Dawson City in Yukon evokes the historic Klondike Gold Rush era, with many original town buildings still standing, some slightly askew. Parks Canada has revitalized these structures, repurposing the former mortuary as an escape room and allowing weddings at the Palace Grand Theatre.
The town’s old newspaper publisher building, which operated from 1901 to 1954, is now a hub for teaching letterpressing to budding print enthusiasts. Students from the School of Visual Arts have been immersed in this traditional printing technique for three weeks using century-old equipment in the esteemed Dawson Daily News building, designated a federal heritage site.
Instructor Reed H. Reed emphasizes the importance of letterpressing amidst a technology-driven world, highlighting the value of meticulous craftsmanship over speed. Students learn to operate plated presses, craft intricate stories on paper, and push boundaries by infusing modern concepts with traditional tools.
The program culminated in a public exhibition of student projects, showcasing innovative creations merging old-world charm with contemporary flair. Program director Aubyn O’Grady lauds the allure of working with antiquated technology, fostering deep contemplation on language and its impact when immortalized in print.
Klondike National Historic Sites manager Janice Cliff underscores the extensive renovations required to repurpose the Dawson Daily News building, emphasizing the significance of actively utilizing historic spaces for educational purposes. This initiative embodies responsible stewardship by engaging the public in the preservation of heritage buildings beyond mere static displays.