New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-03
NOME A SOLID TOWN.
Not Just a Camp-BusineSs Interests on
Good Basis.

In every feature save possibly two. Nome
is the most remarkable new town in Alaska. OF in
the northern world Eight years ago there was
nothing there except the treeless tundra and the
golden beach beaten necessarily, as II is now, by
the surf of Bering Sea The growth Of the town.
however, is its most remarkable characteristic,
although 1t sprang up like a mushroom In the sum-
mer Of 1899 and quadruped in size in 1900. It
Is isolated by a distance Of two thousand miles
from any large settled community 1t has no reason
for being except almost accidental discovery OF
gold in its sands eight years ago; yet its inhahi-
tants now enjoy all the creature comforts Of life;
they enjoy themselves both summer and winter;
and most Of them are busy with work that is MAX
ing them either rich well-to-do
Nome is a picturesque place in the daytime, and
from seaward It shines like Jewel at night. Its
streets are constantly crowded with traffic during
the hours of business and they are thronged by a
COSMOPOLITAN population IN the evening. The native
Esquimaus In the characteristic garb Of their race
are always to be seen in every thoroughfare espe-
cally at night. and lend interesting element TO
the half pagan character of the place.
There is no brick or stone building IN Nome and
its wooden buildings located principally on two
streets extending from east TO west parallel with
the beach line. Front street is occupied with busi-
ness houses of good construction. although they
are of course not hreproof end the streets lead
ing back from the waterfront are chiefly occupied
by dwelling houses. The principal hotel and num-
her Of residences and business structures occupy
space on the second street paraleA Win the main
Nome has a first class public school, several
Churches two banks, two daily newspapers and g
large number of stores The hotels are ample. and
most OF them comfortable for all classes OF
fraVellers: but strictly first class hotel, which
would be assured OF good patronage at high rates
Is one OF the needs Of the town The town also has
an adequate water system TO meet the needs Of
households although not for fire. The fire depart
ment IN case of fire pumps water from the ocean,
and most notably on one occasion performed Ell
Gent service. one Of the public utilities OF Nome
IS an electric light plant. and another Is a thor
QUICKLY up-to-date telephone service. There Is no
nesd as vet for street cars. but steam railroad
extends from Nome 10 several OF the neghboring
creeks and by the end of next summer will carry
passengers far into the kouGarok country TO the
noTthward
rho two great needs Of the town a greater in
sirauce against fire and sewage system. The
sewers may come within the next few years. for II
would appear that great problem is involved in
their construction and maintenance. Frost In the
ground might prove adverse factor but II would
be possible at some expense, 10 keep sewer pipes
from freezing in winter by laying steam pipes paral-
lei 10 them as done present in connection with
the water system a system OF sewers would natu-