Construction of the Alcan Highway 1942-1943
The US Army 18th Engineers met A Company 97 Engineers at Beaver Creek on October 20th, 1942 to connect the last link of the Alcan Highway. The Alaska Canada Military Highway - also called the Alcan, the Oil can highway and the road to Tokyo - was officially opened at Soldier Summit at Kluane Lake on November 20, 1942.
The Community of Beaver Creek
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1943
1947 . 1947 1948 1948 1948 1949 1950 1951 1956 1955 1955 1956 1959 1959 1962 1962 1963 1963 1964 1965 1967 1967 1967 1969 1969 1969 1970 1972 1974 1974 1975 1979 1983 1984 1986 1988 1989 1991 1993 1997 1999 1999 2000 2001 2002 June 2004 2014 |
The D.N.D. Canadian Army Maintenance Camp was located at Mile 1206.
Canada's coldest recorded temperature at Snag Creek Yukon minus 81 F. The thermometer at Snag Airport only went to minus 81. It was more like minus 83.7. Pete Eikland & Bill Blair built the Canada Customs at mile 1220.5. The Sourdough Inn was built by Pete Eikland at below Sourdough Hill. The first Canada Customs was built at Mile 1206 from an old army building by Jack Nicholson. The US Customs in Tok, Alaska. First store owned by Freda & John Livesey, a small log building by Beaver Creek left over from Barger park, the building of the highway. C.N.T. was located at Koidern (now Bear Flats) with 5 homes, rec & generator The Liveseys had cabins behind their store with a dock left over from Barger Park. The Canada Customs was relocated to Beaver Creek. Started in 1956 and opened in 1958. First part of the Beaver Creek Lodge (Westmark) was built by Clyde Wann.. Large D.N.D. houses were built at Beaver Creek for the officers. Large army canteen room was the first one room school (Grades 1-8). Old quanset hut from Koidern Army Camp was used to build the first curling rink next to the D.N.D. houses. Ida's Motel opened by Ida & Gene McCabe. First building was log and burnt down December 15, 1961. Trailers were brought in 1962. Beaver Motors was built by Jack Stalberg. Our Lady of the Way Catholic Church was built. The US army built the Haines to Fairbanks pipeline and built a pumping station at mile 1204.5. Families lived there until it closed in 1971. Yukon Electric set up power facilities. Beaver Creek School was built and is still used today. Farwest was built by Al Morgan. Freddie Pride has a gas station ( present owners are Walt & Doris Dryke, Carl & Donna Michaels ( 1972-) John Livesey was elected council member for Kluane Area which included the Kluane area and north to Carmacks. Morgan’s Lumber – 8 miles in on the Old Sawmill Road. Beaver Motors was sold to Beat Ledergerber. Beaver Creek Community Club was built as part of Centennial Projects. Beaver Creek Road Sign Visitor Reception Centre Curling rink added to the Community Club Subdivision opened (1980 18 sites occupied, across the highway from Farwest ). Beaver Creek Motel (Rose & John McPhail) closed 1979. Rose Nelson made an attempt at farming up the Old Mill Road. Beat Ledergerber - Beaver Saw and Planer at SanPete Creek. Beaver Creek Swimming Pool was built, between the nurse trailer and the Community Club. Julia Eikland opens a craft shop. Closed 1976. Claymore Mine new gold discovery near the border and sixteen companies stake claims in the area. Claymore Mine new gold discovery near the border and sixteen companies. Kusawa Kennels - Joan White raising/showing dogs (Huskies/Skipperkies). Lou's Market sold groceries and supplies. Closed 1984. New customs homes built behind the Beaver Creek School. New forestry building built. First forestry built 1961 by Bob Williams. Westmark RV opens. New swimming pool was built, east of the Community Club. White River First Nation first office opens (trailer). Westmark Rendezvous Dinner Show opens. Ida's Motel & restaurant burns down - new building replaced it. Owned by Jackie. Centennial Projects: Lifesize figurines built at Farwest Plaza. New curling rink built onto the Community Club. Forestry closed and the Health Centre relocated there. New log Visitor Reception Centre opens. As well as Border Town Garage and Museum. Buck Shot Betty's café opens across fron the Fire Hall. Ida's Motel burns down - new two storey motel built in 2003. Beaver Creek School renamed Nelnah Bessie John School in honour of the late White River First Nation elder. Beat Ledergerber bought the Westmark Inn and is operating the RV Park and renting some of the rooms as the Beaver Creek RV Park & motel. |
Visitor Reception Centre History
1968 Small log building located between Ida's & Beaver Motors.
1969 Moved to present location (by Beat Ledergerber)
1970 Enlarged and bathrooms added.
1972 Flower beds and trees planted (Mary Taylor).
1984 Addition built and new displays put in (Beat Ledergerber built the addition).
2000 New log Visitor Reception Centre building.
1969 Moved to present location (by Beat Ledergerber)
1970 Enlarged and bathrooms added.
1972 Flower beds and trees planted (Mary Taylor).
1984 Addition built and new displays put in (Beat Ledergerber built the addition).
2000 New log Visitor Reception Centre building.