The Atlin Whisper, January 4, 2023

The Atlin Whisper

Atlin Historical Society Newsletter

“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.”

Margaret Mead

THE RED ONION SALOON III

The Band Needs Danger Pay

by Paul Lucas

The front room at the R.O. was on the small side. There was no stage. The band stood with its back to the windows, and the dancers packed what remained of the floor, tooth to jowl. It was dicey for both parties. For the dancers, there was the danger of tripping over a monitor, falling into the drums, and perhaps slicing your head on a cymbal. For the band members, there was always the chance of having your teeth knocked out by a microphone as somebody stumbled into a boom stand.

The main concern, though, was the floor. It hadn’t been built for dances. When an army crosses a bridge, soldiers are told to break rank because all that in-time stepping creates a resonant frequency that can destroy the structure. Well, this army of dancers was strutting in perfect time, with no intention of breaking rank, on a floor built during the gold rush designed to hold tables and chairs.

So the floor rose and fell, rose and fell, like ocean swells hailing from a long distant shore. And we watched, praying the floor joists would hold. But they showed no signs of giving out. Construction from an earlier era I guess – a time when joists were fashioned from straight grained fir by master carpenters. Bless the old buggers and the lumber they rode in on.

But there was another problem - dust. The dust was spectacular. The Red Onion had taken to spreading sawdust on the floor – a great idea for dealing with spilt drinks and other errant fluids, but deadly when it hung in the air; and with the dance floor acting like a gigantic pair of lungs, the result was suffocating. And the peanuts didn’t help.

‘Free peanuts folks! Step on up,’ was the policy. ‘As long as you are drinking in this bar, you can knock back as many peanuts as you like!’ So they did - bowl after bowl of ‘em – enough to provide a modest GDP for a small tropical nation. They cracked shells and popped peanuts by the bushel. They split them open and tossed those tasty little morsels in the air, catching them in their mouths like packs of trained seals. And then they tossed the shells to the floor.

I suppose the idea was to encourage the thirst of the patrons. Not that anybody seemed to require extra encouragement to drink, but I guess that was the plan. What resulted though, was a floor completely covered in pulverized peanut shells, exponentially compounding the dust problem. And then there was the cigarette smoke. We were all just one step away from needing an iron lung. Still, we were young, pretty, and invulnerable, and all we ended up with were nasty hangovers.

Eventually, the old floor was reinforced and the sawdust and peanuts went the way of the Dodo bird. With all that new cruise ship trade, I suppose the joint had to enter the 20th century. The age of liability insurance had arrived is my guess. They even paved Broadway.

Thanks TRTFN!

Thank you, TRTFN for your generous cash donation to the Atlin Supportive Living Society Meals on Wheels program. We sure appreciate the support! We would also like to say thank you for continuing to provide meals to all our clients while our volunteers have a bit of a rest over the holiday season. That is really very kind of you… thanks again!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From Atlin Supportive Living Society.

BIG WATER SOCIETY COUNSELLING SERVICE

COUNSELLOR: Katie Israel, GN, MA, RCC

At Big Water Society we recognize the realities of human experiences, the diversity of innate worlds and states through these experiences, and we believe that we can, when we connect and share these experiences. Be it traumatic experiences, emotional turbulences, depressive and anxious states, we are here to join hands with you and work through your unique experience. You do not have to go it alone.

Phone: (250) 651-2189; (867)334-9524

Email: bwscounsellor@bigwatersociety.org “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality – Martin Luther King, J r

Please note that requests for same day water delivery must be received no later than 11 am of said day. Thank you!

Did you know that Big Water Society provides the community with FREE professional mental wellness counselling? If you feel you would like to talk to Katie Israel, please call her at: 250-651-2189 or 867-334-9524

Fishing Charters

NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE

Warm Bay Road

This gem is off grid, well maintained and absolutely the perfect retreat. 2 bedrooms, large open dining/living room, galley kitchen and spacious pantry. Storage in walk out cellar plus numerous outbuildings. Bonus is a warm spring flowing through year around! $239,000

Lake View

A great daily view awaits in this well built, 2 level home with a fabulous open floorplan on the upper level with a master bedroom and so much storage! The lower level boasts 2 extra bedrooms or bedroom and games room. Almost 1700 sq.ft., lots of room for the entire family and guests to enjoy! Double garage on lower level plus another garage for all those extras like boats, quads, sleds $535,000

43.6 Acres

Beautifully maintained, inside and out, this cozy 2 bedroom home is so private with a second cottage with sleeping loft (often used as B&B), a third cabin for guests, great garage/workshop, plus various other craft/work shops and much fencing. Mountain views in every direction plus short walk to Atlin Lake sandy beaches. Just waiting for you! Viewing by appointment ONLY! $597,000

5 Acres

With power, small log cabin, tenant occupied near the upper end of the acreage, application for subdivision has been submitted/approved to create two 2.5 acre parcels. Slope facing Atlin Lake. Build your dream home to take advantage of the view and keep the tenant as caretaker! $259,000

Fourth of July Basic lake side cabin, 3 bedrooms, lots of big windows, hidden in the trees, on .544 acres, leased lot until 2042. Very private! $68,000

4th of July

.78 acres of Crown Land lease, gated, partly cleared, the perfect spot to keep your RV and recreational necessities, there for year around enjoyment. Lease term to 2042.

$53,500

HIDDEN GEM

This stunning gem in an Enchanted Forest has been lovingly crafted by the hands of this talented owner – never to be duplicated! On 4 acres with guest cabins and a short walk to hidden lakes plus easy access to the highway, $399,000 SOLD

STUNNING

– Inside and Outside

Incredible views, quiet location and fabulous home. 1700 sq.ft. on main level, beautifully renovated with gyproc interior, lots of updated windows, open floor plan, kitchen, dining area, living room, bar/games room plus 2 bedrooms. Basement offers 3 more bedrooms, two baths, kitchenette and large living room with ground level access. One of a kind waiting for you.

$349,000 SOLD

Mi 43 Atlin Highway

34+ acres of land, surrounded by grazing lease, with 1700 sq.ft., 2 BR, full basement home, great well, septic field, solar and generator plus lots of extras. If you wish, will come with 2 loveable nags who consider this home. Quick possession is possible.

$535,000 SOLD

Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019

Leave message via text or email myrnablake1@gmail.com Will be in Atlin for showings November 4th & 5th Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details

***NOTE***

The Atlin Mountain Inn kitchen will be closed Jan 2-30th.

Our self-serve cafeteria will be open every day from 8am to 8pm.

The Saloon will be open regular winter hours

Wed-Sat 5:30pm to close and food also available in the Saloon.

ATLIN LAKE GROCERY STOREWinter store hours

(starting Jan 1) MST

Monday - Saturday 10am – 5pm

Sunday - 11am – 4pm

~Weekly freight truck run on Mondays and freight runs available upon request~

George Holman 250 651 7717 or Marj Holman 250-651-7758

“I Wonder”

I wonder what it would take to see a brotherhood of stars light the sky in a display of bedazzling colors to enchant us and soften our hearts.

I wonder what it would take to see an array of stars twinkling messages of hope and heartfelt inspiration for mankind to pursue peace on earth.

Jeff Salmon

Atlin Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us! (778) 721-0710

St. Martin’s Anglican Church 10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!

For all the blessings of the year, For all the friends we hold so dear, For peace on earth, both far and near, We thank thee, Lord A. H. Hutchinson

Sewing Machine Cleaning, Repair, &Setup Terry 250651-7769

Mountain Shack Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C. EAT IN OR TAKE OUT Wednesday thru Sunday 250-651-7789

MOBILE WELDING SERVICE AVAILABLE

Contact: Alain Vanier 250-651-0037 Reasonable Rates!

Smallwood Enterprises Ltd

We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems. We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, Firewood and Snow Removal. Please call (250) 651-2488 or email bobscontracting2020 @gmail.com

Atlin Community Library

Open Every Friday and Saturday 2-4p.m. BC time Everyone Welcome

The Library is closed at -20 c.

The next Whisper is Wednesday January 18th Submissions are due no later than Sunday 6pm January 15th The Purpose of the Atlin Whisper is to encourage, build-up and inform the people of Atlin concerning ongoing community events and happenings. The Whisper is not a political mouthpiece. Compiled and edited by Lynne Phipps. Paper for printing courtesy of Northern Homes Real Estate Printing courtesy of RCMP Atlin Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-250-651-7861 or lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com if you have, pictures or articles you would like to submit. Please note that submissions should be sent in either WORD or JPEG whenever possible. PDF must first be printed and then scanned back into the computer in order to format it into the paper. This costs in both paper and ink. We know that at times a PDF is the only way, which is okay when necessary, but otherwise, as the Whisper is a FREE community service we appreciate your support in helping to keep the costs down as much as possible. Thank You!