"Klondike Newsman: Stroller White" by R.N. DeAmond

From the pen of a journalist, Klondike Newsman: "Stroller" White compiled and edited by R.N. DeArmond offers the reader a glimpse into life during the Yukon gold rush (1897+). According to Bob DeArmond, "Stroller" or Elmer John White may have been the first newspaper columnist on the northern scene. After Stroller's death, Bob worked as a writer for Mrs. White on the Stroller's Weekly.
In this book, the compiler shares a glimpse of everyday life from a scattering of "The Stroller" columns that appeared in newsprint. The "Forward" by Stroller Tod White sets the stage with updated family information including Albert Hamilton son of Elmer and Tod's father; Stroller Benjamin and Nadia are Tod's children. The "Introduction" by the editor provides background information on Elmer John White, the Stroller. Entertaining his readers was Stroller's goal. The columns include everyday people and their kinfolk; people interested in three squares a day and how to obtain them with the least amount of work. The book, divided into selected newspaper columns, offers humor, truth, semi-truth and homespun yarns.

In the days when Skagway had five to ten thousand people at any time, Stroller White in his reminiscence added names to word pictures with the sounds and smells of Dawson, Skagway and Whitehorse. The reader needs every word to enjoy the complete picture. These pictures are too large for my brief article. A few of the column names include Gussie Lamore, Frank Slavin, The Hot Cake Kid, Nosey, Barbara and The Ice Worm Story. As a 76 year old lady, Barbara ran north "I always wanted to try it and never had a chance. When the chance came, I took it. And here I am..." This quote plus more about Barbara may be read on pages 22-27. The Ice Worm Story, pages 112-118, was reprinted in other papers. The Scientific Research Society in London requested a specimen. The Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. asked for updates. Read the column for the rest of the story.

The following information on the political career of Elmer John White is from political graveyard.com. Most of the information was weaved into the reviewed book. Elmer John White (1859-1930) - also known as E.J. White - of Juneau, Alaska. Born in Cambridge, Guernsey County, Ohio, November 28, 1859. Democrat. School teacher, newspaper editor and publisher, U.S. Consular Agent in Whitehorse, 1911; member of Alaska territorial House of Representatives 1st District, 1919-22; Speaker of Alaska Territory House of Representatives, 1919-20. Died in 1930.

This book deserves a five star rating because of the humor, entertainment and educational value. Do you ever say, "I want to learn more about this person?" After reading Klondike Newsman and his columns, I have spent days researching his family, the geography and history of Alaska. Nadia, great-granddaughter, has retraced their family steps. In the Travels With Josie, Nadia shares her discoveries. Nadia White, Associate Professor in the School of Journalism at the University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, weaves her love of family, journalism and environment into her daily life.

Comments, please contact Selma Blackmon.

Skaguay News Depot & Books, Skagway, Alaska

   My previous article on Alaska related a few of  my 1973 memories. This article follows the Alaskan theme. Wandering around Juneau and Skagway, we usually find our way into bookstores and museums, asking for area history, writers and lore. This book fit all three categories. Klondike Newsman compiled and edited by R.N. DeArmond.
  The Skagway book store has a unique name and history, Skaguay News Depot & Books, OPEN ALL YEAR. As a tourist in Alaska, we found this unique. Most shop store staff told us they close and go else were for the non-tourist months. The lady we talked with was very helpful, knowledgeable and answered all our questions with appropriate book suggestions. She is the real deal, not a transplant.

Every book receives a bookmark: 

WHY WE SPELL IT WITH A "U"

The original accepted spelling of our city was "Skagua," a Tlingit word meaning "windy place." When the stampeders landed here in 1897, they anglicized it by adding a "y." However, by the fall of 1898 some local businesses, including the DAILY ALASKAN, had replaced the "u" with a "w." The issue came to a head when the U.S. Post Office put a "w" in the city's new postmark. The rival SKAGUAY NEWS lambasted the change in the following editorial on October 14, 1898:

"We note what might be termed an idiotic tendency on the part of a few people in this city to change its name from 'SKAGUAY' to 'SKAGWAY.' It is true someone connected with the post office department away back in Washington has seen fit to denominate that the name of our city be spelled with a 'w' instead of a 'u,' thus making the name of our city two syllables instead of three. But the fact that the post office department has seen fit to do away with the rhythm of our city's name and substitute a more harsh, if shorter one, is no reason why we should adopt it . . . The name of our city has always been known to the commercial world as Skaguay, with a 'u' and as such it should be known . . .If Skaguay owes the post office department any thanks for anything, let the bill be presented. In the meantime, spell it with a 'u'"

By the end of the gold rush in 1900, even the SKAGWAY NEWS had made the switch, but we continue to spell some of our names with a "u." It's our history to be different.

Thank you for being different. May you continue for many years to come.

Skaguay News Depot & Books
www.skagwaybooks.com
264 Broadway
P.O. Box 498
Skagway, Alaska
99840-0498
907.983.3354
skagnews@aptalasa.net

As an extra note, the Klondike Newsman mentions Sam Dunham and prints his poems on pages 92 and 160. Do not know anything more about Sam. More book reviews to follow.