Women in Alaska's History

Evaluate what items you think should be taken to the gold fields. List these items then compare with the list given.

What Should Be Taken and What Should Be Left Behind
Annie Hall Strong, The Skagway News, December 31, 1897

      Women have made up their minds to go to the Klondike, so there is not use trying to discourage them... our wills are strong and courage unfailing. There are a few things, however, a woman should carefully consider before starting out on the really perilous journey.
      First of all, delicate women have no right attempting the trip. It means utter collapse. Those who love luxury, comfort, and ease would better remain at home. It takes strong, healthy, courageous women to stand the terrible hardships that must necessarily be endured.
      The following suggestions may be of some value to those who are contemplating making the trip next spring. My experience thus far has shown me the necessity of women being properly clothed and equipped for the trip to the interior, and I can speak with some assurance, having been especially observant along this line. First and most important of all, by far, to be considered is the selection of footwear.
      It is not necessary to have shoes two or three sizes larger than one's actual last, simply because you are going on a trip to the Klondike. Get a shoe that fits, and if the sole is not very heavy, have an extra one added. The list that follows is the very least a woman should start with:

1 pair house slippers
1 pair knitted slippers
1 pair heavy-soled walking shoes
1 pair arctics
1 pair felt boots
1 pair German socks
1 pair heavy gum boots
3 pair heavy all-wool stockings
3 pair summer stockings
Moccasins can be purchase here of the Indians. The tall bicycles shoe with extra sole would make an excellent walking shoe. In the way of wearing apparel a woman can comfortably get along with:
1 good dress
1 suit heavy Mackinaw, waist, and bloomers
1 summer suit
3 short skirts of heavy duck or denim, to wear over bloomers
3 suits winter underwear
3 suits summer underwear
1 chamois undervest
1 long sack nightdress, made of eiderdown or flannel
1 cotton nightdress
2 pair arctic mittens
1 pair heavy wool gloves
1 cap
1 arctic hood
1 hat with brim broad enough to hold the mosquito netting away from the face
1 summer dress
3 aprons
2 wrappers
2 shirtwaists
snow glasses
Some sort of gloves for summer wear, to protect the hands from mosquitoes.
BEDDING
1 piece canvas, 5x14 feet
1 rubber blanket
2 or better 4 pair all-wool blankets
1 feather pillow
A ready-sewed tick will be very nice to have, for it can be filled with dried moss and makes a good pioneer mattress.
An old miner would no doubt laugh me to scorn for suggesting a little satchel or handbag, but the comfort derived from the hundred and one little extras a woman can deftly stow away in it will doubly repay the bother of carrying it.

Write at least three paragraphs using the beginning phrase , "If I were alive during the ...". Have students choose one of the covered time periods to write on. Encourage them to think like they are really living during the time period they have chosen.
Use the Iditarod to reinforce outlining skills. Have students consider what competing in the Iditarod would be like. Have them list all critical areas that would need to be considered and then outline a plan to follow to prepare for the competition.

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