The Klondike Gold Rush Steamers: A free public presentation by the Nanaimo Historical Society

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Thursday, May 10th, 2018
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

The Nanaimo Historical Society presents: The Klondike Gold Rush Steamers -- A History of Yukon River Steam Navigation, by guest speaker Robert D. Turner.

Between the 1890s and 1950s over 250 sternwheel steamships plied the Yukon River and its tributaries, pollinating the harsh and barren north with people, their tools and equipment, as well as the bric-a-brac of civilization from the south.

These ships were built and launched in Victoria, Vancouver, Seattle, and pointssouth as far as San Francisco. In contrast to their wilderness destinations first-class accommodations could be had with silverware, white linen tablecloths, and gourmet dining surrounded with fine Victorian woodwork.

The Klondike II, which made her last run on July 4, 1955, was the last steamboat in regular service on the Yukon River. She is now restored and on static display on a section of riverbank in Whitehorse. The hulks and bones of dozens other steamers lie abandoned and forgotten alongside Yukon lakes and rivers.

The Nanaimo Historical Society invites the public to attend a presentation of "The Klondike Gold Rush Steamers -- A History of Yukon River Steam Navigation" by author/photographer Robert D. Turner.

About our speaker:

Robert D. Turner is Curator Emeritus at the Royal British Columbia Museum, where he was Chief of Historical Collections for many years. Bob is the leading authority on BC transportation history having been researching, photographing and publishing about railway and steamship history for over 40 years. The Klondike Gold Rush Steamers is his 18th book. ###

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