Fort Nelson, BC

From Wiki:  Perhaps the most valuable historical artifact in the area, the United States Army commenced construction on the Alaska Highway in 1942. The Highway was built based on a firm belief that Alaska faced significant threat of Japanese invasion. The construction of the Highway attracted over 11,000 laborers to the area. After approximately 9 lengthy and strenuous months, the highway was finally completed, making Fort Nelson a bustling service center along the famous road. After the Japanese surrender of 1945, the US Army seceded the Canadian portion of the Highway to the Canadian government which it later made formally accessible to the public in 1948.

Well, we arrived at the RV Park in Fort Nelson, and it started to rain, so it put a damper (sorry) on any outside activities for the evening.  So we walked a short block down the street to the Heritage Museum to take in some old stuff.

As we walked in, we found Sammy playing oldies on the piano, and her hubby Chuck turning pages of music for her.  Nice job Chuck!  And below is the young lady who welcomed us.  Can't remember her name though.  Sorry, because you said you were going to look at our blog.

As I said, there wasn't much going on outside, so most of the pics in this blog will be of the museum and our folks viewing the old stuff.

Above, some old outboard motors and below, according to Curtis, is an old milk separator.  He told me that he operated one as a boy, and his Father made sure he kept at it because it made a loud "click" as it churned the milk.  So when it was not clicking, his Father knew that Curtis was not doing his chore.  Hmmm  Guess you were always "clicking" Curtis!  :-)

How about some old chain and manual saws?  We have an old two-man push-pull six foot saw at home. 

Some of you I'm sure have used these items in your more youthful days.  :-)

Well, we might not have seen these along our travels, but at least we saw some here.  :-(

We haven't see any of these either.

We then made our way over to the old garage full of old stuff again, mostly automobiles.  The one below is a 1905 Buick, and it still runs.  The man in the garage told us that he personally has rebuilt all thes autos/trucks and they all still run.

The Model T above made a 70 mile trip in the winter, over snow & frozen lakes & creeks.  Wow!

Above, 1952 "Studebaker".  Below, another old Ford.

More old stuff, and below, not sure what it is, but I'm confident that some of our fellow RV'ers know.  :-)

I think Curtis drove the one below in his youth.

Above, the fore runner of the Jeep Wrangler, the Willys.  And below, an old 2-ton work horse.

These autos were in exceptional condition.

Above, an old snowmobile.  and below, the store/office/restaurant/licensed patio (bar) where we were camped in Fort Nelson.

 

Well, the wagon masters told us at the trip log meeting the evening before, that the museum had a lot of "old stuff", and they were right.  But, because rain forced everyone from outdoor activities, it was the only game in town after a four drive in the RVs.  And that brings to an end this blog.  On up the road we go toward Liard Hot Springs Provincial Park tomorrow.  This blog was written from Tesin, Yukon.  Till the next blog, RVing Beach Bums.