All posts by Art Martens

Professor Focuses on Indigenous History

October 3, 2015 Art Martens 1 Comment

Approximately 6 months after writing about the Similkameen Valley’s well known Allison family, I received an e-mail from Professor Janet MacArthur of UBC’s Kelowna campus. “I’m collaborating on an anthology of writings by white and indigenous women who lived in the interior in the early settlement period,” she wrote. “Can we talk?”

I live in a small community not renowned for its sophistication. What kind of prof was she, I wondered. Would I require a dictionary in hand to understand her academic language? And did I know anything that would be helpful to her?

In a 2 hour visit at our kitchen table and then a telephone conversation, I realized that in spite of an education infinitely superior to mine, I didn’t need the dictionary. We began by talking about much more than her current writing project. I learned that challenging life experiences have given her an understanding that cannot be attained via a high level of education.

“My mother was ill during much of my growing up time, but I had lots of support from other family when she couldn’t be there,” she said in response to my question about her early years. “My grandmother became a big influence. I learned from her about becoming strong, having faith and the importance of education.”

She completed a BEd at University of Calgary, taught school in northern Alberta, pursued graduate studies at Dalhousie and UBC, then earned a PhD in Renaissance literature at U of C in 1988. In 1989, she was hired at Okanagan University College in Kelowna where she has taught 16th and17th century literature, including Shakespeare, women’s literature, and autobiography.

When I asked about challenges in her life, Janet’s expression became serious and a sober note crept into her voice. “I have a pretty competitive side,” she said. “Twenty years ago I was given a diagnosis of Lupus. There were many things I wanted to accomplish, but could not. That was devastating and at first I was angry.”

She paused to reflect, then said, “the illness forced me to think about my limits and accept them. I understand now that people who don’t need to struggle do not comprehend some things. It’s given me a deeper understanding of life. I hope I have grown spiritually through this.”

When she was 44, Janet adopted an infant girl from China, then another daughter 10 years later. “At my age it has been tougher than I expected,” she said, “but a huge source of joy.”

An area of interest now is how people react to extreme experience. She explores this in a course on Holocaust memoir. “The media simplifies issues,” she said, “but events can mean different things. I urge my students to probe deeper. In the Holocaust course we look at accounts written by victims, perpetrators, bystanders, and children. We consider how this historical episode continues to affect many cultures. We examine thoughts and feelings. Too often people turn a blind eye to what is happening. I value the opportunity to shape the way students think.” Her focus on Holocaust trauma is related to her work on the oppression of the Syilx (Okanagan and Similkameen) people.

The planned anthology of writings by indigenous and settler women is a collaboration with Jeannette Armstrong of the En’owken Centre in Penticton and Lally Grauer, retired UBCO professor.. “We’re bringing out a history that hasn’t been offered to the public yet,” she said. “We’re trying to create a trace of the women of the past. Even white women’s voices are not central to traditional Okanagan and Similkameen history. Bringing indigenous and non-indigenous women’s voices together provides a new way of seeing.”

She values the writing of early Princeton settler Susan Allison, the white wife of John Fall Allison, as she appears to have had an unconventional relationship with First Nations people. Earlier work on Susan Allison overlooks this. “Susan was in a state of conflict because she knew the white people and was part of that culture. She couldn’t say some things, but she leaves a muted trace.”

Janet feels that Nora Allison, John Fall’s (aboriginal) first wife should be celebrated. “I would like the indigenous women of today to tell the story of John Fall’s two wives,” she said. Janet MacArthur and her collaborators are serious about providing them that opportunity.

Community, People

Grouse Grind for Alzheimer’s

September 27, 2015 Art Martens 1 Comment

This past Sunday my friend Mark Lamont of Burnaby participated in a team climb of the Grouse Grind to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research and services. On the same day a group of climbers assembled at Base Camp on the 5,895 metre high Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to mount an assent, also to raise Alzheimer’s research funds.

Except in winter months, Mark has been training on the 2.9 kilometre Grind every second day. Over the past 3 years he has done more than 200 climbs and has taken part in the Alzheimer’s Climb each year. At age 52, he is physically fit, without an ounce of flab. In one climb he was surprised by an unanticipated blizzard. He’s extraordinarily determined and it didn’t stop him. For the Sunday Grind, participants were divided into teams of 7. Each team’s combined climbs amounted to approximately the same elevation as Mt. Kilimanjaro. With a time of 38 min.1 sec., Mark recorded the fastest climb this Sunday.

“I began doing it when I learned that a person very close to me was showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s,” he said. “I want to do something to help find a cure. If we do nothing, the situation will not get better.”

According to a brochure I picked up at the Alzheimer Society, Alzheimer’s is the most common of a large group of disorders known as dementias. It is an irreversible disease of the brain in which the progressive degeneration of brain cells causes thinking ability and memory to deteriorate. Currently about 70,000 British Columbians are suffering from some form of dementia.

Most of us know at least one person with the illness. We’ve seen victims held in its vice-like talons, being drawn relentlessly into a puzzling maze where there exist chaos and sometimes sheer mayhem. Like a heartless vampire, it sucks the life from loving relationships.

Not long ago, my friend Henry experienced the devastating impact Alzheimer’s can have on a relationship. On a cold winter day he walked into his wife’s room in an Alzheimer’s unit of an extended care facility. The puzzled expression on her face told him immediately she was confused by his presence. “Who are you?” she asked. He explained he was her husband and they had been married 42 years. “No,” she said emphatically, “you are not my husband.” Pointing at a photo of a young army officer on her dresser, she said, “that is my husband.” The disease had placed a veil between her and reality. He could not help her understand he was the young man in the photo taken 41 years ago.

For me a line in one of the pamphlets was personally disquieting. “In a population in which one parent has Alzheimer’s,” it said, “5 of every 100 individuals can expect an Alzheimer’s diagnosis by about age 65.” I find this troubling because my mother was given a dementia diagnosis in the last year of her life. Does this mean one day I might be one of those five?

To this time the complexity of the brain has prevented major breakthroughs. Research has however produced several medications that can help with symptoms such as declining memory, language, thinking ability and motor skills. The Alzheimer Society says earlier diagnosis can mean treatments are started in the early stages.

The Society recommends a healthy lifestyle to help the brain maintain connections and even develop new ones. Challenging the brain and keeping it active is important. “Try something new,” the Society suggests, “and change routines. Take up a new interest such as learning a language or playing an instrument. Be socially and physically active.” The Society stresses the importance of protecting the head by wearing a helmet in contact sports and other activities.

Mark told me funds raised through the MKGG (Mt. Kilimanjaro Grouse Grind) will help ensure that people whose lives have been impacted by any of the dementias can connect to a province-wide network of support services and education programs.
Anyone desiring further information can go to www.alzheimerbc.org. To support Mark in raising funds, go to www.hikemkgg.com and click on “donate”. This will take you to the “Search for a Participant” page. Type in Mark Lamont and follow instructions.

For me a donation is a welcome way of making a positive difference without exposing my human frailty on the remorseless Grouse Grind.

Community

Fruit Stands and Autumn Colours

September 26, 2015 Art Martens 1 Comment

Stopping at the fruit stands in Keremeos, or even driving by them, is an awesome way to experience the colours of autumn. Today Linda and I enjoyed the array of pumpkins, squash, apples, pears, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, grapes, plums and much more. People are arriving from many parts of the province. Our friends Terry and Lis come from the Fraser Valley every year to pick up fruit which they buy directly from an orchard.

I was particularly intrigued at the Parsons Fruit Stand because there is an assortment of ancient tractors on the property. Those old machines speak of a time when technology was in its early stages and life was simpler. Also harder in many ways. Certainly the drivers of those tractors needed to be physically robust to operate them and repair them. For me, this combination of fruit, vegetables and vintage machines brings a sense of joy I don’t get from gazing at my friend’s new red Corvette convertible.

Parsons Fruit Stand has been in Keremeos over 100 years.

Politics

Alex Atamanenko on Life and Politics

September 18, 2015 Art Martens 2 Comments

I share retiring MP Alex Atamanenko’s sense of disquiet at the state of governance in Canada. He believes an NDP government can save our nation from further undermining of our democracy at the highest level. At this time I’m not convinced any of the leaders have the will, integrity and wisdom required to bring about the change we need. I do respect Alex’s views though and if his party wins, I hope I will be proved wrong.

During an hour long conversation last week, Alex spoke candidly about his life and experience as an Opposition MP. He has an understanding of the turmoil that can overtake a nation. “My father was Ukrainian and my mother Russian,” he said at the outset. “My grandfather was executed by thugs released from prison by the Bolsheviks. My father was an officer in the Imperial Army, fighting against the Bolsheviks.”

Alex was born in New Westminster. He obtained a BA in physical education, a teaching diploma and an MA in Russian. He has taught Russian, French and English in Canada and America. His community involvement has included the Boys Club of Vancouver and instructing at the Castlegar Karate Club.

Concerning his entrance into politics he said, “I had become disenchanted with the Liberal government. Over dinner in a Medicine Hat restaurant on a trip across the prairies in 2003, I told my wife Ann I was thinking of running as a federal NDP candidate. She told me I was crazy, but she’d support me.” In the 2004 election he was narrowly defeated. “I just continued campaigning,” he said. “In 2006 I ran again and won.”

Initially, when Parliament was in session, Ann accompanied him on his pretty much weekly pilgrimages between the riding and Ottawa. His schedule permitted too little time together though. “It’s the most intense job I’ve ever had,” he said.

As NDP Agriculture Critic he met with farmers and farm associations. In his constituency he and his staff helped with a variety of individual issues such as obtaining a passport or dealing with a taxation matter. “As a final resort I’d write a letter to the minister and deliver it personally.” They were always very receptive. In Ottawa he participated in creating and examining legislation.

When possible, he collaborated with members of other parties, dealing with issues of concern to his constituents. “If I was touring in another member’s riding, I always sent advance notification. In many ways, our system of government is working. Our riding is receiving grants, even though it is represented by a party not in power.”

In spite of positives he is troubled by “an increasingly partisan and bitter tone in Parliament.” The NDP and Liberals suggested more than 20 amendments to strengthen the Food Safety Bill, he recalls. “The government rejected all of them.”

Alex found the corporate forces contending for free trade to be extremely powerful. During 9 years as an MP he proposed a number of bills, some designed to protect the health of Canadians. Only one made it to committee stage. “In one instance I suggested an economic impact study to determine if farmers would lose money if further GMO products were introduced. A representative from the biotech industry told me they didn’t want my bill to come before the House.” Some fifty lobbyists descended on the MP’s, pressuring them to vote against the bill. Initially the Liberals supported the bill but due to the intense lobbying, when it came to the committee level they sided with the government to defeat it.

In another agriculture related issue, he considers it a victory that by employing a seldom used maneuver, he was able to protect the Canadian Grain Commission from being dismantled for almost a year.

He believes proportional representation would eliminate many current abuses of power. Also, he would like schools to invite politicians to meet with students so they will become educated participants in our democracy.

In spite of concerns, in his final address to Parliament he said, “the privilege of serving as an MP has undoubtedly been the most enriching and rewarding experience of my life.”

It is my belief that Alex Atamanenko, like early party leaders J.S. Woodsworth and Stanley Knowles, is a man of integrity, without guile. A Canadian statesman.

Community

Mountie Barry Kennedy on Policing and Life

September 14, 2015 Art Martens Leave a comment

Sitting at our kitchen table last week, I asked Sergeant Barry Kennedy if he has ever needed to draw his gun in a dangerous situation. “Yes,” he said, “I had been a Mountie only 6 months the first time. I was trying to handcuff a guy. He pulled a knife and slashed at me. Fortunately the knife caught only my clothes. He settled down when I pulled the gun.”

He already wanted to be a police officer at age 10. Unlike most of us, he never let go of his boyhood dream. “My parents were very clear about right and wrong,” he said. “That influenced me.”

“I was only 140 pounds when I entered the RCMP training depot in Regina,” he remembers. “Most recruits come out lighter than when they went in. I weighed 160.” He now sports the sturdy frame of a stevedore at the Vancouver docks and seems at ease in his role of Detachment Commander in Princeton.

He welcomes change and has enjoyed a varied career in policing. In North Vancouver he was police liaison officer for 8 schools. “At first the students didn’t want to talk to me,” he said smiling. “By the end of the year they were saving a seat for me in the cafeteria at lunch time. In the malls they’d come up to me to chat.”

Sergeant Kennedy enjoys horses and for 8 successive years he applied for a position in the RCMP Musical Ride. Only 12 officers are chosen each year and there are usually about 400 applications. Finally he was selected and he loved it.

“We were away a lot from May to November. I participated in events in Switzerland, England, the U.S. and Canada. It was an opportunity to meet people from a variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds. We found a common ground with them.”

I asked what role cannabis and other drugs play in policing. “A lot of crime is associated with marijuana,” he replied. “Bullying and theft are a couple of examples. People not involved don’t face the same issues.” In regard to the drug house in Hedley which people are unhappy about he said, “to get a search warrant, we need to show the court there is repeated use of a drug. High traffic flow would be of interest to us.” He welcomes information supplied by the community. The Mounties have a Regional Unit that comes out on request, when it has time, to assist with difficult situations.

Although he says, “I’ve always wanted to get the bad guys,” there is a decided community emphasis in his thinking and actions. He has a longstanding interest in hockey and has played goalie at the major junior level. He refs Princeton Posse games and instructs in the rules.

“I encourage officers to participate in the life of local communities,” he said. He cited the example of Corporal Chad Parsons being in the colour guard at a 100 year anniversary event in Hedley recently. “Community involvement and service is the legacy I want us to leave,” he said.

When I asked what has surprised him in policing, he answered, “I’m surprised at the way the media blame the RCMP for everything.” On a more positive note he said, “there is a lot of good that happens. Not everyone agrees with everything we do, but I get meaning from doing what is right for most people.”

The message he likes to give is “this is your community. It will become whatever you allow. Parties on your street every night, fights, drugs, etc. If you see something that seems suspicious or wrong, call us.”

The Princeton Detachment has only 7 officers to police an enormous geographic area that ranges from Nickel Plate Rd. east of Hedley to Manning Park. For a Mountie on patrol in an isolated area it can be especially dangerous. On one such occasion in 2013, Sergeant Kennedy pulled over a vehicle and the driver exited brandishing a rifle. “If he had pointed it at me, I’d have had to shoot,” he said. For his wife and 4 children such incidents must be unnerving.

The next time we are annoyed at seeing those flashing lights appear unexpectedly behind us, we could remind ourselves that the Mountie in that cruiser has probably faced life threatening situations while protecting us.

Politics

Harper Song at NDP Gathering

September 13, 2015 Art Martens 1 Comment

Supporters of Angelique Wood, NDP candidate for Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola, gathered last week in the back yard of Bob and Marilyn Bergen in rural Cawston. Wood announced that party headquarters has noticed the local campaign is neck and neck with the Conservative candidate, who most election observers had expected to win.

“When Head Office decides a riding is in the game in a serious way,” she said, “they start paying attention to you. They have decided to send Bryan McIver, an experienced campaign manager to work closely with us. Things have been amped up a notch. We’re in the game in a whole new way.” A disciplined, hard working campaigner, she is heartened by this show of confidence.

Wood also told her supporters she and her team would shortly open a campaign headquarters at 1820 Byland Avenue in West Kelowna.

She and her team, and apparently many in the NDP, have enthusiastically embraced “The Harper Song.” After a meal of chili, bread and desserts, the gathering ended with an exuberant rendition. It was a crowd pleaser. Among the singers were Angelique Wood, retiring MP Alex Atamanenko, and Dr. Gerald Partridge, retired long time Keremeos physician.

The race in Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola certainly promises to be one worth watching. It may not be decided until the last ballot is counted on election night.

Community, Indigenous People of Similkameen Valley, People

Pow Wow A Pageantry Of Colour

September 7, 2015 Art Martens 3 Comments

As Linda and I parked across the street from the Ashnola Campground on Saturday, we could hear the distinct, steady boom of a large drum. Somewhat akin to the toll of a village church bell summoning the faithful, the drum was announcing that afternoon’s session of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band Pow Wow. At the entrance to the circle of bleachers, we saw dancers in elaborate, colourful regalia assembling for the Grand Entry into the performance arena. We were about to experience the Similkameen Pow Wow of Champions.

In a phone conversation several days earlier, one of the organizers, Wendy Terbasket had told me a Pow Wow is “a social and contest event. There are competitions in singing, dancing and drumming. The dancing is about prayer,” she said. “While dancing you think about people who can’t.”

Smiling Fawn Sound Woman, a mother & grandmother, who said "The Pow Wow is a way of teaching the children our traditions." — Smiling Fawn Sound Woman, a mother & grandmother, who said “The Pow Wow is a way of teaching the children our traditions.”

We would also learn it is about family and culture. Some of the dancers were barely past the learning to walk stage. Young parents and grand parents were making an effort to keep the children involved.

Noticing a man in an especially intricate regalia, I asked if I could take his photo. He agreed readily and told us he is a Blackfoot (Siksika) from Alberta. His name is Leon Crane Bear and he has an M.A. in Native American Studies.

The ceremony began with a brief talk and prayer by an Elder. She prayed earnestly for her people, especially youth who have gone astray. “We must love them and give them a hug,” she said. She also prayed for people with cancer and other illnesses, and those who have passed on. I sensed her deep desire to see the values and culture of her people transmitted to the next generation.

The dancers, a wonderful splash of colour, now proceeded with great dignity onto the grass floor of the arena. Here their pent up excitement and energy was released in eye pleasing dances, accompanied by drumming and singing. There were too many to count, children, youth, adults and some elderly individuals. It was an impressive moment of joy and exhilaration for dancers and audience.

Moonlite and the other princesses were introduced as "The Royalty" — Moonlite and the other princesses were introduced as “The Royalty”

I wandered away several times from the arena to speak with individual dancers waiting to perform. Moonlite was one of the princesses honoured by the MC. Some of her brief address to the audience had been in the Okanagan language. She permitted me to take several photos and said her ambition is to become a psychologist.

I also spoke with Tyler Jensen. His outfit had cost him about $1800 but still needs beadwork, which will be costly. Many dancers do some or all the work themselves. I gathered that being a dancer involves commitment of time, energy and funds.

For Wendy and Lauren Terbasket, the initiation of their 7 year old nephew Kirshon into the Pow Wow gave special significance to the event. The initiation included several dances in which he was central. Steven Point, a provincial judge and former Lieutenant Governor of B.C., was present to witness the ceremony. Laurence Trottier, a respected dancer, singer, and friend of the family spoke in Kirshon’s honour. For the Terbasket family it was a memorable occasion.

In a conversation with Lauren I came to a greater understanding of the Pow Wow. “Our committee spends the whole year planning,” she said. “We get a lot of help from the community.” She especially appreciates the assistance given by Darlene Choo of Bright Light Pictures and also Gorman Brothers.

“The singing and dancing heal the participants and the onlookers,” she believes. “It’s a celebration dance and it draws families together. We want children to participate at a young age. We give them each $5.00 for dancing. Pow Wows help keep the culture alive. We don’t allow any drugs or alcohol.”

Lauren paused for a moment to consider, then said “the drum beat is the heart beat of the people. Watching the dancers makes you feel good. It lifts up the spirit and heart. The Pow Wow is our way of giving to the people. Blessing comes when we give.”

When we left, I was impressed with the organization and efficiency of the Pow Wow. Equally important is the emphasis on teaching values and culture, giving young people a sense of pride in their heritage, and striving to keep families intact. As we drove away, the big drum was still booming.

Classic Cars

Awed By Classic Rolls Royce

September 3, 2015 Art Martens 3 Comments

This elegant classic Rolls Royce was parked at the Hitching Post Restaurant in Hedley a couple of weeks ago. The restaurant has a solid reputation for sumptuous dining well beyond Hedley and I frequently see expensive cars there during the dinner hour. Apparently people with means consider it worth a lengthy drive, or plan to stop here when they are travelling to other destinations. Certainly the high priced vehicles I regularly see here are not owned by local people.

When I spotted this Rolls, I hurried home to fetch the camera. Probably I should have gone into the restaurant and found the owner so I could learn more about it. I considered it but don’t like to disturb people at their meal. It might have been a special anniversary for them.

For me the car exudes character. It doesn’t have lines similar to virtually every other car on the road. When we see a car like this, we don’t need to look for the name of it’s maker. It is truly distinctive.

Linda went online in an attempt to find out when it was made but we’re not certain of this. What she did find is that there are a number of very impressive models.

I realize now I should have looked for the owners. Was it an elderly couple marking a special occasion? They might have been as interesting as the fabulous car they drive.

Community, Hedley Times

Lydia’s Sense of Community

August 29, 2015 Art Martens 1 Comment

When she dresses as a member of the Hedley Heritage Ladies, Lydia Sawicki has the appearance of a sweet gentle lady from the early 1900’s. It’s best not to be deceived by this sedate outer image though. After a recent conversation with her, I came away with the impression she has enough octane to power a heavily loaded highway rig.

Lydia learned early not everyone would agree with her goals or methods. Her parents didn’t understand the value of an education. When she turned 15, they suggested she discontinue attending school. But she loved learning and had already read all the Russian classics.

At this time she ran away from home, and made her way to Chile to work with those seeking a transition to democracy. Here she learned Spanish and obtained her grade 12. The Spanish now enables her to work from her home as an interpreter in courts, hospitals and other situations where interpretation is needed.

In addition to providing fluency in Spanish, the Chile experience gave her some useful understandings about people and how to get things done. “It was the time of the despotic Pinochet regime,” she said. “In the election, government goons were waiting for the people at the polls. The people didn’t flinch. They came in large numbers, linking arms, eight abreast across the street.” She began to understand that “everything is doable.” She learned the importance of people being connected and striving together toward a common goal.

Lydia didn’t begin working toward a B.A. until she was 33 and had 2 children and a job. After investing 5 years toward a PhD, illness interrupted her studies. “I had done the teaching and the publishing,” she said. “I just needed to write my thesis. It’s still there for me to complete, but I no longer feel I need it to do what I consider important.” Her educational emphasis was in the realm of inequality, especially among marginalized groups such as the poor, disabled, and aboriginal people. Now her life is committed to taking practical action on the troubling issues she sees around her.

Upon arriving in Hedley 6 years ago, she didn’t wait for an invitation to get involved. Hiking along 20 Mile Creek with her 2 boxers, both rescue dogs ordered from a pound in L.A., she became disturbed at the refuse dumped in this awe inspiring wilderness.

Sign painted on lid of dumped cyanide container.

Something needed to be done. “I began working with others interested in cleaning up along the creek,” she said. “We set up a website, wildernessdumping.org. I always look for people who have the same concern and are willing to take action. Some people ask why we’re doing this, and why they should help. I tell them it’s our garbage and our town. We’re all responsible. When I know who dumped refuse I ask them to help. Some do.” To this time they’ve removed 120 discarded tires, also fridges and stoves and other furniture. It is her view that “we all need to accept responsibility for the earth and those less fortunate.”

In all her endeavours, she attempts to connect with others and use the structures that exist. When schools in Grand Forks were replacing their computers, a recycling program was begun. The schools and other donors gave their used computers to disadvantaged people. “We provided support for people taking on the technological age for the first time. Some of those people went on to become teachers and computer engineers.”

Lydia as a vendor at the Farmers Market & Sunday Fair

Currently she is president of the Hedley Farmers Market & Sunday Fair. For her it is gratifying that members are committed and working cooperatively. The market and fair are growing and they usually have 10 – 12 vendors. “It’s an opportunity to educate people about eating well and buying local,” she said, then added, “a lot gets donated at the end.” She is pleased that people from all organizations in Hedley are involved in the market & fair.

At the end of our conversation Lydia emphasized she thinks of herself simply as one individual working with others to make a positive difference in our community. “It is important for people to be connected,” she said. “When we focus on what we have in common and not on that which divides us, we can work together to build a stronger, more enjoyable community.”

Community, Hedley Times

Ceremony at Hedley Cenotaph

August 26, 2015 Art Martens 1 Comment

I’ve many times passed by the Cenotaph on Scott Avenue, Hedley’s main street, almost invariably without thinking about what it represents. This began to change in the winter of 2013 when our neighbour Andy English became keenly interested in it. His fascination developed into an intensive research project. In the spring of 2014 Jennifer Douglass, another local historical researcher, joined him in his quest for knowledge about the names on the Cenotaph.

Andy’s excitement about their research findings developed into a passion and he talked about it almost incessantly. One day his wife Kim said to him, “Andy, can we talk about something other than war for a change?” Jennifer’s enthusiasm matched Andy’s.

Because of their research we now know that the Cenotaph is situated at the very place where 17 Hedley men gathered on August 24, 1915, prior to leaving for Penticton to enlist in the Canadian Armed Forces.

These men were in the prime of life and all passed the physical exam. A couple of the men, Blair Mills and Tom Corrigan, were 19. Tommy Knowles, future Postmaster of Hedley was 22. Alec Jack was 24. At the other end of the age spectrum were Joe Rotherham and Dan Devane, both 44.

The younger men were at a time in their lives when they were observing the young ladies, wondering which one would make a good life partner.

Hedley at this time was a bustling gold mining centre. There were parties and dances to attend. They were all single and all gainfully employed. There was money to have a good time.

They set this all aside and voluntarily enlisted. Some men had already gone before the 17, and others followed somewhat later. It’s easy to think they were looking for adventure. They must have heard or read about war conditions though, and it is doubtful they made their decision based on a thirst for excitement.

They must have realized they’d probably spend time living and fighting in trenches. These trenches were often muddy, sometimes at least partially filled with water. Snipers would be constantly watching, ready to shoot. At times there would be poisonous gas in the air, and enormous shells exploding around them.

This past Saturday at 1:30 pm, August 22nd the people of Hedley, and also approximately 56 descendants of the recruits, came together at the Cenotaph. This is the place where the recruits stood 100 years ago. Corporal Chad Parsons, a Princeton Mountie in red serge was present. There was also a colour guard consisting of veterans from the Princeton and Keremeos Legion. A rose was placed for each soldier at the foot of the Cenotaph. Many of the roses were placed by descendants. A couple of elderly vets respectfully saluted after placing a rose. Tears were in evidence, especially on the faces of family members.

Jennifer Douglass and Andy English. They did the research and organized the events to commemorate the recruits and the ceremony honouring the 17 men who had volunteered to enlist at that time. The men departed in 5 vehicles bedecked with banners that read “Recruits from Hedley, the Machine Gun Town.”

Bag Piper Dave Thorpe, Corporal Chad Parsons, and a Flag Bearer leading the Colour Guard.

The Colour Guard facing the Cenotaph. Corporal Chad Parsons with veterans from the Princeton and Keremeos Legion.

MLA Linda Larson speaking about her grandfather who participated in the taking of Vimy Ridge in WWI. Several years ago she traveled there, and found it to be a very moving experience.

Art Liddicoat, age97 of Keremeos laying a rose for his father, Bill Liddicoat. Bill was 28 when he volunteered.

Moira Herold (in center of photo), daughter of Alec Jack. She placed a rose for her father.

Chris Fraser and Stephanie Malahoff. Stephanie is the granddaughter of Alec Jack. He was 24 when he enlisted. Stephanie said when he arrived here from Scotland, he threw his bowler hat and long johns in the Similkameen River. He developed a strong interest in the history of B.C.

Pat and Grace Dolden. Pat is the grandson of Dan Dollemore who enlisted in December, 1914 at age 17. He was working as a Teamster at the time he enlisted. Pat is also the great nephew of Frank Dollemore, who is one of the 17 who enlisted on August 24, 1915.

Ann Lloyd (nee Knowles) and Beverly Knowles. Daughters of Tom Knowles who enlisted at age 22 and won an award for Bravery in the Field. He later became Hedley’s longest serving Postmaster to this time.

Bill Day managed to find and borrow two authentic WWI machine guns in Vancouver. The one on a higher frame is a Vickers. The frame is extremely heavy to ensure stability when firing. This gun required a team of 6 men to move it. It was intended to be stationery. The Lewis required 3 men. Two carried the ammunition and one did the shooting. Being lighter, it was intended to be mobile.

Preparing to sing O Canada at an event in the back yard of the Hedley Heritage Museum. Almost 100 guests were present for dinner and a program.

M.C. Angelique Wood accompanied Bill Day as he led the singing of old time tunes popular during the WWI years.

Derek Lilly reading the speech delivered by W.A. McLean at a “Smoker” the evening prior to the men leaving for Penticton to recruit. Before the speech, 6 men had volunteered. It was a rousing, inspirational speech. When he sat down, 23 year old Bert Schubert was inspired to join the 6 volunteers at the front of the room. Then others rose from their seats and joined the original group until there were 17 men declaring their intention to enlist. The program featured letters written by Hedley men from the Front.

Letters were read by the Hedley Heritage Ladies. Censorship prevented a full account of the war experience, but readers did receive some understanding of the dangers, discomforts and difficulties at the Front. The men expressed great gratitude to the people of the town for their support, especially the socks knitted by the ladies. It was evident in these letters that the excitement they had experienced at the send off from Hedley was now only a memory.

Living Significantly