Dawson City, Yukon — The Northern Territories (North America)

Ruby’s Place/La maison de Ruby

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 3, 2010

1. Ruby’s Place/La maison de Ruby Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

[English:]
Opened as a boarding house and laundry in 1902, the building was taken over by Mathilde “Ruby” Scott in 1935. For over 27 years, this former Paris Madame operated a brothel here, finding a ready clientele in the seasonal workers from the gold dredge camps. She operated with the tacit approval of local officials until 1961. With both gold mining and her business in decline, Ruby was charged with keeping a bawdy house. For the next 8 years, Ruby’s was simply a boarding house once more.

[French:]
Cet immeuble, érigé en 1903, était à l’origine une pension et une blanchisserie. Mathilde “Ruby” Scott en a fait l’acquisition en 1935. Pendant 27 ans, cette ancienne tenancière de maison close à Paris a exploité ici-même un bordel et a pu facilement se former une clientèle auprès de travailleurs saisonniers des camps des dragues. Elle a poursuivi ses activités en ayant l’approbation tacite des dirigents locaux jusqu’en 1961. Àpres le déclin de l’exploitation des mines d’or et de son enterprise, Ruby a été accusée d’avoir tenue un maison de débauche. Pendant les huit années qui ont suivi, la maison

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de Ruby est redevenue une pension.

Photo:Yukon Archive/Bobillier Collection/Archives du Yukon/Collection Bobillier

Erected by Parks Canada/Parcs Canada.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 64° 3.672′ N, 139° 26.11′ W. Marker is in Dawson City, Yukon. Marker is on 2nd Street. Ruby's Place is on the east side of 2nd Street between Queen and Princess Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dawson City YT Y0B 1G0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Harrington’s Store (within shouting distance of this marker); K.T.M. Company (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Tribute to the Miner (about 120 meters away); Billy Bigg’s Blacksmith Shop (about 120 meters away); Bank of British North America/La Bank of British North America (about 120 meters away); 3rd Avenue Complex (about 180 meters away); Dawson Daily News (about 180 meters away); Arctic Brotherhood Hall (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dawson City.

Additional keywords. Klondike Gold Rush, prostitution

Ruby’s Place image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 2, 2010

2. Ruby’s Place

Marker to the right.

Ruby’s Place, window display image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 2, 2010

3. Ruby’s Place, window display

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 2, 2010

4. Ruby’s Place, window display

Ruby’s Place, side alley and back. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 4, 2010

5. Ruby’s Place, side alley and back.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 981 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 22, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.