John Gibson of Chicopee (a recent immigrant from Ireland) set out for the Klondike in February, 1898, leaving behind his wife and four children, one of them barely a month old. Gibson was devoted to his family and wrote many letters to his wife, for instance: “Dear Mag – If it is a good day tomorrow, I am going to try & change my underwear. It will be the first time since I left Seattle… Good night from your husband and one that never forgets you, John Gibson xxxx, Lake Lindemann, Yukon Territory, April 22, 1898.” With the help of these letters, Gibson’s diary, and frequent reports in the Springfield Republican, Romer will trace Gibson’s roundtrip to the Klondike. He did not get rich and he got tired of the snow and the mountains, but he got home to his family in Chicopee safe and sound by late August, 1898.
Presented by Robert H. Romer, professor emeritus, Amherst College
The audience is invited to bring a lunch to enjoy during the program.
Cookies and beverage are provided courtesy of Big Y.
Followed by a Museum members-only Continuing Conversation with docent Pat McCarthy.