A delighted Annie Henry watches as the hall fills up with people. Photo by Dan Davidson

Welcome to the October 22, 2004 online edition of the Klondike Sun, reproducing a selection of the articles and photographs from the October 19 newsstand edition.

This issue marked the first returns on our bridge survey. The raw outcome is reported here (See Uffish Thoughts ­ Community Divided). Our statistical breakdown will be in the next issue.

Aside from that, it was wonderful to have a really good news front page for this issue. Dawson revels in centennials, after all.

The Sun has only recently been updated on the web after a hiatus since the January 16/04 issue. Current issues are now available on the site, and the archives from 1996-2003 are linked to this site. There is now a search engine which can search all issues from the beginning in 1996.

This issue is being readied for posting on November 7, 2004.

The best way to read the Klondike Sun is still to have the paper in your hands. There is subscription information on the Home page of this website.

Happy Birthday, Annie!

by Dan Davidson

The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Heritage Hall was full to capacity on Saturday (October 9) evening to celebrate the 100th birthday of Annie Henry. One hundred balloons were floating above the stage behind the head table where Annie held court, accepting the best wishes and hugs of her many children, grandchildren and great-grand-children as well as other members of the community.

The dinner was a potluck affair, with dishes ranging from wild meat to apple pie and cake.

Annie Henry, seated next to her son, Percy, who is holding yet another generation of Henrys. Photo by Dan Davidson.

There was lots of visiting back and forth, but only one short speech by Annie’s son, Percy, who, at 77, noted that he had some distance yet to go to catch up to his mother.

Annie was born Annie Mitchell and grew up along what is now the Dempster Highway, where she was given in an arranged marriage to Joe Henry at the age of 13. They had had nearly 80 years together, celebrating 79 years and a Guiness World Record in 2000. Joe died in March, 2001, at the age of 104.

Annie continues to live in the 6th Avenue home that they shared for many years, with occasional stays at the McDonald Lodge seniors residence when her health demands it.