Bernadine Richards, nee Piper (1898 - 1956)
Bernadine Piper was born in West Plain, Missouri. She was the youngest daughter in her family. When she was four months old, her family moved to Dyea, Alaska. They stayed at Dyea until 1901 when they made the trek over the Chilkoot Pass to Dawson with sisters Nellie and Mamie. Bernadine’s first teacher was George A. Jeckell.1)
In 1905, the family moved to Whitehorse where Bernadine lived for the next fifty-one years. At the age of sixteen she was a matron for the police barracks. Her mother was later widowed and married Fred Langholtz who had a dray business in the store where Mr. Sewell was located in 1965. After the First World War, Bernadine married T.C. Richards. She travelled extensively but always returned home. In 1943, the Richards built one of the grandest homes in Whitehorse.2)
The T.C. Richard Building in Whitehorse is recognized as a municipal heritage site. It was constructed following Bernadine’s specifications. The home, with stone fireplaces in the study, living room, and rumpus room, became a focus for Whitehorse high society.3)