View of Yes Bay from water, ca. 1912

• Main Author: Thwaites, John E. (John Edward), 1863-1940
• Other Authors: University of Washington Libraries. Manuscripts, Special Collections, University Archives Division
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: unknown
• Published: 1912
• Subjects: Villages > Alaska; Yes Bay (Alaska); Bays > Alaska; Pacific; Ketchikan; Alaska
• Online Access: http://cdm16786.contentdm.oclc.org:80/cdm/ref/collection/thwaites/id/331

Caption on image: Yes Bay, Alaska PH Coll 247.780 Yes Bay is located about 50 miles north of Ketchikan, off the northwestern portion of Behm Canal. Located on the mainland, Yes Bay is included in the Tongass National Forest. The first explorers of Yes Bay were the Tlinglet tribe, who named the body of water north of the Behm Canal, Yes Bay, derived from the native word, "yaas," meaning blue mussel. Most of the Yes Bay history is chronicled after the Boston Fishing and Trading Company cannery was constructed in the area, in 1887. In 1890, averaging 25,000 cases per season, it employed a diverse group of Chinese, Native Americans, and White men and women, totaling 85 permanent residents in 14 houses. This company operated the cannery until 1900. After several years of idleness, the cannery was purchased and renamed the Pacific Fisheries Cannery, and it stayed active until 1936. A hatchery, managed by the United States Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, was located there in 1906. It continued to be active until the early 30s, when President Roosevelt activated his economy program. As a result, orders were received to close the Yes Bay hatchery and transfer personnel to the United States.