A souvenir 1912 postcard that I recently purchased has an interesting history behind it. To begin with, a photograph on the front shows a couple of Klondyke hunters dressed like cowboys with rifles and their Cocker Spaniel dog, along with rabbit furs and unskinned ducks tacked to a cabin wall.
A large body of water is seen in the background, undoubtedly the Yukon River. I only say this because underneath the picture, a caption says that it is the famous river.
I believe this picture was taken at Forty Mile in the Yukon Territory of Canada. A nicely penned, yet very tough to translate message on the back reads as follows:
“At Camp May 10 1912
Dear Henry
Recivd you nice letter was so glad you were well also Teddie don’t drive Teddie to much when it gets hot he might get sick, This is a picture of some hunters see all the rabbits & ducks they have. Guess you are lonesome now that school is out. Be careful of snakes when the weather get some sun land. By love you. Papa
The card was sent to Mr. Henry Flynn, French Corral, Nevada County, California. French Corral is a small town located near Nevada City. There’s not much left of it now, other than some building foundations and remnants of the Wells Fargo bank. It’s classified as a ghost town.
Nevada City has a unique history of its own. The town was founded during the California Gold Rush in 1849 and quickly grew into one of the most prominent mining towns in the region. The city’s historic downtown reflects its rich past, with many buildings dating back to the mid-19th century.
Over the years, Nevada City has transitioned from a bustling mining hub to a vibrant community known for preserving historical landmarks and its active arts scene. Today, it is recognized for its charming architecture, cultural festivals, and scenic surroundings in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The person sending this postcard was Patrick Henry “Patsy” Flynn. Friends called him Patsy. Patrick mailed it to his 10-year-old son, also named Henry. The mention of Teddie most likely points toHenry Jr.’s horse. The short biography of Patrick Flynn was taken from his obituary.
Patrick Henry Flynn was born on January 22, 1866. As a young man, Patrick followed the vocation of teaming, supplying materials for the construction of early railroads in California.
From this, he learned the blacksmithing trade and proceeded to North San Juan Ridge, where hydraulic mining was in its “heyday”. From 1904-1914, Patrick traveled to Alaska & worked in the gold mines during the new gold rush there.
He served as a blacksmith and mechanic for the Esperanza Mining Co. and later for the Bay Counties Power Co. at Colgate, Yuba County. When hydraulic mining was discontinued, the elder Flynn worked for the Guggenheim Corp. in the Yukon Territory, Canada.
In 1914, he moved his family to Nevada City, where he resided until his death at the age of 84 on November 14, 1950. Patrick was a devout Catholic, a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society.
Young Henry Clinton Flynn was born on March 2, 1902, in Birchville, Nevada. In 1931, he married Elsie Clara Casci. Married for 57 years, the couple had no children.
Henry worked for Pacific Gas and Electric for 47 years. He died at the age of 85 on December 16, 1987. Elsie passed away on February 15, 1993, at the age of 83.
I like to write junk... 