Item N-2003-014: 0009B - [Interview with Archie Loutitt]

• Sound recording

1 audio cassette (69 min. 30 sec.) : 0.4 cm, 10 x 6.5 x 1.2 cm

This audio recording features an interview with Archie Loutitt, who discusses the early days in Yellowknife when land ownership and use was unregulated and a ferry operated between mainland Yellowknife and Latham Island. He also mentions past Yellowknife establishments including the Busy Bee and the Northern Lights Café. He discusses the water taxi from Negus, the production of the Yellowknife Blade, and rations on liquor imposed by the liquor vendor. He reminisces about growing up in the early days of Yellowknife, and discusses the neighborhood youth gangs and territorial fights. He speaks about the hockey and baseball teams, and Old Town’s open arena. He considers the changes following the arrival of the territorial government in Yellowknife. He discusses working at Jack Glick’s restaurant (Dine and Dash) and his long and varied employment history. He also discusses his experience as a radio disc jockey, and notorious Yellowknife residents 100% Joe and Tom Doornbos.

The second segment of this audio recording features stories from Archie Loutit about notorious Yellowknife residents Julius Zieman and Sleepy Jim. He also remembers the Old Town dump, and speaks about living in Latham Island in the early days, the arrival of electricity, going to and from school as a kid, hauling water and cooking on a wood stove. He also discusses gardening in Yellowknife, as well as the tradition of fishing and hunting in town. He also shares his thoughts on the future of Yellowknife.