The Karluk Chronicle
“The festivities, sports, etc., which were planned for today, have been postponed until better weather prevails.
“Yesterday, in anticipation of Dominion Day, (not because it was necessary), several members indulged in what was the nearest approach to a bath they have had during a period of 14 days. It being a bright and sunny day, all the tubs and buckets were requisitioned, and soon the amidships deck assumed the appearance of a laundry. As fresh water is a scarce commodity on the Karluk, salt water was mostly used, and after bathing, the same water was found to be in excellent condition for laundry work.
“The array of shining faces and the general air of satisfaction in evidence as O’Neill proceeded with his concert, was, in itself, proof that the efforts of the bathers had met with some success.”
Published Daily and Sunday, in the cabin of Capt. R.A. Bartlett, of the Karluk.
Burt M. McConnell, Editor.
Dr. Forbes-Mackay, Assoc. Ed.
Library and Archives Canada/Department of Marine fonds/Vol. 464, file no. 84-2-3
On board the Karluk, conserving water would have been all about the scarcity of fresh water until they reached the Arctic Ocean. There fresh water could be pumped up to the ship from the extensive melt pools on the surface of the summer sea ice.In a small winter camp, when all water has to come from melted snow or ice, a weekly sponge bath, while standing in a small washtub or over a plastic bag, is more likely than a daily shower. Recycling the bath water by using it to wash clothes is always a good thing.
The reference to “O’Neill’s concert” in The Karluk Chronicle is somewhat misleading. The “concert” was actually just O’Neill’s turn to select and play the records on the ship’s gramophone!
David
