"I tottered along the sidewalk

That was made of real cement

A skyscraper loomed above me

Where once I remembered a tent.”

Robert Service wrote those words about Whitehorse in Bob Smart's Dream in 1905.

On a cold May day 107 years later, at the corner of Main Street and Second Avenue next to a sculpture of the Yukon bard's writing desk along the cement sidewalk, the Whitehorse History Book Society officially launched its patron program.

The $250 patrons provide will get them a limited edition of the book documenting Whitehorse's history with their name published as a patron, Ione Christensen, who heads up the society, told reporters during Tuesday afternoon's launch.

City councillor Dave Stockdale became the first patron, handing Christensen a cheque after she offered her thanks to the many funding sources which have already contributed to the book.

"You can't look at the future without looking at the past,” Mayor Bev Buckway said after Christensen recognized the $30,000 from the city toward the estimated $150,000 project.

Royalties from the book are set to go back into the city's heritage fund and could be used down the road to update the book, Christensen pointed out.

The territorial government has also put in a share, with $25,000 coming from the Community Development Fund and more than $8,000 from the Department of Tourism and Culture.

Christensen also listed off a number of private businesses and individuals sponsoring the project.

"You're helping make this dream come true,” she said.

It was a dream that began with her husband, Art, she said as she introduced writers, board members (including Art) and others involved.

When the couple was on vacation a little more than a year ago, she had been doing some writing when Art asked her why she didn't produce a book about Whitehorse.

The next day, he asked her if she had thought about it and told her he'd be there to help.

"Art, it's your baby,” said the former mayor, commissioner and Liberal senator.

From there, Christensen said, she started making phone calls and the work began on a history book that would detail the city's entire history from before local First Nations had contact with European settlers through to today.

"It is the story of Whitehorse,” she said, adding research for the book has produced many more ideas for other books.

While Service may have envisioned many of the changes that have occurred in the city, Christensen said he probably wouldn't have recognized Whitehorse today.

"However, all those changes have never been documented, and last year, a group of us got together to see if it was possible to get it all between two covers,” she said.

As the group has continued its efforts to produce the book, it has also been presenting tidbits of history with its Star column, published every other Wednesday. (Today's is on p. 7.)

Within the book, Whitehorse's history will be explored with each of the eight writers involved focusing on a particular topic.

John Firth, who also has a monthly Star column, will look at sports and recreation.

Marilyn Jensen and Ingrid Johnson will write about First Nations, while Rob Ingram is set to explore the city's architecture.

Miche Genest will focus on festivals and arts, and Bob Cameron will look at aviation and air services in the city.

Local historian Pat Ellis, who occasionally contributes items to the Star, is also working as a researcher on the project.

Hélène Dobrowolsky and Linda Johnson will serve as the lead writers.

"I just think it's going to be a wonderful adventure for everyone involved,” said Linda Johnson, a professional archivist.

There's so much to be discovered, she said.

There are two things that are forming the content of the book, Dobrowolsky said. Whitehorse is here because of its placement, she said, pointing to the rapids as an example of how the geography helped make the city what it is today.

The other main component is the amazing assortment of people who have added to the diversity and culture of the community.

As the research and writing continues, those wanting to become patrons (and have their names included in the book) can do so until Dec. 31.

To contact the society, e-mail pepper@northwestel.net.