HomeRomance Introduction - The Right Place at the Right TimeMap of Yukon Highlighting Communities Where Claude and Mary LivedClaude the Camera FiendLearning ResourcesFun/Promotional MaterialCredits/AcknowledgementsLinksFrançais
The RCMP barracks in Dawson City. Claude sent this photograph to Mary with the inscription: “My 'home' here where you almost visited.” While Claude and Mary obviously carried on their courtship by mail, none of their letters to each other from this time survive.
The RCMP barracks in Dawson City. Claude sent this photograph to Mary with the inscription: “My 'home' here where you almost visited.” While Claude and Mary obviously carried on their courtship by mail, none of their letters to each other from this time survive.
Yukon Archives: 91-112 #558, PHO 606
The mountie and the nurse
 
A pining mountie

While Mary underwent her northern initiation, back in Dawson City a certain corporal couldn’t get the nurse out of his mind. The relationship between the two had deepened through their correspondence, and plans were made for a canoe trip on the Porcupine River in the spring. In her letters home, Mary mentioned the planned holiday, but neglected to name the "friend from Dawson" who would be making the trip with her.

Did it therefore come as a shock when, on April 17, 1925, Claude poured out his heart to Mary’s mother?

"Mrs Ryder – without so much as a ‘Please’ or a ‘By your leave’ to you, her mother, I have fallen in love with Mary although I am quite sure you will not censure me for doing that, will you? Because I couldn’t help it." (91/112 f. 2, MSS 365 April 17, 1925 Claude to Mrs. Ryder)

Another potential obstacle: Claude required permission to marry, not only from Mary’s family, but from his Officer in Command. Mere constables and noncommissioned officers (NCOs) were often discouraged or prevented from marrying by their commanders. Claude was more fortunate in that his petition was successful and he and Mary set their wedding for August 2, 1925.
"Absolutely shut off" Wedding dogs