The Mayor of Bordertown

Sid van der Meer (b. 1937) resides in the small border community of Beaver Creek, Yukon since 1996. He survived the Second World War as a child in the Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in April 1953 with his parents and siblings. The more he learned about Canada the more he became attracted to the north and eventually moved to the Yukon, more than sixty years ago.

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Sid and his then-wife Marilyn John, member of White River First Nation, lived and raised their children at Mile 1167 known affectionately as the Northwest Trading Post for one short season in 1968. In 1969, they relocated the building and their family to Mile 1128 known as Mountain View Lodge where they stayed until 1977.

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Sid recently retired from his position as Supervisor of the local Visitor Information Centre, marking his 20th year with the Yukon Government. Sid is known around Yukon as a history buff and he has been collecting significant historical items for the past fifty years. Sid’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are all members of White River First Nation. And although his Collection is aimed more towards the newcomer experience to the Yukon, Sid has a deep respect and admiration for Indigenous history.

 

Sid’s Collection includes classic vehicles, some used during the construction of the Alaska Highway, numerous items that date to the Klondike Gold Rush and earlier, as well as a trove of World War I and World War II related memorabilia. Sid’s Collection is housed behind his home in a structure which he calls Bordertown Garage and Museum. The Museum is a private collection, not a registered business and is only open during the spring and summer months.

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For years, Sid has invited guests to his home and Museum and thousands of visitors have stopped by. From independent travelers to tour buses, Sid’s Collection is seen as a hidden gem in the Yukon and Sid himself a “tourism legend.” (For a list of Sid's media appearances, click here.)

 

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Lost treasures from long ago have made their way to Bordertown Garage and Museum and are waiting to be discovered once more. Plan your visit today!