Two photos that tell their own story.
"1902::Children Playing With a Toy Canoe in Taku Harbour, Alaska"
Photos: Library and Archives Canada (3613504/3613505)
Photographer: Unknown
The first photo shows two young boys pulling a toy canoe along the water by a string. The second photo shows the little girl holding the toy canoe after one of her playmates crawled into the big boy's boat. These two photos tell their own little story, but the reader might find a well-read novel on the little girl's face. Perhaps she's upset about being asked to remain on shore. Or maybe she's anxious about crawling into the big boat with her playmate who is leaving her behind. Whatever her predicament, the little toy boat story is left for the viewer to decide.
"1902::Playing in a Real Canoe at Taku Harbour, Alaska"
Photos: Library and Archives Canada (3613502)
Photographer: Unknown
In 1840, the Hudson's Bay Company, a key player in the fur trading industry, established its northernmost Pacific fur trading post at Taku Harbour. The strategically positioned location served as a hub for the exchange of goods between northern traders. However, despite its advantages, the location's nearly land-locked nature posed challenges. Within its first year of operation, it became apparent that the post would not be as profitable as anticipated. After three years of struggling, the company made a strategic decision. They established Fort Victoria on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, a more accessible location, and shut down the northern post they called Fort Durham. Its occupants were transferred to Fort Victoria, marking the beginning of the island's permanent settlement.
"1902::Still Playing in a Real Canoe at Taku Harbour, Alaska"
Photos: Library and Archives Canada (3366445)
Photographer: Unknown
The Toy Boat photos are part of Dr. Edward Martin Kindle's collection in the National Archives. Kindle was an American paleontologist and geologist and a part of the 1905 American Geological Survey in Southeast Alaska. He likely acquired the 1902 photographs from photographers visiting the area.