Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services

NNSL (Mar 12/99) - The Wildcat Cafe -- in its modern-day form -- celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer.

It's a dear and cherished landmark for many Yellowknifers. And obviously recognized as such by the wider world, since the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Que., replicated the dining room within its august walls. Think of it, a museum of civilization, and there sits the Wildcat.

Well, the truth is the real Wildcat isn't sitting so pretty right now. It needs a bit of TLC.

The Wildcat first opened its doors in the late 1930s, operating until the early '50s as a restaurant, feeding miners and local people. There were three different owners.

But for 20 years or so, the little log building stood empty, slowly aging, decrepit and derelict.

It was in 1979 that the Old Stope Association, a group of volunteers, got together to restore the Wildcat and help revitalize Old Town, explains Stephen Fancott, a director of the association.

Twenty years ago the Wildcat reopened its doors. Over the years, the summer restaurant has attracted many illustrious visitors, from prime ministers to premiers and a few stars in between, as well as most everyone who lives in Yellowknife, no doubt.

The Old Stope wants to keep the doors open for 20 more, but they need help.

"It's a log building, we have to replace all the foundation logs," says Ann Peters, another director.

Peters explains that the bottom logs have a life span of approximately 20 years, and they're showing their age. As are the windows, which, back in '79, were windows salvaged from an older building. Not to mention the roof, which also needs replacing.

According to the Old Stope, attending to these restorations this year and next will ensure that the Wildcat stands to see its 40th anniversary. A little bit of effort and work, and help from the community, and it just might.

They need to raise approximately $10,000 to carry out the planned work over the next year or two -- so they've embarked on a fund-raising campaign.

The Wildcat Cafe also needs a manager for the summer. And with a new manager begins a new summer on June 1, with a fresh menu of country foods and Northern delicacies.

Past managers have included such Yellowknifers as Janice Laycock, Penny Ballantyne and Toni Riley. Who will be next?