June 12, 1897 – “A great race down the Yukon River and its head waters is now in progress. Over 100 boats and barges have been constructed this spring at Lake Bennett, where a portable sawmill was placed in operation last winter. These boats, carrying between 800 and 1000 Yukoners and their luggage, are now working their way toward the Klondyke and Yukon gold fields. There was much friendly rivalry in starting them off and numerous bets were made as to which parties would get to Klondyke and other points first.

   The first sawmill is running day and night, turning out from 1500 to 2000 feet every twenty-four hours. The logs are dragged by horses to the mill, where they bring $25 per 1000. The mill has orders which will require several weeks more to fill, and many men who would gladly have bought their lumber have been forced to whipsaw it. Had the mill been

operated last fall and winter its owners would have coined money this season.

   A letter written by A. B. Thompson at Lake Bennett on May 26 states that the water was then open down Lake Bennett for five or six miles. Beyond it was blocked with ice for several miles, but the ice was rapidly disappearing. By June it was expected the entire flotilla would be under sail down the lake. The last parties to arrive offered as high as $300 for small scows, but very few who had constructed them with great labor would sell at any price.”

(The San Francisco Call – San Francisco, California)