A big thank you to Dan Kemble of Southern Lakes Woodwork of Caribou Crossing (Carcross) for a very interesting letter and photograph.
Yes, I remember the nicely painted canvas illustration of an old-style rendition of the White Pass and Yukon Route ticket office. It was probably done by someone like Guard Moses or Wally Carter many years ago.
I think the display was still up in the ‘70s or the early ‘80s.
Dan Kemble, you and your sons are doing a lot of great restoration work here in the Yukon, and people are starting to recognize this.
Thanks for your efforts.
Kemble’s letter follows:
Dear Jim:
Thanks for the photo of Carcross in your July 15th column. And thanks still for noting one of our original names.
As I know you agree, I hope we someday choose to take back the name Caribou Crossing or one of the earlier First Nation names.
I believe the building you refer to behind the Caribou Hotel is the Scott Hotel.
Here’s one for you…
This oil on canvas rendition of a fancy wood panel facade was used to grace the White Pass ticket office at the foot of Main Street since sometime in the ‘50s.
It was taken down and stored during a renovation years ago. Recently we were approached by Michael Brandt of White Pass about modifying and re-hanging this elegant and well-preserved piece of art.
This photo shows the result, with my son, Wes, on the ladder.
Good move, White Pass.
I’m hoping you, or another oldtimer with a good memory might know some background on this, such as the date, place and artist of its creation.
Long live Jim Robb, defender of things historic and patron of the arts.
Regards,
Dan Kemble
Caribou Crossing