Kirmse's Curios on Broadway with two totem poles in front, Skagway, Alaska, circa 1906

• Main Author: Dedman, Henry
• Other Authors: University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections Division
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Subjects: Streets > Alaska > Skagway; Business districts > Alaska > Skagway; Totem poles > Alaska > Skagway; Broadway (Skagway; Alaska); Kirkses Curios (Alaska); Skagway; Alaska
• Online Access: http://cdm16786.contentdm.oclc.org:80/cdm/ref/collection/alaskawcanada/id/1212

Caption on image: Kirmse's corner - Broadway - Skagway, Alaska. Dedman Filed in Alaska--Cities/Location--Skagway Herman Kirmse was one early successful entrepreneur in Skagway. In 1897 Kirmse opened a jewelry and watch repair shop in a tent he shared with a cobbler. Within a few months he opened Pioneer Jewelry Store on Sixth Avenue. In 1903, well after the gold rush had ended, Kirmse purchased a two-story wooden frame store on 5th and Broadway. In 1906 he expanded into the adjacent structure and remodeled it with large display windows. Native carvers created jewelry and curios for the shop. Still standing today, the building exhibits features typical of the era such as a false front, decorative brackets, and metal roof. [Source: http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/75skagway/75facts2.htm ]