking grub enough with them to last during their
stay in the district.
Dr. Emil Pohl has moved his office to the Owl drugstore, of which he is one of
the proprietors.
T. M. Jordan, age 24 years died of typhoid fever at St. Bernard's November 24.
Deceased was formally a resident of Seattle where his family resides. The
funeral took place on Sunday and was largely attended.
A new bulletin board for the Congregational church was the gift of H. O. Nordwig.
A. E. Claflin is rapidly recovering from an attack of typhoid-pneumonia.
P. H. McGrath's outfitting and notion store, east of Kill's meat market.
Harry Leland, the sweet singer of Nome, broke a phonograph in Brown's Hall the
other day, while pouring his voice into the machine.
Harry Stroebel, who was in Nome last summer, died at Unalakleet November 1 of
typhoid fever.
T. J. Nestor is thinking of engaging in the work of beach mining, he has the
machinery necessary for winter work and believes he might as well utilize it.
Chief clerk Kimball, of the post office department, has been "working" a lot of
newspaper mail which arrived on late steamers this fall. The mail was delivered
here in Saint Michael lock pouches and could not be got at until Mr. Kimball's
arrival.
D. D. McLennan of the Exchange, a practical mining man, says an answer to an
inquiry, that this camp is no longer a prospectors field, but a substantial gold
producing district, whose future greatness is guaranteed by every practical
mining man who has taken the time to build a foundation for an intelligent
opinion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CARROLL EVADES PURSUERS.
Last Seen Heading for Council City.
Joe Carroll has been heard from and at last accounts Blatchford and Crowley, his
pursuers were away ahead of him, while Joseph was taking his time with a small
pack on his back, and making his way presumably to Council City. Contrary to
general belief it seems that Carol did not leave Nome with the dog team, or if
he did he disposed of it before reaching Port Safety. The sled he obtained from
the A. C. Co., and which he sold, has been recovered.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UNITED STATES MAIL.
Will Leave Nome About December 7.
Chief Clerk Kimball of the Mail Service Will Personally Take Mail to St.
Michael.
The United States mail will leave Nome about December 7 for Golovin and Saint
Michael, connecting at the latter point with the regular January contract trip
for Yukon River points, Skagway and the States. This announcement was made
yesterday by F. G. Kimball, chief clerk of the mail service, stationed at Saint
Michael, who arrived in Nome Wednesday evening. Mr. Kimball also brought in
about 250 letters from Saint Michael which arrived late this fall. He left Saint
Michael November 1. Mr. Kimball will personally take to Saint Michael all letter
mail yes that may be on hand when he leaves. This mail will be forwarded to up
to Yukon about January 1. Speaking of the river service this winter Mr. Kimball
expressed the belief that it would be satisfactory. The subcontractor between
Saint Michael and Tanana is G. A. Belt, US Commissioner at the latter place, and
he is a thoroughly reliable man that part of the route will be promptly covered.
The post office officials have authority to push the mails through whatever a
contractor fails his duty. As each failure as a matter of some $2000 to the
contractor they are likely to use the necessary diligence in rushing the mails.
Mail that may arrive in Saint Michael for Nome will be forwarded to goal of an,
and from thence it will not be a difficult matter to get it to the city. A mail
from Yukon River points and the states was due December 1, and this will be
forwarded to Nome on Mr. Kimball's return to Saint Michael.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REINDEER BOUND NORTH.
A herd of 500 reindeer arrived in Nome Wednesday evening. 300 of the number came
from Eaton Station on the Unalakleet River, and 200 came from Golovin Bay. Dr.
Gamble, superintendent of the Eaton reindeer station, accompanied the herd,
which was in charge of four Lapps. Of the number 330 are for Sinrock Charlie, at
Sinrock, to replace 130 dear borrowed by the government for the point Barrow
relief expedition of 1898. The remainder of the herd go to Cape Prince of
Wales's, and they were taken north yesterday. The journey from Eaton to Nome was
long and tedious, 29 days having been consumed in reaching here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ALEX. PATTERSON SAFE.
Found of Sledge Island by a Party of Prospectors.
Alex. Patterson, the man who was blown out to sea on November 15, and who, it
was feared, had perished, is alive and will soon be all right again, after
undergoing many hardships. It will be remembered that Patterson was in a boat
that was being towed up the beach by dogs. In the party were E. B. Dozier and
Geo. Crawford, Patterson being in the boat and the others on shore. The boat was
cut loose, and a squall striking it, it drifted rapidly out to sea. Patterson
managed to head the craft for sledge Island, which he reached about 4 o'clock
next morning. He was without matches and could build no fire, and he had no food
save a few pounds of rice and some vegetable soup. His clothes were soaked with
water, and crawling into his sleeping bag, he slept for hours. In looking over
the island he found an abandoned Indian hut, and here he was found two days
later by Jerry Galvin, one of the party of prospectors, consisting of himself,
Arthur Gordon, Harry Dobson, Frank Riley, and W. Jones. Patterson had torn the
sleeves out of his coat and put them on his feet. Patterson's wants were
supplied, but the party had little food, their stock being reduced to four ducks
and 2 pounds of rice, and Gordon concluded to make an attempt to reach Nome. He
left on Sunday and got to Sinrock after a perilous journey over the ice. He
reach Nome on Monday and a relief expedition had organized to go to the
assistance of the men, when on Tuesday the others came in. They had concluded to
try and reach shore in the same manner as Gordon, and they succeeded by jumping
from ice flow to ice flow with the aid of polls. They were about six hours in
reaching the shore. Gordon displayed considerable heroism in setting out a loan
to mate what he and others knew to be a perilous trip.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FIRST MAIL FOR OUTSIDE.
Next Wednesday morning Fred Koltchoff, the veteran traveler, will start with the
first mail direct from Nome to the outside. Mr. Koltchoff will travel over the
trail to Katmai on Cook Inlet, and he expects to reach Seattle the latter part
of January. He is thoroughly equipped for traveling, having fine dog teams and
being thoroughly accquainted with the route is fully able to make quick time.
Mr. Koltchoff is a remarkable man in many respects. From years of experience in
these regions he has an extensive knowledge of the country. He is rather under
than over medium stature, with a well knit frame and keen, intelligent face,
that at once impresses one with the idea that here is a man who will accomplish
what he sets out to do.
The mail carried by Mr. Koltchoff will be placed in a U.S. lock pouch, and
besides Mr. Koltchoff is a sworn carrier. All mail matter must be left at the
post office or Kimball Co.'s not later than 6 p.m. December 4th. Mr. Koltchoff
will take out with him a large number of late copies of the News.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 2.
PTARMIGAN NOTES.
Marshal Lee holds the record as a ptarmigan hunter. The reason is obvious: he
invariably uses silver bullets.
Judge Bard has a record of 15 for this week. How he got them is another story.
"Put your ptarmigan in the oven after having stuffed it with breead crumbs, sage
and onions; the bacon on the bird so that it will be well basted and cook till
done. It's a fine dish." -- Dudley P. Harrison.
Mose Rosencrantz gave a ptarmigan supper the other night, at whicch a number of
his Jewish friends were present. A well known businessman, not a Hebrew, was
also present. Some of the guests thought that he, too, was of the same faith and
when he declared that he was not, one of them remarked: "Well, we thought you
were. You do business like a Jew, anyway." The laugh was on the businessman, but
he enjoyed the ptarmigan.
There are more expert crap shooters than ptarmigan hunters anyway.
"Argosy" Joe Carroll is as swift a bird as has been seen in Nome, but he is in
danger of being caught on the wing.
In the early days of Skagway Soapy Smith met a Dawson butcher named Dumbolton
who was looking for a ptarmigan that he might take it home and mount it. Soapy
was looking for a pigeon that he might pluck it. So he invited the Dawson man
into his bureau of ptarmigan and other information. The visit cost the Klondiker
a poke containing $600 in dust, and he got no ptarmigan either.
Judge Clark walked down thee street in a stately and dignified manner with a
couple of ptarmigan in his hand. A hungry husky eyed the judge and the birds and
with a stealthy bound the dog seized a bird, and almost before the judge had
time to miss the ptarmigan the dog had disappeared with it under the sidewalk.
The judge mused for a moment, and looking yearningly up and down the street,
murmured, "Drat the dog."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 3.
Possible Candidates.
Their promises to be a goodly number of candidates for the forthcoming election
in the second Ward. Among the names already mentioned are: Capt. Ferguson, J. H.
Wright, M. R. Button, Maj. E. S. Ingraham, P. J. Lauritzen, Maj. Roth and H. von
Sohnen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LOCAL ITEMS.
Carl Lead's cabin, opposite Simpson & Co.'s warehouse, was entered Thanksgiving
night, and three boxes of provisions, etc., Two guns and a tent stolen, after
the thieves had thoroughly ransacked the premises.
W. B. Dean is erecting a 20 x 30 building on second Street, in which he will
store 300 tons of ice this winter.
Miss Raymond served ice cream, cake and lemonade at the Fireman's ball.
A feature of the Fireman's ball, and the subject of much good-natured merriment
was Jim Gibson arrayed in Roxie Reber's coat with a reef in the collar.
The Anvil Masonic Club will given entertainment, which will be out of the
ordinary, on Christmas night.
Burrell & Brown, the Kotzebue mail contractors, left yesterday for Saint
Michael, taking with them a large number of copies of the News.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 4.
COMING BY THOUSANDS.
Tide of Travel That Will Set Toward Nome.
From Upper Yukon, From the States And From Europe Will They Come Tens of
Thousands Strong.
It is reasonably certain that quite an addition to Nome's population will be
made before the ice leaves Bering Sea next spring. The references to immigration
and not to natural causes. It is known to the news that hundreds of people will
leave the Klondike after January 1 and make their way down the Yukon, the
intention being to get into Nome "ahead of the push" which is expected by the
first steamers that arrived from southern ports. Every mining camp on the lower
Yukon will also add to the number. Advices received by the news by the late
steamers this fall, were to the effect that the number of people coming to Nome
next spring and summer would be limited only by the transportation facilities.
Passage on steamers plying between Puget Sound and Bering Sea ports had already
been engaged to the full carrying capacity of the steamers. A number of new
steamers are also being built for the passenger and freight trade business
between Nome and the South, while scores of sailing vessels will be impressed
into the service. It is safe to assume that at least 30,000 people will be
brought to Nome next season. What this means can easily be imagined. It means
the populace, thriving city, developments of scores and hundreds of placer
claims on the various creeks, for the capitalist will be in the front rank of
the newcomers, and he will avail himself of the opportunities presented to
invest his money. It means activity in the real estate market, the initiation of
new business enterprises, and generally, the opening up of a vast mineral
country.
There are many good quartz prospects on the different creeks. While it is true
that they are as yet prospects, with the influx of capital quartz minds will be
developed and, this coupled with the placer mining industry will make this
section the greatest mining camp on earth. The reports coming from the new
districts are encouraging, and go to prove that thousands of men will find
lucrative employment next year in developing the hidden riches of a vast extent
of country. The interest manifested in this new mining region is not confined
solely to the United States. It extends to Europe as well. As an instance of
this fact it may be cited that W. H. Church, of the London, England, deck
company has written deputy Marshall Lee, asking him to secure 50 state rooms on
the first steamer leaving Seattle next spring for Nome. The letter was addressed
to Mr. Lee at Seattle and was forwarded to Nome on the last steamer arriving
here. Mr. Lee, in his capacity as a mining engineer, represented Mr. church in
various important deals in Mexico and Southern Oregon in recent years.
The first mail advices received in known from the outside this winter are sure
to bring tidings of unparalleled interest in this section.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MINING NOTES.
Reports coming from Mint Creek in the Arctic mining district, across the divide
from Cape York, our most encouraging. On discovery claim, owned by James P.
Rudd, Paddy O'Donnell and Dick Tracy a prospect of $1.25, coarse gold, was got
from five pans of dirt. Bedrock is reached at a depth of 4 feet.
J. D. Miller of the Grotto hotel bought a claim on Yankee Creek in Arctic mining
district previous to leaving York. He did not see the claim but he considered it
a safe buy.
Frank Rivers and two other men left on Saturday on a prospecting trip across the
divide from the head of the Nome River. They will be gone about three weeks.
John P. Jacobson, the newly elected recorder of Cripple River mining district,
was in town this week for the purpose of seeing what steps can be taken to oust
the late recorder McCoskrie, it is alleged, is still acting as recorder for the
Cripple River District.
A number of Stampeders went out this week to the New El Dorado district about 60
miles north this district was organized last week as reported in the news.
Eddy & Nelson and Beach Bros. are making good progress on No. one Snow gulch, on
which they have a lease from the Pioneer mining company.
Sledge Island, which has been the scene of some prospecting of late, is said to
be practically bearing as far as placer gold is concerned, but it is said there
are evidences of quartz ledges to be found on the island.
It is stated that New El Dorado, the new mining district organized last week
near Siniak, takes apart of Fairview and Sinrock mining districts, and that
trouble and confusion are likely to result therefrom. Sinrock, it is claimed, is
the oldest mining district on this coast and originally it included Cripple
River and Granite districts.
Capt. W. H. Ferguson has received word that a claim owned by him on Mint Creek,
Arctic district, has yielded as high as $2.50 to the pan. Last summer Capt.
Ferguson got a one dollar pan on deer Creek in the Kanowgok district. He also
says that Hank Somers, on Lieut. Hamlet's claim on Bhunner Creek, in the last
named district, cleaned up and out in three hours, and as he had but one sluice
box, he was unable to save any of the fine gold. In the cleanup work to $.80
nuggets. On Onacovuk River Capt. Ferguson got a $.25 prospect in one shovelful.
Maj. Lippincott, who owns number 28 on Mint Creek, has also received encouraging
reports from Arctic district. His claim is a promising one and experts who have
examined it and the Creek say that Maj. Lippincott's claim, undeveloped as it
is, is easily worth $10,000.
H. B. Newman, recorder for Sinrock mining district, was in town this week. Mr.
Newman has been in Sinrock since August 1898. The first prospects in that
district were found on Independence Creek, the gravel running from $.05-$.50 a
pan. Although many claims were staked last year none were recorded until after
January 1 this year so that there are none open for relocation in that district
as is generally supposed. Sinrock has a population of about 30 white men.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OUR FIRST HOLIDAY.
How Thanksgiving Was Observed in Nome.
Many Dinner Parties and Reunions and a Jolly, Good Time Had Generally In and Out
of Town.
Nome's first Thanksgiving day was generally observed. Mayor Cashel issued a
proclamation asking that the citizens lay aside their business cares and the
request met with a cordial reception. The business houses, as a rule, were
closed and the people gave themselves over to the observance of one of the
nation's foremost holidays. Many dinner parties and social reunions were held
during the day and the evening previous and an era of good fellowship prevailed
throughout which only went to prove that though removed by thousands of miles
from former ties and kindred the spirit which actuates the Thanksgiving spirit
is alive wherever the American flag is planted.
On Thanksgiving Eve Councilman J. W. Donovan and Mrs. Donovan entertained a few
friends at dinner. The repast served was one of the most elegant descriptions
and was heartily enjoyed by the guests. Mr. Donovan is a prince of entertainers
and he was ably assisted by his amiable wife. After the discussion of the
repast, which included the finest liquids and solids procure a ball, the evening
was spent in songs and instrumental music interspersed with stories of the early
days of the Yukon, of which Mr. Donovan is a pioneer. The guests were: Lieut.
Craigie, Dr. Kierulff, A. M. Pope, F. L. Bates, Mell Yates, O. Beaton, W.
Wheaton and J. F. A. Strong.
George Murphy, the popular proprietor of the Northern, kept open house. With the
aid of able chefs he had a fine dinner prepared for his patrons and the general
public and fully 400 people enjoyed the bountiful spread, which the generosity
and thoughtfulness of the genial proprietor of the Northern had provided.
Mine hosts Miller and Wilson of the Grotto entertained a few friends at a real
chicken dinner on Thanksgiving night. The repast was a sumptuous one and was
thoroughly enjoyed by the guests of the genial hosts. Those present were: L. L.
Lane, Dr. Pohl, C. A. Gay,, Louis Pelz, Key Pittman, Jim Wilson, J. B. Miller,
Dick Agnew, Misses Lawrence and Davenport.
"A dinner was given Thanksgiving afternoon" in honor of the big six of sledge
Island," in Rice's building on Snake River. The big six included Capt. Gordon,
Jerry Galvin, Frank Riley, Henry Dobson, William Jones and Alex Patterson, whom
the others were instrumental in succoring on Sledge Island. A substantial dinner
was served, liquid refreshments were profuse, and toasts, songs, music and
dancing were indulged in.
One of the most pleasant gatherings was that of the River Nome Protective
Association, at the mouth of the river on Thursday afternoon. The Association
was organized on November 7 for mutual protection, but since it has become a
social organization. The banquet was held in the building of the Wildgoose
Mining Company, which was handsomely decorated. Prior to dinner being served
there was an informal reception at the residence of Mr. Griffin. The dinner was
prepared under the supervision of Mesdames Worn and Bongard, and was thoroughly
enjoyed. Capt. Ferguson and Maj. Roth made pleasing speeches, the Jolly Capt.
having a favorite subject, "The Ladies." The members of the Association who were
present were: J. H. Griffin,C. D. Belieu, Capt. Bayne, Capt. Skog, R. L.
Newhouse, A. Lunn, A. Appel, T. O. James, A. T. Snearley, D. J. Hart, R. J.
Heppell, W. Schmall, T. R. Capwell, J. H. Capwell, L. Espe, J. C. Kidston, Louis
Hurst, Geo. R. Worn, H. B. Miller. The guests were: Major Roth, Capt. Ferguson,
A. E. Walker, F. E. Winters, G. L. Rhodes, S. T. Kelso, J. F. Kearney, Dudley P.
Harrison, "Chipmunk" Pelton, Mr. and Mrs. Bongard, Mrs. Worn.
E. R. Beeman entertained the members of the Minneapolis Alaska Development Co.
at dinner Sunday evening.
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The Fireman's Ball.
The first annual ball of the Nome fire Department Thanksgiving night was a grand
success. The attendance was large, the music excellent and the management did
everything possible to make the event an enjoyable one. The hall had been
tastefully decorated by the fire boys with flags, bunting, axes, lanterns and
hose in a manner that reflected credit upon the artistic skill and ingenuity of
the decorators. The dancing program was given a home flavor by applying local
names to many of the numbers. Dr. Humphrey was floor director; the floor
committee was composed of M. R. Button, C. Beaton, Harry Leland, Chief Allen,
Asst. Chief Palmer, E. G. Goodspeed. The reception committee: F. W. Mettler, S.
Cornell, F. J. Kelly, J. P. Rudd, Mayor Cashel, A. M. Pope, Frank Price, Capt.
Ferguson, US Marshall Lee, George Murphy, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. B. F. Miller, Miss
Mary Corliss, Mrs. C. R. Plough, Mrs. Conrad Siem, Mrs. F. Johnston. Door
committee: J. F. Seifried, C. H. Clark, H. Smith, J. Gill, H. Woodward.
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