David Milton McGowan

Here is a story I wrote several years ago concerning Alexander Mackenzie's trip through to the west coast. In his diary he remarked on how friendly the Bella Coola people where and how warlike the Bella Bella acted. My immediate reaction was, "How friendly are these people, really? Even though there are parts and pieces of French, English, trade languages (Chinook) through which they can exchange information, did each group actually know what the other meant?" I had also thought that the two groups as differentiated by Mackenzie where of the same people ... or thought I had read that somewhere ... so I looked into that. Yes, apparently they are Heiltsuk but some villages or clans could be more warlike than others. The Bella Bella had good reason to be a little violent. Apparently some European traders had tried to lure them on to a ship and then capture them. This had resulted in some deaths and injury on both sides. There was a later incident where three Europeans whe...

I posted this first in December of 2014 because I thought it was entertaining although, sadly true. We've had some shake-ups in the political world since then in many countries and this is still entertaining and true. We aren't getting what we pay for and paying for a great deal that the majority do not want. It can still be a good day if you manage to have a laugh. I must state that I did not write this. I must then admit that I don't know who did or where it came from. I was scrolling through some things from long ago and there it was. Whoever wrote it, I thought it was funny, brilliant and, sadly, accurate. Scientists at CERN in   Geneva   have announced the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new   –   element Governmentium (Gv). It has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons and 198 assistant deputy neutrons giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together by forces coiled morons which are...

Here is a rhyme I wrote which covers some of the story within the covers of my novel, "The Great Liquor War." I wrote it while delivering fuel in a dozen different places and since it was very rough, gave it to my wife who smoothed it out quite nicely. Enjoy. DMM The Great Liquor War Notes By D.M. McGowan & K.L. McGowan Hank had a gold claim in Rossland Where he got some color, enough to meet his needs. But decided he’d had quite enough of freezing And water up to the knees. In town he met a BC policeman Who gave him an inside tip On a major local attraction Where he bet his gold … every bit The bet paid off big time Enough for a business setup He felt he owed the cop for the tip This Constable Jack Kirkup So he headed up to Farwell That had not long been a town. A place enjoying construction, They where laying a rail bed down. Hank rounded up some horses Mules, pack saddles and such For hauling tools, food and ...

In 1865, during a time of violent unrest the Rocky Mountain Rangers where formed to ensure security for those living on the Canadian frontier in the southern part of what is now the province of Alberta. (At the time part of the North West Territories). These men were ranchers and farmers but knew that when the military and police where otherwise occupied they (along with 200 other citizens) where responsible for the well being of the community.  RMR Commander, Major John Stewart                   RMR. Henry Boyle RMR Jack Clarck and his 1873 Winchester As parents, responsible parents at least we try to teach our children values that will result in their realizing sustainable development, longevity, productivity and happiness. A study of history, even a short history of perhaps half a lifetime will show that a moral approach to life is the most promising way to achieve those goals. More extensive study of generations, e...

            This is a story I’ve posted before but I think it should appear again in recognition of Remembrance Day and of a very good friend with whom I loaded and unloaded many cartridges of a variety of calibers. I also had the pleasure of hearing his guitar behind my vocals on several occasions and playing both bass and guitar behind his excellent vocals.             I’ve changed a few things but those who knew him will recognize the story and the man it portrays.             Following the Battle of Britain he returned to Canada and taught fighter pilots for the last few years of WWII. Following the war he did not stay in the air and came to regret it. In the early seventies he saw an article about the “ Great Lakes ” biplane being re-licensed and made available to the public once again. He managed to qualify for a private pilot’s ...

This posting is originally from November 2014 and I repeated it in 2015. I am repeating it again this year and will probably do so in years to come since I don't want it and the two men mentioned to be forgotten. In a few days I will re-post a story about a very good friend of mine, a vocalist, guitar player, marshal arts practitioner, insurance investigator and excellent pistol shot who served with the RCAF and was seconded to the RAF during the Battle of Britain. Below is a repeat of something I posted a year ago to honor (specifically) two remarkable and (generally) a few hundred thousand. Since November 11th has only been "Remembrance Day" (under more than one name) since 1919 and the end of WWI we tend to think it only applies to those who lost their lives in the wars since that date. I disagree! It applies to all those who put themselves in danger for their fellow citizens (not for some fool who told them it was "their duty.") and most especially t...

A week or more ago I posted … somewhere … about an event that the Peace Region Songwriters are putting on December 2 nd , 2016 with the assistance of the First Baptist Church , at 1400 – 113 th Ave. in Dawson Creek . We put together a concert with performances by some of the members and support of others. We also have door prizes donated by local business. Admission is by donation and proceeds go to charity in an effort to see that at least some of the less fortunate have “a place at the table” during the Christmas season. The doors are scheduled to open at 6:30 pm with presentation to begin at 7:00 . I have with the help of Brady MacTavish (edit) and Duart Stark (posting) some excerpts of “A Place at the Table” from 2015, primarily my own contribution (since clearance isn’t a problem) but with the theme song itself written by Linda and Bill Studley. You can get an idea of what we offer at https://youtu.be/UxbFY7zebrQ

Here are a few pictures I've come across over the years of the way things looked when the Alaska Highway was built. After the first rough trail was opened, a trail that took several days and often several weeks to negotiate, freight was hauled as was required. Sometimes to the various army camps, most of which where US Army but there where also civilian camps for those who followed the first trail and in later years Canadian Army camps. Once there was a pioneer road that would (almost, or sometimes) hold up a truck there where civilian trucks hauling for commercial enterprises, trading posts and the army. Both the US Army and the several civilian contractors who followed them used similar equipment so the Cat in this picture could be from either source. However, since there doesn't appear to be very many stumps in the trail I suspect this one is civilian. Mechanics from the 93rd Engineers, 1942 341st Engineers on a structure they undoubtedly built and ... .....

There is an anthology (CD) being done by those who have written songs about the Alaska Highway . Recording is in process and a couple of weeks ago I went and recorded a short (4 line) voice over for Barb Munro’s song, “97 th Regiment”.             By the way, the 97 th Regiment of the US Army Engineers was one of several regiments who helped build the Alaska Highway . At the time enlisted within the 97 th where all black and may still be for all I know. Most were from the south and the winter of ’42-’43 was not a pleasant time for these young men.             While I was at the studio I was asked if I knew someone with a poem or rhyme that would fit in with this anthology. I had to say no but thought it was a great idea and over the next few days wrote something. It wasn’t great but with some help and tweaking from Karen it turned out alright.     ...