All posts by Art Martens

Relationship Breakups Can Be Messy

August 24, 2015 Art Martens Leave a comment

When our friend Maha asked Linda and me to role play a marriage breakup for her Family Mediation course, we were again amazed at how complex and messy marital separation can be. Linda was assigned the role of Jeanie, who had enjoyed considerable affluence in her home. I was Harry, product of a single parent family offering few extras.

Jeanie had been attracted to Harry for the way he lived life with reckless abandon. He had been dazzled by her pretty face, awesome figure and party girl personality. After 5 years of marriage and a set of twins, they had agreed to separate. They asked Maha for mediation.

Maha explained she wouldn’t take sides or tell them how to resolve their differences. She encouraged them to speak to each other, using respectful language. They would set the agenda and she would endeavour to keep them on track. The following is a snippet of the role playing session.
* * *

“When we got married,” Jeanie began, “my Daddy gave me $200,000 as down payment for a home. I want that money now so I can move to Vancouver with the girls. Daddy will stop sending me money every month unless I leave Harry. Anyway, I want Harry as far away from me and the girls as possible.”

“You’ve changed a lot Jeanie,” Harry said. “That night 5 years ago when we met in Iceman’s Cave, you couldn’t keep your hands off me. When I saw the Porsche your father gave you I should have known we weren’t a good match. Two weeks and we got hitched. Now your plan leaves me nothing but the mortgage. What a fool I was!” Jeanie smirked.

“I feel I need to remind you it’s important you show respect for each other,” Maha interjected.

Harry nodded, then continued. “About that $200,000, well Honey, if you think you’re going to get it all, you need to give that pretty head of yours a serious shake. The money was given to us both. You’ve never even let me look at the cheques from your father. Did that pay for the new mustang convertible?”

Jeanie ignored the question. “Daddy has a good lawyer,” she said, scarcely concealing the derision in her voice. “He’s a partner in a big law firm in downtown Vancouver. He’ll get the money for me.”

“Let’s remember to show respect,“ Maha said. “You should both get legal clarification about the $200,000. What other issues do you want to talk about today?”

“I want sole custody of the girls,” Jeanie said. “I’m going to enrol them in a very good school in Vancouver. Harry can have visiting rights on weekends two or three times a year.”

“My Dad walked out of the family when I was a kid,” Harry countered. “Do you want our daughters to experience the kind of life I had? I’ll be asking for shared custody.”

Jeanie impatiently tapped the fingers of her finely manicured left hand on the table. “You don’t have the income. I’ll talk to Daddy’s lawyer about this. He knows all the judges.”

At the end of an hour Maha suggested they meet again in a week, after they had consulted with their lawyers and given some thought to possible solutions. She stressed it was essential they continue talking.
* * *
Having observed at close range the devastation accompanying relationship break ups, I feel prior to a marital type of commitment, a couple will benefit from seeing an experienced counsellor. Such an individual could have made Jeanie and Harry aware of the deep chasm of values and perception lying between them, and the attending risks. If they had still been determined to marry, they might have obtained help before their relationship deteriorated so badly.

Even in a toxic relationship, a counsellor or mediator can help lower the emotional temperature. In some instances, such an individual can enable a couple to understand their relationship is redeemable.

Walking away from an incendiary union without seeking help may set both individuals up for further failure or heart break in the future. We may believe we can leave our baggage behind, but that is usually wishful thinking. Time, effort and patience can bring a satisfaction that comes only from a deep commitment between two people. Overcoming the bumps contributes to the excitement and richness of a relationship.

Hedley Times

Fate of a Box Elder

August 18, 2015 Art Martens Leave a comment

Earlier in summer, a hail and wind storm invaded our community. Last week it was serious rain and wind. Our friend, Lynn Wells, lives on “Hospital Hill”. She’s long enjoyed a Box Elder, that is quite near her new modular home.

Box Elders grow to a considerable height, with far reaching limbs. Lynn had long prized this tree because it provided shade for a large portion of her yard. They have a fairly small root ball and generally last no more than 40-50 years, according to Hedley arbourist Travis Barck. “They’re actually a junk tree,” he said.

When the storm hit, Lynn went to check on her bee hive at the lower end of her large lot. She wanted to be certain they would not be in danger if the weather continued to deteriorate. Having assured herself the bees were ok, she turned and began carefully retracing her steps. The accelerating wind threatened to knock her to the ground.

Crouching, to avoid being blown down, she glanced up at her coveted large shade tree. It was leaning toward the house. Horrified, she watched as it slowly began tipping in that direction. Lifting one arm in the air, she desperately shouted “no! no! no!”

The Box Elder settled fairly gently on the roof. At this time, it seems no damage was done and Lynn is grateful. She’s a pretty easy going lady.

Hedley Times, Politics

Cenotaph: A Message About Past & Present

August 16, 2015 Art Martens Leave a comment

Hedley is preparing to commemorate a nearly forgotten but significant piece of its history. On August 22nd citizens of the Similkameen Valley will assemble at 1:30 pm for a ceremony at the Cenotaph on Scott Avenue. The purpose is to remember the 17 Hedley men who departed from this very spot on August 24th , almost exactly100 years ago, to enlist in the Canadian military. Those who enlisted before and after this date will also be remembered. Except for the diligent research of Andy English and Jennifer Douglass, this event would have continued to languish in the dust bin of history.

Very likely all of us living in Hedley have walked or driven by the Cenotaph numerous times without thinking about what it represents. The men who enlisted were in the prime of life, holding good jobs or owning a business. Some lost their lives defending the privileges and freedoms we have today. Privileges and freedoms we assume will always be here for us to enjoy.

It is troubling that as a society we are so willing to forget the lessons of the past and be lulled into a state of complacency, blithely believing others will attend wisely to the affairs of our community and nation. The 17 men who departed Hedley that day, and those who went later, accepted responsibility for defending the well being of this nation.

Today the world is a much more complex web of politics, economics, religious dogmas, etc. Because we are not at war, it’s a significantly greater challenge to recognize the dangers that beset our pleasant way of life. The majority of us apparently are too preoccupied with our own affairs to give time to understanding the serious, sometimes hidden issues that confront our communities and our nation.

A nation is endangered when the citizens are not alert or aware. While we doze, those in power forge ahead, making decisions and laws that will impact us.

One example of this is the Conservative government’s participation in the secretive, far reaching 12 nation Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations. The government website lauds the hoped for agreement as being favourable for job creation and strengthening the economy. The website does not honestly or satisfactorily address concerns being raised by many in the 12 nations. Wikileaks reports that some MP’s have not had access to the deal, and advisors who have received the required clearance face jail terms if they reveal details of the agreement.

The Council of Canadians warns that “the U.S. is using the TPP to push for excessive patent protections guaranteed to make medications much more expensive in Canada.” In its proposed form the agreement will dictate when a company or investor should be compensated if a country’s environmental or public health policies interfere with profits. Sujata Dey of the Council of Canadians says under the TPP, Canada Post, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and other public entities would have to be privatized and become “for profit” corporations. According to Dey, “the essence and mandate of our crown corporations are being traded away in favour of private corporate profit”.

The TPP would put a screen on all environmental policies to ensure they do not hurt trade or investment. Legislators in 7 of the 12 nations have called on the parties to publish the draft text of the agreement, and allow sufficient time for legislative scrutiny and public debate. In Canada the NDP and Green Party have endorsed this statement.

Unlike the enemy that threatened the world when the Hedley boys marched off to war, today’s foes are often unseen forces. Powerful multi-national corporations want to use the Trans Pacific Partnership to control the internet, our medical system, the government’s tax system, our banking system, and much more. Fortunately in the recent meeting at the end of July, negotiators were not able to reach an agreement on the TPP, so it may still be scuttled.

The Cenotaphs in our communities are a reminder not to forget the courage and sacrifices of an earlier generation. They can also remind us that today there exist insidious forces in our midst. Forces that are committed to disembowelling our government and the institutions we rely on for the way of life we hold dear. We need to be alert and aware.

Community, Hedley Times

Hedley Summer Festival

August 11, 2015 Art Martens 1 Comment

This past Saturday Hedley’s main street was blocked off by cars at one end of Woodlie Park and a long trailer at the other. For the second consecutive year, citizens of Hedley and nearby communities enjoyed an outdoor roast beef dinner and street dance. Last year it was billed as a Hedley Reunion. It was a roaring success and the organizers decided to do it again, except this time it was a dinner and western dance. The event had the celebratory feeling of a summer festival. For $10 per dinner and another $10 if you wanted to dance, it really was a bargain. Last year they showed a profit and gave the money to local clubs. They plan to do the same this year.

Jay St. Germaine (Stirling Creek Ranch) & great nephew handing out horseshoes

Children and young people delighted bystanders by riding the mechanical bull. Cowboy philosopher poet, Grant Stone, elicited chuckles and laughter with his hilarious accounts of unlikely happenings. Music for the dance was provided by the popular Okanagan group, Dale Seaman & Highway 97.

Dale Seaman & Hwy 97 found shelter from the rain in front of the Post Office

One of the highlights of the event was Gabby’s Girls Dance Team of Langley, B.C. This troupe of talented, enthusiastic, effervescent, lovely young gals were a terrific crowd pleaser. It was evident they love what they do and wanted spectators to have a great time. Their fun loving, light hearted spirit was infectious.

According to Kelda, director of the group, they teach and promote “line dancing with attitude”. They perform at weddings, festivals and other events. Assistant director Victoria said they have a girls’ time prior to each practise. This is a time to chat and get to know each other better. Currently they have 8 members and space for 4 more. They practise 2 hours 2 times per week. These girls know how to dazzle a crowd.

Good friends having a visit just before the rain.

In spite of a heavy rain shower just as guests were at a long table filling their plates, people persevered and once again the summer festival was a huge success. Organizers Don Armstrong, Sharon Sund and Judy Turner of Hedley, and Darryl McDonald of Cawston put together a program that entertained in great style.

Organizers Don Armstrong, Sharon Sund, Darryl McDonald (Judy Turner missing) — Organizers Don Armstrong, Sharon Sund,
Darryl McDonald (Judy Turner missing)

Politics

Politicians Are “Shopping For Votes”

August 8, 2015 Art Martens 1 Comment

After reading Susan Delacourt’s “Shopping for Votes,” I want to ask Angelique Wood what insider information the party is giving her about voters in the Similkameen Valley. Wood is the NDP candidate running hard in the Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola riding. She is also my neighbour, only two doors removed. It’s a question I hope to ask of the Liberal and Conservative candidates as well. Not having deep pockets, the Green Party doesn’t have the means to employ the expensive strategies and tactics described by Delacourt.

An award winning journalist with the Toronto Star, Delacourt provides a fascinating, but also disquieting account of how political parties endeavour to secure our votes. Her information reinforced my one cardinal rule concerning how I vote. The rule is, “I will not give my heart to any political party.”

Tactics and strategies of political parties have changed radically since the days when my parents voted faithfully for W.A.C. Bennett and Social Credit. According to Delacourt, the three major parties at the federal level now employ sociologists, statisticians, advertising experts, pollsters, and mass communication experts.

Like major corporations, they enthusiastically embrace the practise of “data mining” and “micro targeting.” The major parties all have systemized data bases which assemble contact information. Door-to-door canvassers are instructed to watch for indications of what might be important to the people of a neighbourhood. Children’s toys, camping equipment and golf clubs are examples. Canvassers may also report political lawn signs, doors slammed, a willingness to engage in political discussion etc.

Possessing this information helps party strategists make decisions about where to devote time, or what issues to emphasize in a particular riding or neighbourhood. Delacourt notes that one party sent a Jewish woman a greeting card at the time of the Jewish New Year.

Graham Fraser in “Playing for Keeps,” suggests political campaigning has become much like a corporate advertising campaign. Although politicians likely don’t consider it amusing, pollster Martin Goldfarb compared the selling of a candidate to selling cans of tomatoes.

Apparently the practises of data mining and micro targeting are just too powerful to resist. After the 2008 election, the New Democratic Party hired the polling firm, Viewpoints Research. They wanted a demographic profile of people who might be swayed to the NDP with the right marketing effort. It would be interesting to know how early socialist leaders like J.S Woodsworth, Stanley Knowles and M.J. Coldwell would view such maneuvering.

One benefit of data mining for political parties, according to Jeffrey Stevens is that “the 3 leaders, properly briefed, are able to make stage managed public appearances without falling into the orchestra pit.” One negative aspect, in Stevens view, is that “we learn nothing about which man would make the best P.M. or how he would conduct himself in high office.”

Politicians have long had a reputation for telling voters what they want to hear. Now with data mining and micro targeting, they can craft their messages with laser like accuracy to appeal to specific communities here in the Similkameen Valley. Unfortunately, too often the resulting promises come more from a thirst for power, than from a commitment to follow through.

Regarding political promises, Delacourt reminds us that before the 1974 election, Pierre Trudeau promised not to legislate wage and price controls. After the election he did impose price controls. Finance Minster John Turner added 10 cents and then another 5 cents to the price of gasoline. Delacourt goes on to say that in his 1995 budget, Jean Chretien cut health and social transfers to the provinces, a move contrary to public wishes.

Data mining tends to produce “designer policies”, whose purpose is to attract specific groups, or to please the party’s core supporters. Writing in the National Post, Attorney Edward Greenspan (1944-2014) and criminologist Anthony Doob suggest that “criminal justice policy is a product being shaped by the need to attract voters. Conservative criminal justice policy is developed not to serve public or societal needs, but to help market the Conservatives to specific constituencies.”

Although the political strategies described in “Shopping For Votes” may unsettle us, I don’t feel they are a reason to stay home on voting day. Rather, they’re a reminder for Canadians to listen with discernment and then vote in droves. It is important for politicians to understand we are alert and will be actively assessing their policies and decisions.

My Story

Emergency on the Bowron Lakes

August 1, 2015 Art Martens 3 Comments

When Al got a fish hook in the white of his eye on the Bowron Lakes Circuit in central B.C., our expedition needed to respond quickly to an unexpected and difficult challenge. Nightfall was only 2 hours away and we were in a remote wilderness with no means of calling for help. For me this crises became a reminder that in unfamiliar, even dangerous circumstances, we are able to call on reserves of physical and inner strength we didn’t know existed.

As Expedition Leader for the One Way Adventure Foundation, I had assigned our 3 groups of leaders and young offenders to separate campsites on a bay on Isaac Lake. Less interaction between them meant less trouble. I had elected to travel with the girls group because their workers had little wilderness experience. After paddling all day, we had just set up our tents at the Betty Wendle site when we saw a canoe racing furiously toward us from Al’s camp, paddles flashing in the late sun.

As they drew near, the 2 youths in the canoe shouted, “Al’s got a fish hook in his eye!” I called to Sandy, our nurse, “Let’s go!”

We found Al propped against a tree. He had been fishing with one of the boys. The boy’s hook had got caught on something and when he pulled hard, it snapped free and lodged in Al’s eye. I left Al in Sandy’s care, a short length of line dangling from the hook. At the fire pit, his assistant was talking quietly to the 6 boys. I told them I’d be going for help and Arnet was now their leader.

I knew there was a Rangers cabin a considerable distance ahead. This was the most dangerous section of the circuit. There was also a cabin some distance back on Isaac Lake. No guarantee of a Ranger at either point though, and night among the mountains would be totally dark. I decided to return to the cabin we had passed that afternoon.

A young man of about 20 from another group told me he was rested and offered to go with me. Concerned about the approaching darkness, we paddled hard across the bay to where Gordie was camped with 5 boys.

My volunteer paddler now lost heart and I arranged for two of Gordie’s boys to return him. Ben, a sturdy young member of Gordie’s crew, volunteered to paddle with me.

Ben was robust and resolute. Exchanging only occasional words, we paddled with determination, not sparing ourselves. Fortunately I had known that if an emergency arose, I’d need to be fit and had trained rigorously.

After well over an hour of driving ourselves relentlessly, Ben gasped, “I think I see a motor boat!” The light was fading but as we drew closer, the cabin and boat came into focus. We had found a Ranger!

I explained the crises and the Ranger said, “I’ll go right away. I can’t take your canoe though. It would slow me down.”

With exhausted bodies we paddled in the growing darkness. At about 10 pm we saw the fire in Gordie’s camp.

After a brief chat, I returned alone to the canoe. In total darkness, I forgot the canoe wasn’t loaded. Higher in the water and less stable, it flipped in an instant as I was getting in. I was suddenly standing in frigid water up to my chest. Gordie and his boys rushed down from their camp and rescued me and the canoe. They loaned me clothes, including a jacket, and I set out again.

The girls had retired to their sleeping bags and had let the campfire die. It was only because I recognized debris in the dark water that I found our camp.

Meanwhile, Al, Sandy, and the Ranger talked all night, and Al became reconciled to the possible loss of his eye. By the time a helicopter dropped down to pick him up in the morning, he was understandably shaky.

A week later, back in Hedley, I saw Al. The helicopter had flown him to Prince George. Here a physician took one look and said, “Oh, this one will be easy.”

I’ve reflected back many times on this Bowron Lakes episode. Both Ben and I found unrealized physical and inner strength . I hope that for Ben, it also helped him understand he has immense potential to accomplish much more than he had previously believed.

Community, Hedley Times

Summer Snapshots of Hedley Scenes

July 28, 2015 Art Martens 1 Comment

Ben, a good neighbour and a master gardener.

I discovered these lovely maidens beside a building at the Hedley Farmer’s Market. Just enjoying friendship.

Steve, filling his plate at the Hedley Grace Church picnic.

Ladies from the church singing at the Hedley Farmer’s Market. Several gals from Keremeos joined them.

Eric and Lorraine, relaxing at the church picnic.

People

Vacation With A Purpose

July 25, 2015 Art Martens 1 Comment

At a class reunion this summer I became reacquainted with my former classmate, Dr. Art Friesen. Both Art and spouse Marlyce are highly regarded cardiologists. “Twenty five years ago,” Art told me, “Marlyce and I decided every vacation must have a purpose. We had a desire to give something of value to the area we were visiting.”

Initially there were five “vacations” in China, where they taught at medical schools and hospitals. They also travelled twice to The Democratic Republic of Congo. Here they taught at a medical school and helped set up a clinic. In 1998 they visited Ukraine. In this land from which Art’s parents had emigrated in the 1920’s, they found people living in precarious circumstances. “They asked us to come and help, so we did,” he said.

In 2000 they attended a meeting with other concerned individuals at the University of Toronto. Most were Mennonites from Ukraine, or had relatives there. This group developed a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) with a board of 8-10 members. Art and Marlyce are on the board. “All the members of the board are highly motivated and deeply involved in various ways”, he said. “We purchased a former girls school in eastern Ukraine, about 150 kilometres from the violence. When the school was completely renovated we established the Friends of Mennonite Centre.”

The organization is funded almost entirely by donations from individuals around the globe, although most come from Canadians. It contributes financial aid and advice to Ukrainians who want to improve their nation. “We’re a small organization,” Art said. “We don’t have many people to do the work. Anyway, it’s important that Ukrainians do the work themselves. We have 10-12 employees, including a cook.”

Many seniors in Ukraine are destitute and don’t have access to nutritious meals. Three days a week 80-120 elderly individuals show up for a free meal.

The Friends of Mennonite Centre has partnered with local governments, hospitals, orphanages and schools. “We offer help and hope in tangible ways. We assist people in dire circumstances, regardless of religion, gender or ethnic background. Sometimes people ask why we do it. I say we do it in the name of Christ.”

By Canadian standards, Ukrainian medical services are abysmally lacking. In large centres they are often at third world levels, according to Art. “In small communities they are generally hopeless. They have no budget. No one maintains the facilities or supplies medical equipment. Doctors receive $100-$200 per month. In most places they can’t live on this. Often they require payment from patients, but people don’t have the money. Our organization has paid for about 1000 medical procedures to this time. We have also established a tele-medical service.”

The Friends of Mennonite Centre has replaced the floor of a school gym. On an ongoing basis they assist destitute farmers, also mothers and families. A school for disabled and autistic children receives assistance.

Art hopes the Centre’s example will encourage the people to again build a civil society. To develop leadership, they provide scholarships to gifted students who want to improve their country. Currently they support 44 students, all attending universities in Ukraine. “When students attend universities elsewhere,” Art said, “they rarely return.”

When we were speaking by telephone recently, Art was at his computer. “Requests for help are coming in as we speak,” he told me. “A church is asking if we can provide kitchen equipment. A kindergarten needs new windows before winter. The army is requesting stoves so the soldiers can heat meals.”

More than a million refugees have left their homes due to the conflict in the neighbouring Donetsk region. The Mennonite Centre helps groups set up and operate refugee centres. Being in eastern Ukraine, most of those requiring assistance speak Russian, so communication is through an interpreter. Financially, The Centre runs a tight ship and administration expenses are less than 10 %.

Now in semi-retirement, the Friesens could be living comfortably in their Abbotsford home. What they are doing may not fit our idea of a dream vacation, but the enthusiasm in Art’s voice suggests their “vacation” decision is giving them immense satisfaction and meaning. Their example may provide a clue as to how each of us can add a serious dose of adventure and significance to our life. Anyone wanting more information on this intriguing project can google Mennonite Centre in Ukraine.

Community, Hedley Times

Royal Goes to Camp Tulahead

July 23, 2015 Art Martens 1 Comment

Just over a week ago Linda and I drove Royal to Camp Tulahead . The camp is situated in a narrow section of the valley between Princeton and Merritt. It’s a pristine, peaceful setting, a perfect place for children and youths to forget about whatever issues they had at school and get away from parents and siblings. Tulahead also offers an opportunity to challenge body, mind and spirit. Royal has been to the camp in previous years, as has his older sister Tabitha. The family has always participated fully and energetically in the bottle drive organized by Hedley Grace Church to help with expenses. Some families contribute toward the tuition. The church covers the shortfall.

A week later when we returned to the camp to pick up Royal, he took us on a mini tour of the place, beginning with the climbing wall. He estimated it to be about 30 feet high. A good estimate, I thought. I would have loved to watch the campers climb it, but had to be content with a couple of photos.

He also showed us the outdoor chapel where the campers and staff meet in the morning. Surrounded by trees, it’s rustic but quite adequate. Here they sing, pray, listen to a meditation, and engage in meditation themselves if they choose to.

One of the highlights for Royal was winning an archery contest. He does archery at home so he has experience with a bow. Being lean and fit is a benefit in archery.

Tim, the camp director was wandering among the campers and came to us for a chat. He said Royal had done well, which we were pleased to hear. While we were asking Tim questions about the camp, Royal joined a small group of friends. I asked if I could take a picture for the blog. They seemed pleased and readily agreed.

When we arrived back at his home just east of Hedley, he thanked us and gave us each a warm hug. We sensed that the week at Camp Tulahead had produced some very positive inner growth.

Classic Cars

Builder of Unique Vintage Cars

July 18, 2015 Art Martens 3 Comments

"What is a car?" Ken asks, as we walk past an unrestored 1924 Dodge. — “What is a car?” Ken asks, as we walk past an unrestored 1924 Dodge.

For someone who doesn’t consider himself a collector of cars, Ken Helm of rural Cawston, BC certainly has a lot of them. When I asked “how many?” he replied, “I don’t know. Besides, what is a car? I have bodies of cars and plenty of parts. Just haven’t had time to put them all together.

1958 VW. Ken's version. — 1958 VW. Ken’s version.

A congenial man with a snow white beard, Ken is eager to share his encyclopedic knowledge of vintage automobiles and their genius creators. We were treated to a virtual seminar as he took us on a tour through several sturdy, weatherbeaten structures, some of which he had moved to his farm from places like Hedley, Princeton and Manning Park. “I married the farmer’s daughter,” he said to explain how he had come to own this 15 acre property with a phenomenal view.

1929 Model A Coupe Ken's first car. — 1929 Model A Coupe
Ken’s first car.

Ken bought his first car, a 1929 Model A coupe, when he was 16. After restoring it, at age 20 he was interviewed for a job by a B.C. Tel (now Telus) foreman. He realized I knew something about electronics and liked the fact I’d rebuilt a car. They needed someone to fix equipment in remote areas.” He was assigned to the Hedley Microwave site and traveled to this area in the Model A. He drove the car to work every day for at least 20 years.

The incomplete "approximately" 1916 McLaughlin — The incomplete “approximately” 1916 McLaughlin

An incomplete (“approximately 1916”) McLaughlin awaited us in his work place. “I had only the 6 cylinder motor when I started this one,“ he said. “I’ve put electric lights on it. In the early years, cars had coal oil lamps for headlights. The fuel tank is a small barrel held in place with brackets from school desks. The throttle is on the steering wheel. It will be a 2 seater, with motor and driver exposed to the elements.”

For Ken, much of the joy comes from being unorthodox and innovative. “I’m trying to be a bit creative,” he told us. “I have a picking pile. When I need a part I look until I find one that interests me. Sometimes I make a part.”

In a long narrow building I counted 20 motors lined up on sturdy shelving, ready for him to pick one that interests him. In another structure numerous headlamps and steering wheels were hanging from the ceiling.

“Finding the right part is like a treasure hunt,” he said. “It’s a big part of the fun. I’m excited when I come up with something totally unique.”

For most of us, driving these elderly vehicles would be a nightmare. Not for Ken, although he admits “you’re pretty much on your own for figuring out how to fix them.” He has vivid memories of a trip to Horsefly in a 1928 Model A. “The car went through 15 quarts of oil and 7 tires. When my last tire went flat, a waitress in a café said her ex-boyfriend had tires. He did.”

This trip provided another significant challenge when one of the wooden wheels broke going around a corner. “Luckily, I was able to get a wire wheel from a farmer,” Ken said. “I welded it on and we continued.”

Some of Ken’s cars offer unusual features, like a tiny BMW with a single door at the front. The steering wheel is attached to the door and swings out with the door. This little gem cost him $800. to buy and fix. There is also a Czech built 2 cylinder model with a canvas body. To put it in reverse the motor must be shut off. The same to go forward. Not likely it was ever a big seller.

Some of the concepts incorporated into early automobiles would baffle today’s young drivers accustomed to high levels of technology. Looking at a Model T, I said, “you’d have to crank to start it?”

“Yes,” Ken responded. “They don’t have a starter.”

In retirement, Ken is still blessed with the enthusiasm of a 20 year old. As we were preparing to leave, I asked what inspires him to continue accumulating and creating what I think of as cars with unique character and sparkling personality. He considered for a moment, stroking the snow white beard, then said, “I think a guy likes to feel he’s part of something. It’s deeply rewarding when you can figure out how to fix a tough problem. It’s a way of expressing who I am.”

Living Significantly

All posts by Art Martens

Relationship Breakups Can Be Messy

Fate of a Box Elder

Cenotaph: A Message About Past & Present

Hedley Summer Festival

Politicians Are “Shopping For Votes”

Emergency on the Bowron Lakes

Summer Snapshots of Hedley Scenes

Vacation With A Purpose

Royal Goes to Camp Tulahead

Builder of Unique Vintage Cars

A small town perspective on people, community, politics and environment.