Episode #10 and 11 Hosted By Joanna Skye Produced By: Nathan Cutietta Directed By: Jesse Russell Brooks Length: 46 min. Price: Not Available |
Kitty Hensley's Map |
Kitty Hensley lived the typical and romantic Wild West life,
including, leaving behind a puzzling treasure map. She moved from the
small town of Leland, Michigan to California in the 1880's. She worked
at dance halls, saloons, steamboats and visited many Wild West towns during their
heyday. As she got older, residents say she became a compulsive hoarder
and saver. She began to stop trusting townspeople and banks when the city
of Fairbanks took her daughter Hazel away because she was caught shoplifting.
She died a lonely death in 1931 in Fairbanks. When cleaning out her
house, they |
found a bag of gold and a treasure map behind her fireplace. Kitty's house
is now part of Pioneer Park, an amusement park in Fairbanks, and the contents behind
the fireplace including the original map are on display within the house. |
Kitty Hensley |
Professor of History, Claus-M. Naske, Ph.D. will tell
you that he does not believe in the lost treasure or in the importance of pioneer
women Kitty Hensley. A talk with some local residents will reveal
a much different story. Residents such as Donna Krier, Karen Erickson,
Candy Waugaman and Francine Mears will let you know that although Kitty's treasure
is very much debated the importance of Kitty Hensley is not. Most
local Fairbanks |
residents believe that Kitty Hensley stood as a symbol of the gold rush pioneer women.
Linda Atkinson who is Kitty Hensley's great niece, believes that the
treasure story is true. Linda lives in Leland Michigan where Kitty was
born and raised. Linda says that hording and hiding valuables is a trait
that runs in the family to this day. |
Sources Claus - M. Naske, Ph.D, Personal Communication, November, 2002 Francine L. Mears, Personal Communication, November, 2002 Donna Krier, Personal Communication, November, 2002 Karen Erickson, Personal Communication, November, 2002 Candy Waugaman, Personal Communication, November, 2002 JAY RAMRAS, Personal Communication, November, 2002 Linda Atkinson, Personal Communication, March, 2003 Photograph courtesy of Linda Atkinson |