Baysville Writers' Circle: Riding the Freight Train & Hitchhiking

Here's the second in a series of writings by the participants of the Baysville Writers' Circle, facilitated by Melody Richardson, and held at the Baysville Library the last Wednesday of every month at 9:30am.

Riding the Freight Train & Hitchhiking
by Bruce Liddle

Hitching a ride was very common when I was a lad in 1950. Soldiers on leave used this method of travel to get home. This was an inexpensive, convenient method of travel. Almost all drivers would stop to give a service man a ride. Long after the war, hitching a ride was still a safe, convenient way of travel.

My summer job as a Junior Forest Ranger in the Chapleau Game Reserve had come to an end. Twelve of us Junior Rangers were ready to come home. Most of my friends were anxious to get back to their home in Toronto. Some of the lads were returning to attend university. Due to the train strike of the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railroads, getting home was to be a major challenge. We were only earning three dollars per day, so saving money was on our agenda. Riding on a flat car of logs south on an Algoma Central railway freight train would take us a very long way out of our way. We had no choice.

The only way out of the Chapleau Game Preserve was the Algoma Central Railway to Sault Ste. Marie. From there we could hitchhike back to Toronto. Riding a freight train to Sault was a harrowing experience. While the train was stopped in Franz, we climbed aboard a flat car loaded with logs. The logs were sixteen feet long and piled across the flat car to a height of eight feet. Four wooden posts at each end of the car held the logs in place. Just climbing aboard was a challenge. Riding on the top of a load of pulp logs was soon becoming hard on the backside. The car had a tendency to sway back and forth as the train wound its way around corners. We noticed that some logs on our car were starting to hang out over the side. We decided to get off if the train came to a stop. Any boxcar would be better than this. The train continued to pick up speed and we became quite concerned. There were a dozen or more cars carrying pulp logs ahead of the car we were on and, as the train came into the rail town of Sand Lake, we could see logs on cars ahead of ours had vibrated far enough over the side to slam into stationary boxcars on a siding then swing around and fall to the side of the tracks.

Our car had a log that was also going to hit. We were about to get wiped off! Quick thinking saved our lives. We managed to roll a big log forward and lie down in the hollow. The log on our car hit a boxcar on the siding and swung safely over our heads and dropped to the side of the tracks.

Thankfully our train soon came to a stop on a siding at Sand Lake. Soon another train pulled up alongside. The fireman in the engine called out to us and asked us where we were going.

“Down to the Sault,” was the reply.

“You won’t get far on that train. It won’t be moved until next week.”

We were only about one third of our way to Sault Ste. Marie and had still to go through the Agawa Canyon. We hurriedly scrambled down in just enough time to climb on a flat car carrying railroad ties. This car was just behind the engine and as the steam engine gathered speed, thick black smoke from the engine billowed down on top of us. We could barely breathe! The acrid smoke was so thick that we dared not open our eyes. Handkerchiefs over our mouth and eyes were of little help. When the train got up to speed, the smoke eased off but fumes from the creosoted rail ties were very unpleasant.

After about an hour the train came to a stop to pick up some empty gravel cars. We climbed down part way then jumped to the ground and ran back to the gravel cars. This was fine now, we thought, as the train gathered speed. We started to enjoy the ride. That was short lived. Our train soon came to a stop and started to back up.

“What’s happening now?” Mark yelled.

The time was now nearly 9:30 in the evening and after backing up for a few minutes we soon realized that we were being shunted into a gravel pit. The main train was starting to pull away. We had to jump off the moving gravel cars and run as hard as we could to get on the train before it got too fast for us to climb aboard.

By this time it was almost dark. We stumbled over sticks, stones and brambles in our mad dash to catch the train before it was too late. Mark and I just managed to get on an empty car as it picked up speed. It was now quite dark. We found ourselves now riding in an empty coal car. We received information later that the other lads managed to get into an empty boxcar that had carried newsprint.

We arrived in Sault St. Marie at three o’clock in the morning, tired and very dirty! We washed up at a fountain in a park and then managed to find an all night restaurant where we were able to get somewhat cleaner and order something to eat.  Mark and I managed to stay together. Hitchhiking was about to begin!

Our first ride took us to Sudbury. The second ride went as far as North Bay. Our third ride would take us all the way to Toronto, but we were so tired we decided to stop at my parents place in Powassan. We could get a good meal and stay for the night. I wanted my parents to meet my friend Mark so they would not feel concerned that I wanted to go to Toronto to look for work.

I had applied to attend Ryerson College to become a TV technician but was too late to be accepted. While at Ryerson I was advised to work for a year at a factory that made electronic equipment. The person at Ryerson got me a job at Philco Radio on Dupont St. Weekends were free to hitch rides to and from my home in Powassan.

A street car ride to Richmond Hill was the starting point to thumb my rides. Highway 400 was not built yet. On one occasion I got a ride with a chap who was on his way to Mattawa. At Bradford we stopped for coffee at an all night diner. The proprietor was an elderly man. Both cups were filthy. We left ten cents each on the table and left in disgust. There was no way we would drink that coffee!

“I’ll have that place closed by tomorrow!” my driver said.

“How can you do that?” I asked.

“That’s easy, my brother is a restaurant Inspector!”

When I returned that Sunday afternoon I noticed the door of the restaurant was barred with criss-crossed boards. A large sign with the information “Closed by the Board of Health” could be plainly seen tacked to the boards.

Getting a ride was no trouble. Transportation was free and I met a lot of very nice people. Most weekends I would leave my job in Toronto at 4:00pm and be home in Powassan by early evening.

One time I was picked up by two ladies. They were driving a big flashy bright yellow Buick with New York licence plates. I was sure glad to get out at Powassan. They both smoked cigars. Their conversation was beginning to get a bit too raunchy for my taste. I guess that I was just a green kid at the time.

My face must have been beet red by the time we reached Powassan. “Pull over at the next street. This is my stop.” Thankfully the driver pulled over and I managed a quick “thanks for the ride” as I opened the door. I often wondered if they were having fun at my expense or whether they really meant what was said.

 Another memorable trip to Powassan was a ride with a chap on a motorcycle. A bit scary at times as the speed was faster than my liking.

By Christmas the move to a rooming house on Gladstone Ave put me closer to a new job. Disliking my job at the radio factory, a chap who lived in the same rooming house got me a job in a printing plant where he worked.

When summer arrived, I was allowed to take a week off for a holiday. Deciding to see more of the north, I hitched rides to Sault Ste. Marie where I took the Algoma Central passenger train back to the Chapleau Game Reserve to a rail junction settlement called Franz. This was where I had worked the previous summer. I wanted to see the Agawa Canyon in the daylight. I spent one day fishing with a friend who lived in Franz and continued my way north the following afternoon to the railway terminal at Hearst Ontario.

It was 4:00 in the afternoon when the train came to a stop at Hearst. Deciding to see how far I could get before dark, I hurried out to the highway and stuck up my thumb. To my surprise the first car that came by stopped.

“Where are you going?”

“To Toronto,” I politely replied.

“You won’t get there this way,” he laughed. He told me I was headed for Winnipeg.

“Thanks for the information.”

I crossed the road and stuck up my thumb as the next car came along. The car stopped. It was a beat up old jalopy.  I got in the back anyway and we started down the road. I was getting apprehensive as I became aware of the condition of this old beat up car. I could see pavement through holes in the floor. I was sure glad that we were not going too fast. The driver stopped about five miles out of town and informed me in broken English that this was as far as he was going. Apparently he and his helper, who only spoke French, were to cut grass along the side of the road at this spot.

 It was almost dark when the next car stopped. This couple was traveling to Cochrane. I was now well on my way home. After a good night sleep in a motel and breakfast in a nearby diner I was ready to hit the road again. Within a few minutes I was picked up by a traveling salesman who was returning to Toronto. During our conversation I informed him that I was working in Toronto but would appreciate it if he would let me out in Powassan to spend the weekend with my parents. My holiday round trip from Toronto to Sault St. Marie, to Hearst and return to Toronto was over 2500 kilometres.

I never had trouble hitchhiking. Motorists were quite obliging. Most drivers on long trips wanted someone to talk to. I experienced the good old days of travel. If you dressed nice and carried a small suitcase, getting a ride was no trouble.

April's Awesome Fiction Acquisitions

The fiction is flying off the shelves. Try to get your hands on one of these new additions to our collection:

A Widow's Story, by Joyce Carol Oates
The Rose Garden, by Susanna Kearsley
Night Road, by Kristin Hannah
The Land of Painted Caves, by Jean M Auel
Leaving, by Karen Kingsbury
Started Early, Took My Dog, by Kate Atkinson
A Heartbeat Away, by Michael Palmer
Mystery, by Jonathan Kellerman
Treason at Lisson Grove, by Anne Perry
Live Wire, by Harlan Coben
The Union Quilters, by Jennifer Chiaverini
The King's Man, by Pauline Gedge

And remember, if it's not on the shelf when you come in, you can ask us to place the book on reserve: when the book is returned, we'll set it aside for you.

Books About Canada, Commerce, and by a Quintessential Canadian

Want to read a couple books with opinions about Canada? Check these out:

The Trouble with Canada...Still!
by William Gairdner

A Fair Country,
by John Ralston Saul

Or maybe you'd like to know where to canoe this summer. Then you could check out:

Paddle Quest: Canada's Best Canoe Routes,
edited by Alister Thomas

Or perhaps you want to know how to be:

Debt-Free for Life, by David Bach

Or maybe you'd rather just settle in for a good read. Give this one a try:

A Peter Gzowski Reader

Of course, if none of those are to your liking, we have hundreds more titles on our nonfiction shelves. Come in and borrow a book today!

April's Large Print Acquisitions

What's new in Large Print edition? These titles:

The Girl in the Green Raincoat, by Laura Lippman

Once Upon a Time There Was You, by Elizabeth Berg

Crunch Time, by Diane Mott Davidson

April Acquisitions in YA

Teens, come in to see the new titles we've recently received:

Where She Went, by Gayle Forman
The Gathering, by Kelly Armstrong
The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove, by Lauren Kate

Easter Hours

Here are the library hours for the Easter Weekend:

Friday April 22, Closed

Saturday April 23, Open 10am to 2pm

Closed Sunday and Monday

Annual Spring Library Fundraiser: It's Not All Black & White

Theatre Program for Youth at the Library--Audition for "Willy Wonka"

HUB PRODUCTIONS “TRIPLE THREAT” PERFORMING ARTS SHOW PROGRAM

A Specialized “Dramatic” Experience for Students JK to Grade 8

Program Description

Here's a chance for all you drama and musical theatre lovers to be in a play! These "Triple Threat" shows involve instruction in the three main focuses of the performing arts: acting, singing, and dancing!  Under the direction of Amy Bridle and her skilled staff all performers will have the opportunity to further develop their vocal, acting, and movement skills. On the first day of the program you will be cast in one of Disney’s Classic Musicals and that’s just where the fun begins! In 10 weeks at “Triple Threat” we work on stage presence, explore character, learn music and choreography, and finally bring a full musical to life creating a final show that is guaranteed to bring down the house!

Specifically, this Spring 2011 Library Program will culminate in a public performance of both Alice in Wonderland and Willy Wonka. Parents, friends, and family are invited to attend the performance at the Rene M. Caisse Memorial Theatre in Bracebridge to witness everything the performers have learned throughout the program.

Show Descriptions

Baysville —  Willy Wonka

Join Charlie Bucket and the Oompa-Loompas as we tour Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory! Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." The memorable score features “The Candy Man,” “Pure Imagination,” “Oompa Loompa” and "I Want it Now.”

Dwight — Alice in Wonderland 

Join Alice's madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game! Roles are plentiful, including three Cheshire Cats and dozens of other wonderfully wacky characters. This fast-paced stage adaptation of Alice in Wonderland features updated dialogue and new arrangements of such classic Disney songs as "I'm Late," "The Un-birthday Song" and "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah."

Programs Include

• Instruction and direction by HUB Productions and the Rene Caisse Theatre’s Artistic Director Amy Bridle and her talented staff.
• Program hours 4:00pm – 6pm.
• All supplies, use of scripts and song booklets, and a personal CD of show songs to practice with at home.  The show experience also comes with full costumes!
• The opportunity to perform at a state-of-the-art theatre, with professional lighting, sound systems and dressing rooms.
• Option to purchase a professionally edited DVD copy of your child’s performance for $20. DVD will be delivered to your home one week after the show.
• Free Cast Party! The kids will enjoy a pizza lunch and goody party at the dress rehearsal before their final public performance in June!

Audition Info for Willy Wonka



Auditions/Registration is Tuesday April 19th from 4pm-6pm at the Baysville Public Library. Please prepare a short song, poem, or nursery rhyme.  If you are a little shy, auditions are EXTREMELY non-pressure and fun! There are many speaking and non-speaking roles to choose from.

Free - Ages JK – Gr. 8

Audition for Alice in Wonderland

You could also participate in the Dwight program. The audition notice in Dwight is for Alice in Wonderland. Auditions/Registration is Thursday April 14th from 4pm-6pm at the Dwight Public Library. Please prepare a short song, poem, or nursery rhyme.  If you are a little shy, auditions are EXTREMELY non-pressure and fun! There are many speaking and non-speaking roles to choose from.

Free - Students JK – Gr. 8

We acknowledge the support of the Government of Ontario through the Programs and Services Branch of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture

Who & What is HUB Productions?

HUB Productions' Performing Arts Programs are designed to give students performance experience, build self-esteem and give a sense of accomplishment, but most of all we have FUN!

Each session works with all skill levels. Amy Bridle, who holds her Masters in Acting and Direction from York University, provides direction and instruction. She has been teaching and acting professionally for over 10 years. Our support instructors are other industry professionals and senior high school or college age students who have advanced singing, dance and acting skills.

Our programs are a great place for everyone, from beginners to advanced, who wishes to experience all aspects of theatre, film, music, dance, and acting. HUB is a place in which everyone is accepted and knows it. It is a place where you escape the real world. It is a place where you feel at home after only a day. It is a place where you wait the WHOLE year to return to the stage for that final show! HUB is a place that will change your life forever!

The benefits of our show experience include: small class sizes, professional instruction, and a safe, fun, creative environment. Drama instruction builds confidence, increases creativity, and teaches social and public speaking skills. The skills learned in the program can be applied throughout all walks of life. So, whether you are looking to pursue acting, singing, or dancing as a career, an exciting hobby, or a once in a lifetime experience, this program will blow your socks off! Step into the spotlight and join us!

HUB Bio and Contact Info

Established in 2004 by Artistic Director Amy Bridle, HUB Productions is a year-round performing arts education company for students ages 3 through 19. We offer a wide range of non-competitive performing arts activities in a fun, friendly, and specialized show and day camp setting. We are located in the "Heart of Muskoka" at the Rene M. Caisse Theatre in Bracebridge, Ontario. Our areas of specialization include: theatre; rock, pop, country, classical and Broadway music; choreography and dance; filmmaking and acting for television; and improv and sketch comedy.

hubproduction@gmail.com

(705) 205-0090

www.renemcaissetheatre.ca

Step into the Spotlight, This Is Your Chance To SHINE!

Space is Limited so Call or Email and Register Today!