| Summary: | This double portrait depicts Yukon Order of Pioneers (YOOP) Seattle Lodge No. 2 members George Butler and George T. Snow wearing YOOP sashes, with the YOOP banner depicted in the center. The Yukon Order of Pioneers (YOOP) fraternal organization was formed on December 1, 1894 at Forty Mile, Yukon Territory, Canada. With the motto "Do unto others as you would be done by" as its abiding rule, the organization helped maintain law and order and settle disagreements among early prospectors and residents. In order to qualify for membership, pioneers were required to have been in the Yukon Territory on or before 1888. In 1912, many of the miners had moved to Seattle and applied to form a lodge there; the Yukon Order of Pioneers Seattle Lodge No. 2 was founded that year by George T. Snow and Thomas W. O'Brien. George Snow, born James Fink, changed his named when he became active in the theater. Snow and his family performed in Port Townsend, Washington, and Victoria, British Columbia, from 1884 to 1886 before moving to Juneau, Alaska in 1887 to run the Opera House. In 1894, Snow took his family over the Chilkoot Pass into the Yukon Territory, living at Circle City and Forty Mile, where he founded the Yukon Order of Pioneers on December 1, 1894. After several meetings throughout 1894, the group's charter was signed by 68 founding members at the Snow opera house. Handwritten on photo: Geo Butler. Born June 8 – 1871 at Port Townsend Washington. Arrived on Yukon June 1896. Geo. T. Snow. Born July 27 – 1847 at Boston, Mass. Arrived on Yukon May 1888. Signed on photo: Merrihew, Seattle 1 photographic print: b&w; 10 x 13 in.
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