Wednesday July 23rd , 2025
The Atlin Whisper
“Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world.”
Margaret Mead
Atlin Goldfields Past, Present
and Future
by Clive Aspinall, P.Eng.
Atlin Placer Miners Association (APMA)
19th July 2025 - Gold Price $US 3,347.90 oz/$CDN 4,594.49 oz
Jim Eastman II: Atlin Placer Miner and Aviator Extraordinaire
The following is taken from a biographical summary by his son, Jim Eastman III.
Jim Henry Eastman II was born on 25th November 1895, in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. His university, night school and correspondence studies included mechanical engineering, aeronautical and electrical engineering. He learned to fly at about 18 years old, and went on to obtain a commercial transport licence when they were first issued, and obtained a glider licence signed by one of the Wright brothers.
Jim then became founder and chief designer for the Detroit Aircraft Corp. Jim was responsible for the design and construction the E-2 Eastman Flying Boat of which about 30 were produced between 19291930. The price for each aircraft at the factory was $6,750.00, which was not sustainable and the company became bankrupt in 1933. His company was then taken over by Lockheed. In 1932, Jim perhaps seeing the writing on the wall, and wanting a more adventurist life in a wilderness setting. Consequently, the last 5 Eastman Flying Boats built were purchased by a syndicate of Jim’s friends to prospect the Yukon. These 5 aircraft were flown to Vancouver and then north to Tulsequah BC, by a group of 6 pilots, a mechanic and several adventurists, where they initially set up a base of operations. Soon after arrival in Tulsequah the base of operations was moved to Atlin, BC.
The groups target exploration regions were Liard and Nahanni Rivers and Francis Lake in search of gold. However, no economic gold was found, so a new plan was devised. Jim and his increasing size of friends took over a section of the original Atlin Inn, with many of the group then being joined by their wives. The Great Depression was already underway in 1932 and 1933, and Atlin was booming in placer gold discovery and gold production. BC Annual Mining Reports show Atlin placer miners were working all creeks. Atlin town also, must have been rocking!
Jim II acquired several Atlin placer leases, and was backed financially by Kaufman Rubber Company, to form a new company, Columbia Development, Limited. Three Eastman Flying Boats of the five, were sold to cover the expenses of the so called, “1932 Expedition” that explored the Yukon. The remaining two were kept to work out of Atlin. Parts of the two are now reported scattered around places in BC and the Yukon, but one has been put together and survives to this day in the Aviation Museum, Victoria.
It was 24th August 2019, when I first met Jim Eastman III, the son, who then was 95 years old, and was visiting Atlin with his wife and daughter, and filled me in on parts of the Eastman story. Driving out to the Nolan Head frame on Spruce Creek near Dominion Creek tributary, Jim III told me about the days of his youth mining underground at Nolan Mine with his Dad, Jim Eastman II. His stories focused on the Nolan Mine, and not the Eastman Shaft on Ruby Creek, near Cracker Creek, where Jim II is also reported to have involvement. The following day, Jim III and his family visited the old Atlin Cemetery to provide “Tender Loving Care” to the grave of his Dad, Jim Eastman II. Jim II had died 25 August, 1945, after a perforated stomach ulcer infection.
Ironically, after providing years of air transport service to Atlin and Yukon residents, (at least one living in Atlin to this very day) Jim II had to wait more than 12 hours before one of his planes could fly him to Whitehorse General Hospital, where he later died.
Presents Musicians at the Historic Globe Theatre
FINAL CONCERT OF 2025!!!!
See individual poster for more details
Facebook: @ExploreAtlin Email exploreatlinsales@gmail.com
Presented by Heather Keny/Explore Atlin
ATLIN 2025
TAILGATE SALE AND FARMER’S MARKET
SATURDAY 10 UNTIL 1
AUGUST 30
WATERFRONT BESIDE THE TARAHNE BOAT
MUST PROVIDE OWN TABLE
$5.00 OR BY DONATION PER TABLE TO RESERVE A SITE(S) CALL 250-651-7697 OR MESSAGE 250-706-0515
JANE CURRY
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN ATLIN
HEAVY RAIN OR EXTREME WINDS MAY RESULT IN CANCELLATION OF THE SALE
Saturday, August 23
Rob Dickson Trio Folk, orchestral, progressive, pop Spotify: Rob Dickson
Atlin Museum, Gift Shop and Visitor Centre
Open May 10-Sept 15th Wednesday to Sunday 11:00-4:00 pm
180- 3rd Street, Atlin, B.C.
PH: 250-651-7522
Tarahne or Globe Theatre is available for nightly rentals.
For more information call the above number or email: atlinhistoricalsociety@gmail.com
Debit & Credit Cards Accepted
NORTHERN HOMES REAL ESTATE
Warm Bay Road
Searching for that perfect hide-away? Close to town but hidden from neighbors? Where you can go, put up your feet and simply drink in the view! No need to look any further! 5 acres of paradise with a modern 4 bedroom, 2 story home in mint condition without the dreaded "honey do" list! Find the trails and hike the mountain, spend your summer days on the balcony reading your favorite books or invite guests to your B&B. Or develop the acreage further to suit your favorite pass times! This stunning home should meet most of your "wish list". Waiting for you, ready to move in!
$675,000
Discovery Avenue
Perfect location, at the entrance to town, this 31.4 x 90 ft lot, prepped and ready for development. Ideal for that business you have been thinking to develop. Take the first step!
$140,000
4th Street
400 sq.ft., one bedroom cabin plus a large workshop on two adjoining 50x100 lots, fully fenced. Quiet location with lots of room for expansion, or keep one lot and sell the other!
$249,000
Surprise Lake Road
6 acres along the Spruce Creek with a fabulous meadow surrounded by the woods and the roaring creek, room for several guest cabins if you chose. Main house is 2 story and a main level cozy self contained mother-in-law cottage is perfect for guests. So much potential to expand.
$350,000
Seeking True Remote?
Above Jade City on the old Cassiar Highway, in the middle of the gold fields, 0.5 hectares (not surveyed) on the banks of Troutline Creek, License of Occupation, 10 year terms with current term good until 2032. Story and half cabin plus outbuildings. Current holder has had a small farm with goats and chickens. Telephone service. 4.4 km from main highway.
$89,900
First Street
Rare opportunity for good building lot (two adjoining lots being sold as one parcel), just steps away from Atlin Lake, close to center of community, accessed from lane. 50x100’, no records of previous development on the land.
$195,000
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.
$35,500
Second Street
100x30 foot lot, sloping between the lake and mountain view. Great central location waiting for you. Develop your new home at your own pace. Or two adjoining lots for $195,000
$135,000
Call Myrna at (250) 775-1019 or Katie Suter at (250) 500-1915 myrnablake1@gmail.com .or myrnablake1@zoleo.com when travelling Go to northernhomesbc.ca for more details.
LANDFILL
SPRING/SUMMER HOURS
*Effective –Saturday April 26th, 2025*
SATURDAY-MONDAY
CLOSED ON ALL BC STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
Victoria Day - Closed Monday, May 19th ….…. Open May 17, 18, 20
BC Day - Closed Monday, Aug 4th …...…. Open Aug 2, 3, 5
Labour Day - Closed Monday, Sept 1st ……... Open Aug 30, 31 & Sept 2,
Thanksgiving Day - Closed Monday, Oct 13th ... Open Oct 11, 12, 14
HOURS 11 AM - 4 PM
Operated by the Atlin Community Improvement District
“Chasing Dreams”
How many roads have you travelled chasing the dream of a place to live you call a home, where you feel safe, where your heart is?
How many roads have you travelled chasing the dream of fulfillment and contentment or an answer to your prayer?
Are there more roads you need to travel?
Jeff Salmon
BIG WATER SOCIETY
We are pleased to announce a new counsellor!
Big Water Society is pleased to have Laurie LarkinBoyle, RCC, DVATI, and MEd, as our new mental wellness counsellor for all people in Atlin. This is a FREE professional and confidential service that Big Water Society provides to the community.
Laurie brings a wonderful blend of mental wellness counselling as well as Art Therapy for those that prefer to keep their hands and brain busy. Laurie is available every Wednesday from 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm by phone, video and email.
For more information and to book an appointment: Website: Crocuscreativearttherapy.com
Phone: 431-813-2756
Email: crocuscreative@gmail.com
39 Lake St, Atlin
NEW! Kitchen Hours
Breakfast 7-10am Monday to Saturday
Lunch 12-2pm Monday to Saturday
(Closed for breakfast and lunch Sunday)
Dinner 5-9pm Everyday 5-9pm.
Saloon opens at 5pm Wed-Saturday,
Various meals, Submarine Sandwiches, Hamburgers etc. available 24/7 in the lobby Deli vending machine
Cash only. ATM available.
Gary Pumps Ltd.
Please note that requests for same day water delivery must be received no later than 11 am of said day.
Thank you!
Water delivery and Sewer Removal are available Monday through Friday
Home Heating Fuel, Bulk Fuel Available
Phone 250-651-7463
Email garypumpsltd@gmail.com
Box 147
Atlin BC V0W 1A0
Office hours – Monday to Friday
8 am – noon
Closed all Statutory Holidays
With thanks, Gary McNeil and Jody Smallwood
~Weekly freight truck run on Mondays and freight runs available upon request~
~Weekly freight truck run on Mondays and freight runs available upon request~
Atlin Christian Centre Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Service and Sunday School Sunday 11 a.m. Come join us! 250-691-0128
Mountain Shack Café Restaurant Fast Fancy Food Great Service 110 Discovery Avenue In Atlin, B.C. EAT IN OR TAKE OUT 250-651-7789
MECHANIC WANTED
St. Martin’s
Church 10 a.m. Sunday Everyone welcome!
MOBILE WELDING SERVICE
AVAILABLE
Contact: Alain Vanier
250-651-0037 Reasonable Rates!
Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.
Atlin Community Library
The Library is open Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 4pm. We're located in the Courthouse on Second Street between Trainor and Pearl. Not a member of the Library? Come in and sign up. It's free. You can borrow books and tapes for 3 weeks for free. Come on in! It could become a habit. A very good habit.
Smallwood Enterprises Ltd
Looking for a full-time licensed heavy-duty mechanic in Atlin, BC.
Wage is negotiable depending on experience. Accommodation can be provided if needed. Please send resume to bobscontracting2020@gmail.com
We provide Concrete, Drain Rock, Screed gravel, Sand, Topsoil and Septic systems. We also provide Equipment Rentals, Excavations, Covered Storage, and Snow Removal.
Please call (250) 651-2488 or email bobscontracting2020@gmail.com
The next Whisper is August 6th Submissions are due no later than Sunday August 3rd 6pm
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 Dani McNeil and the RCMP Atlin. Delivery by Bobbie Whelan and Gary Hill. Classifieds, news, upcoming events Contact 1-867-334-7949 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!