It’s known in Hedley as “the Miner’s Cabin,” and we speak of it with considerable respect, almost reverence. Who the miner was, nobody appears to know. He vanished many years ago without leaving a trace, other than the cabin. Not even Hedley historian Jennifer Douglass, my usually well informed and reliable source, could enlighten me.

The lack of knowledge about the phantom human being who built this cabin niggled at me. I wondered what sort of man he might have been, and what had drawn him to this remote, mountainous area? I decided to record my best guess as to his character, history, ambitions, values, and eventual demise. He deserved a solid name, so I called him Bert. No one locally ever learned his last name.

I’d heard of men being sent by their family from England to Canada because their unruliness embarrassed them. Bert may have been such a man.

Considered a “Black Sheep” by his wealthy English family, Bert might have been shipped to Canada in the hope a new beginning in a young nation would enable him to grow in maturity. The family supplied him with a living allowance initially and he was therefore known as a “remittance man.” I’d heard my father speak of such a man in an Ontario lumbering camp.

Stung by rejection and abuse and apprehensive of intimate relationships, Bert made his way to British Columbia. Wanting to redeem himself in the eyes of his family, he became a lone wolf prospector, tramping in unexplored areas in hope of coming upon a yet undiscovered rich vein. It would be understandable if a strong willed man with gold fever decided to take his chances and work independently. In Hedley, six hotels, a red light district and a number of flourishing businesses had sprung up to service the miners working deep underground on Nickel Plate Mountain. Certainly a man could believe that by working alone he might stumble across an undiscovered vein that would make him incredibly wealthy.

Exploring the difficult mountainous terrain he lost the fat and flabby muscles of his previous decadent lifestyle. He became determined, rugged and resourceful. With the help and advice of a friendly trapper, he constructed the cabin near the base of Nickel Plate Mountain.

If Bert was indeed an independent prospector, his quest for the mother lode was almost certainly in vain. Had he struck it rich, even his secretive, private nature could hardly have prevented the strike becoming known. Maybe it didn’t matter to him at the end of his days though. An old bearded man, lying on his hard bunk at night, he could find ample satisfaction in knowing he had not frittered away his life with self-indulgence and dissolution.

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While Linda and I were in the Museum last week scouring the albums for early pictures of the cabin, Gerry Wilkins came in. He’s pretty computer savvy and has devoted hundreds of hours to researching Hedley’s past. I said, “Gerry, do you know anything about the Miner’s cabin?”

He replied, “It was moved to the Museum from the corner lot where the motel is. I was involved in moving it. Before that it was on Vince and Audrey Flynn’s property, next to the motel.”

He then led me into the bowels of the Museum where there is a computer in a cramped office I didn’t know existed. Examining Fire Insurance Map records, Gerry concluded there was a record of the Miner’s Cabin in 1908 and also 1937. He discovered one photo of a cabin that has similar windows and also logs of similar dimensions.

Since those early days, the cabin has endured the ravages of cold winters and hot summers. Two years ago the Museum Society had the roof replaced. This summer the walls were repaired. Wide cracks had developed between the logs. These were covered with 2 inch wood strips and sealed with caulking, inside and out. Windows were also either repaired or replaced, and the door was rebuilt. The work was done by Red Seal carpenter Terry Sawiuk, with the assistance of Bill Day and Josh Carter. These three local men put in many hours of volunteer time. The cabin will long remind present and future citizens of Hedley’s once vibrant, swashbuckling past. I’m sure Bert would be pleased at the now spiffy appearance of his erstwhile home.

Linda and I were walking to church on Sunday and saw these bikes and riders lined up in front of the Hitching Post Restaurant. Even a novice like myself could see that they’re not Hell’s Angels. Although I didn’t look for it, there likely wasn’t a Harley among them. The two who answered my questions told me they belong to The Valley Riders.

They have about 140 members, most of whom live in the interior of B.C. Places like Kamloops, Vernon, Sicamous, etc. They had reservations here for breakfast and were expecting about 30 members, mostly retirees, to show up. They do breakfast together in a different location once each month. The Hitching Post is popular with them. They come once a year. To accommodate them, the restaurant opened early. Last year 62 riders attended. The place doesn’t normally have tables and chairs for that number. It will have been a challenge for everyone, especially the chefs. The riders are a friendly bunch and I’m sure the staff enjoyed their good humour. Probably a good morning for tips as well. These boys are easy to like. The Valley Riders are welcome back in Hedley any time.

Fearing rain would wash out the May 28 Stamp Mill Day celebration in Hedley, organizers debated various strategies, including a Sun Dance. Virtually no rain fell so possibly the latter tactic did keep it at bay.

Sponsored by the Hedley Heritage Museum Society, Stamp Mill Day is a celebration of the swashbuckling mining era when the unrelenting thump of the stamping could be heard day and night, with no respite on weekends. Former Hedley resident Helen Moore, now living in Penticton, described it as a constant roar in the background. According to local historian Jennifer Douglass, the mill used 40 heavy iron stamps to crush the ore. She has heard that after the mill ceased operations, people in town experienced difficulty getting sufficient sleep. They had gotten used to the unceasing thumping of the stamps. It seems there is no longer anyone still living in Hedley who can verify this.

Some 70 guests arrived from diverse locations, including Alberta, Kelowna, Summerland, Keremeos and Princeton. In the morning Terry Regier schooled the children in gold panning and Jan Leake painted their faces. Lunch was served in the back yard of the Museum under a canopy of green branches provided by large trees. There were numerous compliments for the Hedley cooks who again prepared a meal that delighted the palate. This year it was beef on a bun, potato and vegetable salads, plus a selection of fruit. Five cent ice cream cones attracted a steady line up of excited children and appreciative adults.

Entertainment was provided by George Huber and Colleen Cox of Lund, B.C. Billing themselves as The Seniors, they are a high octane duo, a popular item on the provincial Blue Grass circuit. Local residents, Eric Lance and Bill Day backed them up with guitar, mandolin and voice.

Like most rural community events, Stamp Mill Day was a success because a small band of committed volunteers planned and prepared for several weeks. Museum President, Jean Robinson said, “I’m happy with the way it turned out. People enjoyed the meal and the music. It was a success because of the people who pitched in to help. Also those who donated food.”

The mine and the Stamp Mill are no longer producing gold, but glittering memories linger.

The following is a brief description and history of the Hedley downtown core. In further posts I will write about some of the other public structures in town.

Hedley Post Office: owned by Ken and Heather Knight. The building was in dire need of upgrading when the Knights purchased it. Part of the lower floor has long been occupied by Canada Post. Although there is little information as to when the P.O. moved into this building, it is known that it was given a facelift in 1938. Also, longtime postmaster T.C. Knowles was appointed to the position in 1937 and served his entire term in this building. Initially the Post Office was located in Schuberts Mercantile, near the creek. In 1913 it moved to Love’s Drug Store.

According to current Post Master Ruth Woodin, when she came to Hedley the room next to the PO served one day a week as an outlet for the Valley First Credit Union.

 Strayhorse Station With Hedley Inn & Hostel: In earlier times this was a one story structure and served as the Hedley Fire Station and also as the office for the Hedley Improvement District. It is now owned by Ken and Heather Knight. The Knights enlarged the structure and added a second story. New siding and windows have greatly added to the appearance of the Hedley downtown area. At this time it is primarily operated as an inn and hostel.

Hitching Post Restaurant: According to Hedley researcher Jennifer Douglass, in 1913 two entrepreneurs, James Schubert and Frank French opened and operated the Hedley Trading Post in this building. It is now a thriving restaurant owned and operated by Brenda Gould and Wilson Wiley. When they arrived in Hedley some years ago they initially lived in the smallest house in town. They have developed a solid reputation for excellent cuisine and a warm, historic ambience. Many of the restaurant’s patrons come from neighbouring communities, specifically to dine. Often people from more distant locations stop for a meal because they have heard of it from friends.

Hedley Country Market: According to Jennifer Douglass, in 1904 this was Fraser’s Fraternity Hall. Several organizations used it, including the Masons, the Loyal Orange Lodge, Wood Bin of America (a Tradesmens’ organization) and the Anglican Church. It is now owned by Doug and T.J. Bratt.  Prior to buying the store,(once owned by The One Way Adventure Foundation), TJ owned a small confectionary and liqour outlet across the street. She and Doug Bratt have built the store into a successful enterprise. They have the only liquor outlet in town. Both Doug and TJ are deeply involved with the Hedley Community Club.