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KLONDIKE KATE - Queen of the Yukon
MATSON, Kate Rockwell (1876-1957). Alaska gold rush legend. Dance Hall girl during the late 1890’s during the Klondike Gold Rush. Well known for staking prospectors. Her name is the most renowned woman’s name associated with the Klondike and she represents a symbol of the gold rush. She began her career as a chorus girl, later joined a vaudeville company. She traveled west by train to Spokane where her new job required her to encourage men to purchase as many drinks as they could consume. She also sang and danced for them. She saw signs about the Klondike gold rush and made up her mind to go North. When she arrived in Dawson City she found a job as an entertainer at the Palace grand. Her bright red hair was very popular among the miners. Later (1933) she was married for the first time. It was to a shy Norwegian miner name Johnny Matson. Matson Creek, in gold rush country, is named in his honor. In 1934, she signed a Hollywood contract for a film based on her life. A dozen years later, her husband was found at one of his claims frozen to death and partly eaten by animals. Magazine portrait, measures appx. 4”x4” of Klondike Kate holding her wedding ring. Signed in full “Kate Rockwell Matson”. In fine condition. Signatures of Klondike Kate are very scarce in any form..........................$1,375.00
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