Women of the Klondike

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Klondike Kate: ”We wore tights in those days. If we hadn't the Mounted Police would have run us out of the country.“
Alaska's Digital Archives
Yukoners in Dyea Canyon Alaska: Mr. Williams, Belinda Mulrooney, John Lee, Dan Fraser, Bob Menzie, Gus Biegler, Ed Hutchinson, Mr. Williams, Cleve Gillett, Marlin Mosier, and Bert Bower.
Alaska's Digital Archives
Dutch Kid: Dawson dance hall girl ... note on image says she became a nurse. Possibly also known as Kate Wilson.
Alaska's Digital Archives
Ethel Neile, the Oregon mare, Dawson dance hall [girl], 1898, in rhinestone-trimmed black dress.
Alaska's Digital Archives
A "fair" staker, 1898, dressed in practical clothing, boots and hat.
Alaska's Digital Archives
The Gypsy Queen: Wife of Curley Monroe, Dawson; a variety singer, dancer, etc., bedecked in pearl bodice, choker, and crown.
Alaska's Digital Archives
At Dawson-Klondike, July 1900. George A. Jeffery, Mrs. Deborah S. Wickersham, James Wickersham, his son Howard, Albert R. Heilig and son Reed, Mrs. Heilig and her daughter Florence (front, right).
Alaska's Digital Archives
Jessie Jones dressed up in costume for a performance on stage as Richelieu in 'Article 5th.'
Alaska's Digital Archives
Kate Rockwell (perhaps Klondike Kate), circa 1899.
Alaska's Digital Archives
Possibly Fabruda Manzar, famed "Little Egypt" of Chicago World's Fair, who later performed in Skagway and Dawson during the gold rush.
Alaska's Digital Archives
Lucy Lovell, Dawson dance hall (actress). Chair is made of antler and horn.
Alaska's Digital Archives
May Stanley, Dawson dance hall girl.
Alaska's Digital Archives
Rose Blumkin, Dawson fairy, 1898.
Alaska's Digital Archives

Life was harsh in the Yukon during the gold rush, and men went without the basic necessities. Food options were minimal and favourite meals took the place of sex in their fantasies.

And yet, there was still room for gaiety and distractions of the fairest kind. Women left their mark on Dawson City, delivering a respite from the hardships of moiling for gold.

We've showcased a collection of images of well-known dance hall girls from the hey day of the Klondike, as well as the women who worked in the gold fields.

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The images are all courtesy of Alaska’s Digital Archives. To see more of the characters who illustrate this rough-and-tumble time in the Yukon, visit Alaska’s Digital Archives, a collaboration of multiple institutions.

Learn more about Belinda Mulrooney, the Irish-American spitfire/business woman, who appeared in Charlotte Gray’s article “After the Gold Rush,” in the December 2010-January 2011 issue of Canada’s History.