Digital Bob Archive

AUGUST 20, 1886-At the Alaska Mill & Mining Company on Douglas Island, Mr. Treadwell has replaced most of his departed Chinese workers with Indians, and things are running smoothly. The work on the new wharf and buildings is going on as before. Buildings are going up rapidly both on the island and in Juneau. Both sawmills are running at full blast, and every steamer brings in rustic siding and other building materials.

In Juneau the new building put up by W. M. Bennett and Stillman Lewis has attracted much favorable comment. On Front Street west of Seward, it is our finest business building to date. The lower story is fitted up as a billiard saloon 24 by 48 feet with an annex of 32 by 34 feet for offices, reading rooms and store rooms. The saloon has four fine billiard tables and there is a handsome cabinet of Alaskan minerals in the office. The two upper stories contain lodging rooms which are furnished neatly and tastefully.

Marshal Barton Atkins has appointed a Sitka man, Philip Weittenheiller, as deputy for Juneau, succeeding John McKenna. And on August 2 Louis L. Williams of Boonville, Missouri, was appointed U. S. Commissioner for Juneau. He will arrive here in the near future. A man of 39 and born in Missouri, he has served as a deputy Sheriff and, more recently, as U. S. Marshal for the western district of Missouri. He is a Democrat and said to be a friend of Judge Lafayette Dawson, who is also from Missouri.

SEPTEMBER 4, 1886-The water works being built by Stillman Lewis is progressing rapidly and a number of business and private houses now are hooked up to it. W. F. Reed has put running water in both his store and his hotel, the first hotel in town to do so.

A fine bell tower has been erected in a central location and loud-toned bell hung. The fire company has been regularly organized and drilled and instructed in their duties.

Juneau has, since its early days, enjoyed a considerable trade with the Indians of the Lynn Canal section. Now the Indians from Yakutat are beginning to come here to trade instead of going to westward, as has been their custom. A number of fine sea otter pelts were lately brought here and sold to Juneau merchants. These were the first of this species to come to Juneau. Koehler & James, among others, have received some fine furs.

Dr. F. F. White will take charge of our school this year, but school buildings are badly needed for both whites and Natives. There are 300 Indian children in the ranches adjoining Juneau and their parents frequently ask whether the government is going to educate them.

AUGUST 12, 1887-All of the government officials have returned to Sitka on the Pinta except Governor Swineford, who refused to ride on the Navy vessel with Lt. Cmdr. Nichols and went on the Lucy. All of the Chinese are gone from Gastineau Channel except Hi Chung, better known as Joe the Baker. The old Cassiar men in the camp would not stand for his being deported with the other Chinamen.