Ketchikan (8.14.15 - 8.21.15) - Part 1

We had a great time in Ketchikan, and fantastic weather in the typically rainy town. Internet was impossible, and it has taken a while to process pictures and write text. In the meantime, we took the last of the four ferry legs to Prince Rupert, bidding a tearful fond farewell to our wonderful summer in Alaska. From there we headed south (more on that later) through British Columbia to the 'lower 48'. Now that we are in the land of decent phone service and internet, the Ketchikan post can be launched – in several segments.

Ketchikan, Alaska's southernmost city (the fourth largest in the state), sports a population of about 9000, with the largest concentration of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people in Alaska. The town is on an island – we arrived by ferry.

The ferry Ride leaving Wrangel (early morning low tide).  WE needed to be at the terminal at 4:45 am. 

Our drive DOWN the STEEP ramp into the bowels of the ferry.  Good thing the brakes worked - otherwise we'd have been in the drink!  

The deck chairs are mostly taken up by overnighters still on board. 

The closest we get to cruise ship 'shot'. 

 

 Tour planes taking off and landing right beside us as we arrive in Ketchikan. 

Ketchikan's first western settlers built a salmon saltery. It became an important trading community.

Today's Ketchikan post will be about the Creek Street area. This is a part of town that looks quintessential Ketchikan. It is very popular among the cruise ship passengers as it is within walking distance of the downtown ports. Creek Street is filled with a colorful history.

Alaska was a 'dry' (no alcohol allowed) territory from it's purchase in 1867 until 1918, when alcohol became legal – just 2 years before the beginning of prohibition. Alaskans were experienced in home brewing and moonshine. The houses on Creek street were built on stilts over the tidal waters of Ketchikan Creek, where bootleggers could deliver products by slipping their skiffs quietly under the buildings at high tide, delivering goods through a trap door in the floor.

 

 

 

The Creek Street neighborhood became a place where miners, fisherman and others could come for alcohol and entertainment.

Dolly's house (the green house on the right) was owned by Thelma Dolly Copeland who fled her troubled home in Idaho at the age of 13. Two weeks after arriving in Ketchikan, at the age of 18, she purchased this home. She sold illegal alcohol, cooked for and entertained guests in her home until her death in 1975.

Dolly's kitchen, where she prepared home cooked meals for her guests.

The entertainment on Creek Street was banished in 1954.

Next post:  More Ketchikan