This Iglulik Inuit-made qulittuq (man’s parka) was produced in the early twentieth-century from thick caribou skins to withstand the cold winters of the central Arctic. The pullover garment was hand-sewn with sinew. The bottom fringe was also made of caribou skin. The back was longer than the front to provide extra warmth when hunting and trapping. The contrasting brown and white fur made the outer coat both elegant and practical.

In The Beaver…

90 Years Ago

Grand steamer

The first SS Princess Louise started its career as the Olympia in 1869. It was sold to the Hudson’s Bay Company and renamed in 1879. Built of seasoned white oak, the sidewheel steamboat travelled as far as the northern post of Fort Simpson. The March 1922 issue reported that the boat was in HBC’s employ for only four years.

60 Years Ago

Christmas cheer

The December 1952 issue told of how HBC employees of the past kept records of their Christmas Day celebration. Thomas Gorst wrote the first account from Charles Fort on James Bay in 1670, noting, “25 being Christmas wee made merry remembering our Friends in England, having for Liquor Brandy & strong beer & for Food plenty….” The article went on to relate many other delightful accounts of HBC Christmases past.

For even more holiday history cheer, go to The Beaver Shares 20 Historic Yuletide Celebrations.

30 Years Ago

Cold-water diving

The autumn 1982 issue told of Arctic Divers Ltd. laying pipelines at Polaris Mine, Little Cornwallis Island, 129 kilometres northeast of the north magnetic pole. The crew worked at –56 C, under two and a half metres of ice, and experienced many difficulties along the way. “Arctic Divers” was beautifully illustrated with photos of both the team and the Arctic wildlife.