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Ed Conrad Klondike Photograph Collection, circa 1898-1899

 Collection
Identifier: PCA 569

Scope and Contents

This collection contains photographs taken by Ed Conrad during his prospecting expedition to the Klondike, as well as one hand drawn map of Unalaska and Dutch Harbor, and two letters home to Conrad’s wife that were published in the "The Hammond News." In his letters home, Conrad mentions the men he travels with, having to build sluices and cabins, and trade for supplies. All this is captured in his photographs.

Dates

  • Majority of material found within circa 1898-1899

EAD

PCA0569

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is unrestricted.

Conditions Governing Use

Requests for permission to publish material from the collection must be discussed with the Librarian. Photocopying does not constitute permission to publish.

Biographical

Ed Conrad wrote home from Fort Chenah, Alaska [Fort Chena], October 1898, that his party and that of another group were preparing their winter headquarters. His letters mention a Fred Currier, a Mr. Brown, and “the boys of the boat Tanana Chief.” He describes the perilous journey up the Tanana and Chenah rivers, the differences in the length of daylight in Alaska, and the work of providing shelter, food, and trading for supplies for themselves.

By July 9th, 1899, Conrad was at Fort Independence, Alaska. He had stayed the winter in Alaska and had no word of the outside world in over a year. He was still in good spirits and hoping to come home wealthy. He describes the daily work, the sluice boxes, and states that he is his party’s blacksmith.

Extent

40 Photographic Prints (1 folder) : 1 hand drawn map ; 40 photographs (black and white, and 5 cyanotype)

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased in October 2013 from Bill Sleight by the Friends of the Library, Archives, and Museum using the Bob DeArmond Fund. Mr. Sleight is the grandson of Mr. Conrad. Acc. #2014-012.

Related Materials

The purchase of this collection included objects which were sent to the Alaska State Museum.

Processing Information

This collection has been described at the item level, placed in Mylar, and all items placed into a pH-neutral folder.

Title
Finding aid for the Ed Conrad Klondike Photograph Collection, circa 1898-1899
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by: Sara Bornstein, Feb.2014 ; ArchivesSpace finding aid by: Sandy Johnston 2019 July ; Inventory added by: Sandy Johnston, April 2020; Revised by: Sandy Johnston, March 2023 ; Revisions added to ArchivesSpace by: Connie Hamann
Date
2023 March
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Alaska State Library - Historical Collections Finding Aids Repository

Contact:
PO Box 110571
Juneau AK 99811-0571 US
907-465-2920
907-465-2925
907-465-2151 (Fax)