M.V. Tarahne
During Atlin's heyday as a sought-after tourist destination, the White Pass and Yukon Company constructed the Motor Vessel Tarahne not far from its current resting place. Launched in 1917, the Tarahne served for nearly two decades, transporting passengers and freight across the lake while offering scenic cruises around Teresa Island with a close-up view of Llewellyn Glacier. Passengers were treated to the luxury of stewards in white jackets serving tea and petit fours.
By 1926/27, to accommodate the burgeoning tourist trade, the MV Tarahne was cut in half and lengthened. Below is a faded photo of that event. Have a close look at the real Tarahne down at the lakeshore, you can still see the joins.
In 1936, to the disbelief of many, the White Pass discontinued Atlin tours, leaving the Tarahne stranded on the beach. Despite citizens' hopes for her return, a couple of quiet summers confirmed the end of her reign. A reminder of a prosperous era when gold mines thrived and excited tourists frequented her gangplank, the vessel endured weathering and vandalism. Fifty years later, she remained gray and forlorn on the same cribbing that had settled dangerously under her weight. Though a hazard, her rich memories made her preservation imperative.
By 1985, the Atlin Historical Society took on the challenge, receiving a grant from the British Columbia Heritage Trust to save the Tarahne. The vessel was repositioned onto new cribbing, stripped of old paint, and adorned with a fresh coat. The weather deck was re-canvassed, bathrooms were restored, and replica lifeboats were installed.
At the same time as the Tarahne was being restored in Atlin, the S.S. Tutshi was being restored in Carcross by Yukon Heritage. Just before its completion, a tragic fire destroyed the Tutshi. The Tarahne received donations of some things which had been intended for the Tutshi but had not yet been installed. One donation was the linoleum, made in Scotland.
The Atlin Historical Society learned from the fate of the Tutshi. A sprinkler system was installed on the Tarahne, allowing public access once more. In her new life, the Tarahne became a venue for small receptions, summer weddings, luncheons, conferences, musical entertainment, meetings, dinner theatre, and parties.
For extensive information on the Tutshi, click on
https://emrlibrary.gov.yk.ca/Tourism/ss-tutshi-guide-manual.pdf
