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the first bank to arrive in the klondike

I believe the Bank of British North America was the first bank to arrive in Dawson City. It served the eager stampeders. The Bank of Commerce arrived next.
robb

I believe the Bank of British North America was the first bank to arrive in Dawson City.

It served the eager stampeders.

The Bank of Commerce arrived next.

The photo above comes from an old postcard, published by Zaccarelli’s Book Store.

Some of the Zaccarelli family still live in the Yukon.

I should mention that the Bank of British North America started out in Dawson City in a large tent, then later built the bank (shown above) at the corner of Second and Queen.

The building has been restored beautifully by Parks Canada.

The Bank of Montreal had a branch in this same building years ago. However, the Bank of British North America was originally on the site.

An early BNA banker (manager) was David Doig. He was an incredibly colourful character who was also involved in mining at Gold Hill, I believe.

Also, on the far right of the postcard, appears the sign of T.A. Firth Co., which is still very much in business in the Yukon today.

Anybody with information about these early businesses please write and share what you know.

Anyone with information about this subject, please write Jim Robb: The Colourful Five Per Cent Scrapbook—Can You Identify? c/o the Yukon News, 211 Wood Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 2E4, or e-mail through the News website, www.yukon-news.com.