1

The Great Depression forced Edwin Beeson and his family to a homestead near Camp Creek. His son, Bob Beeson, started to work for the sawmills and it was not long before he had his own mill. He employed his family and in-laws and the crew traded wood for anything. After two years, Bob married Cloe Monkman, the first dentist's daughter.

2

Chloe and Bob Beeson
Swift Creek (Valemount), British Columbia, Canada

3

After spending some time trucking on the Alaska Highway, Bob enlisted in the R.C.A.F and then went back to work at Canyon Creek Sawmills. He worked, built and owned several mills including ones on the Blackman homestead, Cedarside and the Canoe River.

4

Sketch of Beeson and Lebans sawmill by James Vanslyk
5 April 1955
Canoe River, Valemount, British Columbia, Canada


Credits:
James Vanslyk

5

When sawmills were built they were constructed where access of the logs was very easy. This was the prime reason there were up to 100 bush mills in the Rocky Mountain Trench at one time. Logs would be skidded directly to the sawmill from the bush without having to haul them long distances.

6

The Beeson family moved to Kelowna in 1956 but returned to log down the canoe river. Bob and Cloe had three children: Allan, Kathy and Donald.

Over the years, Bob was involved in many community activities. He helped with the set up of the first Community Hall, and served as the president of the Community Association. He helped dig basements for the Legion, Clinic, Catholic Church and a café. In later years he was involved with the Senior Citizens.

7

Bob Beeson and Leonard Frazer
1982
Valemount, British Columbia, Canada

8

Bob Beeson and Leonard Frazer show how to use a crosscut saw during an outing to Ferne McKirdy's place in Tete Jaune.