David Milton McGowan

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.     ...