Ruby began as a gold mining town in the early 1900’s.  Billy McCarty, Sr., half Irish and half Athabascan grew up during a time of hard work, wild play and boom town growth.  Many say that Billy Sr. was pretty rough and wild himself in his youth but matured into a hard working and dedicated family man.  Blindness hit him in the 50’s and dramatically changed his lifestyle of subsisting off the land. 

Despite handicaps Billy continues to be a good natured and wonderful storyteller.