21 May 2013
By corrieparks
In Goldrush History, Postcards
In February, 1898 Mike Mahoney aka “Klondike Mike” made a deal with Hal Henry. He would escort the Sunny Samson Sister Sextette and their luggage over the Chilkoot Pass and down to Dawson city for $3000 plus a share of the musical group’s proceeds once they started performing in the Dawson Saloons. The six blonde and virtuous sisters were sure to be a huge smash in the rough Klondike frontier, where feminine charms were worth their weight in gold.
There was just one problem – the sisters insisted on bringing their accompaniment piano. Klondike Mike, a strapping Ohio farm boy and champion boxer turned stampeder, duly hoisted the entire piano onto his back and went step-by step up the Golden Stairs and into Klondike fame. Fortune eluded him, however, because the Canadian customs officer at the top of the pass, seeing the piano, asked what he was about. When he heard that 6 delicate, ill-equipt showgirls were coming his way, he was aghast (this was only his second day on duty – he had yet to see the sort of folks trying to get to Dawson). Certain they would die on the trail! He refused to let the party continue any further.
Fuming, Mike stormed back to Skagway and left the piano atop the pass, where eventually someone hauled it back down and sold it for a tidy profit.
Animation: Corrie Francis Parks
Banjo Pickin’ : Ranger Kyle Kaiser
“Saloon Piano Gem No. 1” by Black Keys Bob Stevenson
References: The Hougen Group – Yukon Nuggets and Klondike Mike: An Alaskan Odyssey By Merrill Denison
Interviews recorded at the top of Chilkoot Pass.
This is part of a series of animated postcards from Chilkoot Pass. Read more about the project here. These mini-documentaries are rooted in reality, with live interviews and photos from the Chilkoot Trail providing a catalyst for my personal memories and playful reinterpretations of history. As an artist, this is about as fun as it gets!
animation, canada, chilkoot pass, gold rush stories, golden stairs, klondike Mike, mounties
20 May 2013
By corrieparks
In Postcards
Wildflowers blooming in the snow – an eagle soaring in the fog – cold wind- beautiful vista – rocky, rushing creeks – hot tea with Southern Comfort – granola bars – looking forward to a hot shower and my warm bed – do the trail again sometime.
food, postcards
18 May 2013
By corrieparks
In Postcards
I remember my sore feet, catching up with my brothers, sisters, nephew and nieces and missing my wife. The scenery was grey and misty, the wind pushed us up over the summit. We arrived back in Canada on Canada Day. Being herded the whole way.
canada, family, postcards
15 May 2013
By corrieparks
In Postcards
The first day was very long but so cool! When we walked on the boardwalk in some parts the water would come up onto the boardwalk. The first night we played settlers and when we finished there was 6 other tents right by ours and there were tents an inch away. 2nd day we saw 2 people who were trying to redo the goldrush. The golden stairs were long and we had to get up at 5 but we got up at 3!
golden stairs, postcards
11 May 2013
By corrieparks
In Postcards
Les escaliers d’or sont très cocheux mais quand on est arrivé au sommet on a mangé de la soupe du chocalat chaud.
canada, food, french, postcards
08 May 2013
By corrieparks
In Postcards
If God leads you to it, He’ll see you through it! With the grace of God, I was able to complete the Chilkoot! Thanks, God for the gorgeous scenery on this trip – love the flowers, especially.
Blessed to have met such wonderful people who shared the trail.
Blessed to have 2 wonderful friends to share the total experience.
Blessed to have the health and ability for this trip. Wonder what has happened by the time I receive this back.
postcards
06 May 2013
By corrieparks
In Postcards
Another day in the North. Embrace the good! Honor, challenge, laughs, delirium, snow, friends and wool socks.
postcards
04 May 2013
By corrieparks
In Postcards
Last time I was here 11 years ago the sun was shining and there were no mosquitoes. This time it is raining and fogy and mosquitoes. Also, at 76 years old, the hills are higher now, the rocks harder and creeks bigger.
memories, postcards
02 May 2013
By corrieparks
In Postcards
So far, the only bad parts were from Canyon to Pleasant, and then from Sheep to the rocky part of the stairs. Don’t be so nervous next time, and most of all, DON’T FORGET YOUR PERMIT!
golden stairs, postcards
