Alaska -- Antiquities; Eskimos; Eskimos -- Anthropometry; Indians of North America -- Alaska; Indians of North America -- Yukon
The parts of two days spent at Ruby were quite profitable. Visiting,
and in the jail, were several Indians who could be noted and
photographed. At the old jail there were two skulls of Indians
that were donated. The teacher had two of the characteristic Yukon
two-grooved axes. The postmaster, Mr. H. E. Clarke, gave a collection
of fresh animal skulls. Mr. Louis Pilback donated two mammoth molars,
found 2 miles up the Yukon on Little Melozey Creek, about 8 feet deep,
in the muck right over the gravel. Mrs. Monica Silas brought me a
good old stone knife. Several of the men took me down to the beach to
see a damaged fossil elephant skull, also to see some fossiliferous
workings above the town. Another party took me a few miles up and
across the river to see an Indian camp and near by some old burials.
The collections were sent through parcel post; and the evening before
departure I gave a lecture to an attentive and respectful audience.
The town itself, however, is now a mere damaged and crumbling shell
of what it was in the heyday of its glory, during the gold rush. Many
of the frame dwellings and stores are empty; the board sidewalks are
rickety and with big holes; and in the air is a general lack of impetus.
June 23. Failing to find another suitable boat, I once more made an
arrangement to go farther down the river with Mr. Peake and his friend.
Peake's boat and scow were not much to look at, and the troubles with
the engine, and with its owner's raw swearing at times, were somewhat
trying; but for my purpose the outfit did well enough, and I was
treated very well and given all needed opportunity to examine what was
of importance on the banks. I was quite sorry when eventually we had to
part company, and I know Mr. Peake has not forgotten my quest, for I
heard of his talking about it to parties, with whom I was very glad to
come in contact, on the Kuskokwim.
June 23. The sunny evening of my second busy day at Ruby, near 10
p. m., Peake unexpectedly comes to the hotel to tell me he will be
ready to start to-night, on account of quiet water. His wash "is
being ironed" and will be ready soon. The marshal comes in, calls the
prisoners to take down my baggage, and at 10.15, after true, hearty
good-byes, I am once more in the old scow. Then Peake goes for his
wash, with an Indian woman, and does not come until near 11. River
peaceful, sun shortly set, sky somewhat cloudy, forest fire on opposite
shore below still smoking a great deal. Leaving good people at Ruby,
who promise to help in the future. It is getting much cooler after a
pretty warm day. Will lie on the hard boxes and try to get a little
sleep.
Thursday, June 24. We went long into the night, then stopped at a lone
cabin. Up timely, but slow start--it is 10.10 a. m. before we go.
The time gained at night lost now--bad habits. Breeze up the river,
occasionally strong, but not severe.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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