I was back in Dawson this week for a conference. It was absolutely gorgeous, sunny and lush. In my opinion the most beautiful building in town is the Palace Grand, which opened in gala style July 1899. Its architecture is a combination of luxurious European Opera House and boomtown dance hall. It was built by 'Arizona' Charlie Meadows, a wild west showman who came to Dawson City during the Klondike Gold Rush. The Theatre played host to a variety of entertainment, from wild west shows to opera. When the show got slow, Arizona would get on stage and perform shooting tricks for the audience. I organised a little cinq a sept event at the PG one evening with drinks at the bar and appetisers in the theatre. It was lovely -most of all to be in that space alone while setting up and taking down.
Above is a photograph of the Dawson Light Opera Chorus in 1903 which performed regularly at the PG. Back row, second from left is Mrs. Judge Macauley and front row, centre, is Lillian Whyte. (Dawson City Museum and Historical Society)
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