In 1898-99, a largest single migration of 7,400 Doukhobors were welcomed to Canada from religious persecution in Russia. They were settled in the Northwest Territories (later became the Province of Saskatchewan). All were united and guided by their Leader Peter V. Verigin.

The Doukhobors had strong religious convictions which can be researched by reading many articles in Doukhobor Genealogy complied by Jonathan Kalmakoff and posted on Google. There are many other Authors that have written about this group of migrants. This article will focus on an incident that took place in the early 1970s in British Columbia.

First, some background that will explain how Polly Chernoff and I met and events that contributed to that meeting.

After initial settlement in Canada, the Federal Government in 1907, called on these newcomers to register on individual farms of 160 acres. This requirement was a distinct change from the original agreement with the Doukhobors who understood that they could communally farm the Crown Grant of approximately 743,000 acres as agreed prior to migration.

This then became the beginning of separation of the original group into three parties:

• A large group of about 4,000 agreed to move from Saskatchewan to British Columbia to lands not subject to the Homestead Act. This migration started in 1908 and was essentially complete in 1912. These were referred to as communal Doukhobors and coordinated all their holdings and activities under the Christian Community Of Universal Brotherhood (CCUB) and was formally registered in 1917
• Many agreed to register according to the Homestead Act requirements and remained in Saskatchewan. This group was identified as Independents. Some Communal Doukhobors continued to operate remaining holdings in Saskatchewan and lived communally under CCUB.
• A third group lived amongst both groups and cultured a strong understanding that materialism and ownership of any nature was contrary to Doukhobor principles as they understood them.

There was always a desire by many adherents to the Doukhobor beliefs for a united organization, either formal or informal. To this end a 1937 convention was held in Veregin, Saskatchewan at the Head Offices of CCUB and a Society of Named Doukhobors was the result. Although the convention was well represented by all Doukhobor factions, the operation of this Society was never totally accepted by the rank and file of Doukhobors in Canada. The CCUB was the largest formal and many independent Regional Societies of Independent Doukhobors were also in operation.

The third group became known by the name of Sons of Freedom and other names were given, depending on the understandings of each faction.

Doukhobor Youth, at various times, would gather in an attempt to organize a Canadian Youth Organization. With the demise of the CCUB in 1937-39, the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ (USCC) was constituted and a Union of Youth was organized to meet the needs of the USCC Youth. Although the UoY invited unaffiliated Doukhobor Youth to join, this was not that well received.

So the search for an “all inclusive Doukhobor Youth” organization continued with attempts in 1948 and the mid 1950s with no success.

In mid 1950s a group of Youth In Saskatoon had come to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to attend higher education and along with others, organized the Saskatoon Doukhobor Youth (SDY). This was a “melting pot” for the Saskatchewan Youth and functioned well for many years.

In the mid 1960s a similar situation took place in Vancouver, B.C., and the Union of Young Doukhobors (UYD) was constituted. This also operated well for many years.

in 1969, at a Convention of Society of Doukhobors In Canada (CDS), (an offshoot of Named Doukhobors), had a discussion item , “Where are all the Youth”? This was enthusiastically debated. Representatives of all the Doukhobor factions were partly, in attendance.

Marilyn and I had been invited to attend and at 29 years of age, I was still considered Youth in relationship to all the aging people there. Marilyn and I met at a SDY meeting and we had been in contact with the UYD so we had an empathy for their interests. We also belonged to a Doukhobor Discussion Group in Castlegar which gathered to discuss Doukhobor philosophy and had organized seminars in the community. I was asked to travel Western Canada and enquire of all Doukhobor Organizations with Youth, as to their interest to attend a Convention at Tarrys Hall in Tarrys, B.C., to explore a Canadian Doukhobor Youth Organization. I agreed on the basis that the USCC send a representative of the Union of Youth with me.

And so it came into being that I met Jim Laktin who was selected from the Union of Youth.

We travelled that January 1971 to Calgary, Saskatoon and Veregin to meet with Youth in all these locations. We informed them of the intent and invited them to attend this forthcoming convention at Tarrys Hall. We also met with the UYD and various locals of the Union of Youth in the Kootenays.

So this is how the Youth Convention was convened at Tarrys Hall in April of 1971.

The Castlegar Discussion Group was very instrumental and helpful in the organizing of this event. I knew that there would be meeting challenges and thus invited Norman Reibin from Saskatoon who had established himself as a Motivational Speaker and was thus very capable to control a convention. Norman had been a member of the SDY and had attended organizational attempts to assemble a Canadian Youth organization in the mid 1950’s by travelling with a Saskatchewan Youth Group to visit the Union of Youth in the Kootenays. This experience should be a benefit at this time.

Delegates to this Convention advised of their presence from:

1. Union of Youth
2. UYD
3. SDY
4. Castlegar Discussion Group

There was a registration desk set up at the Hall entry and all registrants were required to sign in and provide contact information so that convention minutes and future meetings could be coordinated as may be required.

An inverted U-shape of tables and chairs were set up at the foot of the Hall Stage for the Delegates with an Administration table at the bottom of the U for the Moderator, Convention Organizers and Minute Takers.

Chairs were set up for all those who wished to participate by listening to the proceedings. These were seated around the assembled delegates.

At the appointed Convention start at 0930 hours, all were asked to recite the Lord’s Prayer as a blessing to a positive Convention result.

At the close of the Prayer, with all being asked to be seated, when it was noticed that two women were still standing and disrobing. This was not totally unusual as some Doukhobor Meetings had been disrupted by members of the Sons of Freedom Sect who had disrobed and the meeting would hurriedly find blankets to cover the disrobed people and rudely escort them out of the meeting place.

Norman looked at me to receive my suggestion as to how to proceed and so I suggested that he ask the two ladies what their purpose was at this time. This is how the next portion of the convention took place:

Moderator: “Who are you and what is your purpose here?”

Women: “We wish to address the gathering”

Moderator: “Are you registered Delegates?”

Women: “No, we do not believe in registration requirements at a Doukhobor meeting”

Moderator: “As per the convention rules provided to the Delegates, only Registrants are permitted to speak. If you wish to speak, then you must register and provide the information on the form from the Registration Desk”

Women: “We do not wish to do that but we would like to address the meeting”

Moderator: “I will discuss this with the Registered Delegates to determine if they wish to permit a change to the registration requirements. In the interim you will wait until I can obtain their decision”

And so the Moderator, Norman Reibin opened the floor to the delegates to consider the request not on the Convention agenda. The Delegates were mostly young University students who were very capable debaters and had a clear understanding of parliamentary procedures. They understood quickly that this might be a special opportunity to discuss actions such this one taking place to achieve a positive process in dealing with this in the future.

So after about 45 minutes of debate, while the disrobed women stood patiently, it was unanimously agreed as follows:

“That the women can address the convention on condition that they immediately dress and sit down or register at the desk and come to the delegate table”

Moderator: “I am pleased to advise you of the Delegates decision and read out the decision”

Women: “We wish to Bless all those in attendance and pray for positive Doukhobor action going forward.”

They subsequently dressed and sat down. The Convention proceeded as per the agenda without further disruption.

A photograph of Polly Chernoff, one of the two women who wished to address the Doukhobor Youth Convention in April 1971.

I had never met her before this Convention but had witnessed times when her disrobing actions caused the event attendance to clothe her unceremoniously and remove her from the building                                               .

A reliable source, familiar with Freedomites, explained “It (disrobing) was used as a form of protest or statement that they are free of possessions including their own clothing. When nude they are equal in the eyes of God. It was a by product of deeper concern and issue – which is materialism.”

I had never met her before this Convention but had witnessed times when her disrobing actions caused the event attendance to clothe her unceremoniously and remove her from the building                                               .

A reliable source, familiar with Freedomites, explained “It (disrobing) was used as a form of protest or statement that they are free of possessions including their own clothing. When nude they are equal in the eyes of God. It was a by product of deeper concern and issue – which is materialism.”

During a break in the Convention, I had an opportunity to meet and talk to the two women who had joined others in the audience. She then expressed that this was the first time that her action was handled in this very positive fashion. I told her that I did not agree with her method of expressing herself but that she had a right to do so and that she did so peacefully. I thanked her for that.

Since that occasion, I received correspondence from Polly where she encouraged the Doukhobor Youth to carry on and achieve their goals. Excerpts as follows:

“…It was nice to hear that the Castlegar Doukhobor Youth are still active & searching, aren’t we all?….

“….May God guide you in all your activities….”

“….May God bless you in your work, it is a pleasure to know young people like you….”

It is my opinion that there was an arterial purpose to the two women in their attendance at the Convention. Their subsequent action was to challenge the Youth to determine how serious they were in their Unification quest.

I believe that Polly and her associate were pleased with their “test”.

Polly is now here in spirit but Marilyn and I enjoy a wonderful and sincere friendship with her daughter and husband that will last for the rest our years.

We mortals are never totally sure of the reasons why separate events take place in our lives until we look back and analyze somewhat and therein are the answers.

After the Conventions there were several attempts to form a Canadian Doukhobor Youth Organization with and a subsequent Convention, DYNEC (Doukhobor Youth National Executive Council) ws constituted, but there just never seemed to be a “Melting Pot” as everyone continued with their individual aspirations and the need for a National organization just did not materialize.

The Castlegar Youth Discussion Group continued and the Doukhobor Cultural Association (DCA) was the result as the original youth matured. Those that were attracted to the DCA made up the fifteen (15) or so families and originated from:

• 1/3 USCC
• 1/3 Independents and
• 1/3 Freedomite

They learned to listen carefully to each other to understand what was being said. They also socially interacted and enjoyed the companionship. The desire to serve the public was a natural result as they became convinced that doing something for the public good is a much better tenet than ” all for me and less for them” philosophy.

Some of the achievements of the group can be modestly listed as:

1. Organizing Doukhobor Sports Day at Campbell Field in South Slocan, B.C., where all factions could bring families and experience family
2. Organize Psalm Seminars
3. Conduct a feasibility study to develop a community on USCC lands located at Campion Creek
4. Purchase a 204 and a separate 5 acre land parcels at Whatshan Lake near Edgewood, B.C.
   1. Develop buildings that consist of a 100 seat Assembly Building complete with kitchen
   2. Five cabins that can sleep eight (8) people in each
   3. Additional three (3) cabins equipped with kitchens
   4. Seventy-five (75) RV campsites with water and power
   5. An additional hundred (100) RV sites with water only
   6. A Washroom Rest Area for campers with showers, toilets, Kitchen and Patio
   7. A Baunya with Patio and associated recreational Park
   8. A kids Playground
   9. A Ropes Course
   10. No debt and donated all to a separate non-profit charitable society (DHRS #1999) with no debt
5. Continue directorship on Doukhobor Heritage Retreat Society #1999 (DHRS #1999)
6. Raise a $150,000 Fund that donated to various non-profit societies like hospitals, etc.
7. Sponsored and developed Freedom Quest, a Treatment center for Youth Drug and Alcohol with favourable use of the Whatshan property
8. Develop a 48 unit Seniors Home in Delta, B.C. (White Birch Manor) with Lower Mainland Doukhobor Benevolent Society (LMDBS) and maintain membership on the Board
9. Develop a 10 unit Seniors Home in Castlegar, B.C., (Rosewood Manor) and pass it over the BC Housing after operating it for 25 continuous years
10. Funded a feasibility study ($50,000) to develop a three part seniors facility under the Kootenay Columbia Seniors Housing Cooperative that developed 60 acres in Castlegar, B.C. Many of the DCA funded townhouses and still reside at Grandview Housing within the development. Individual housing sites for young families were used as a fund raiser.

The DCA has now disbanded after almost 50 years but the legacy still remains.

I wonder now how much the actions and blessings of Polly Chernoff and her associate in 1971 may have influenced the DCA success?

That answer is for Historians to research but I am pleased with the results.

Written by Elmer Verigin November 11, 2020

References:

1. Polly Chernoff letter dated November 06, 1971
2. Undated memo from Polly Chernoff
3. Advice taken from a friend

This again was in my note book and written July 31, 2020

I want to record my feelings about my Hearing Handicap as it progresses to the nth stage.

At this time my “hairs” in the Inner Ear have progressively and mostly disappeared with age. One on one discussions, face to face, are still possible provided the discussion is methodical and word enunciation is taking place by whosoever is speaking one at a time.

Group discussions are impossible for me to participate and I quickly lose interest to fall into my own world to just watch what is happening around me. This is usually misinterpreted by others as my lack of interest or perhaps “being stuckup”, sometimes assumed by many. Usually I will retreat from the group and move to a more isolated location where my thoughts will drift to exciting times when my hearing did not impact my social behaviour.

I suppose I could interrupt the conversation with a request to repeat the last statement but that takes away from the flow of the discussion in a social setting. That is undesirable for the group and quite honestly, for myself.

In my discussions with my grand daughter Kayla, she too, is suffering from this hereditary condition which plagues some of the Verigin descendants. This is unfortunate!

I reluctantly gave up my Project Management pursuit as meetings were becoming stressful and as much of a challenge for my clients as well as those in attendance. A Project Manager must be totally aware of his project in all aspects for ultimate success. Misinterpretations cannot be tolerated and not acceptable.

So I find that reading, writing and solitary projects can attract and keep me occupied without making me feel sorry for myself.

At this time in my life. I worked on my Family Tree previously and now I need to compile all into one full complete one.

Slastukin / Verigin and Morozoff from my side and then joining together to Marilyn’s Maloff / Verishine side will be a definite all-encompassing challenge. I expect the finished size to be five (5) by two (2) feet. I chose a background of woven pine needles to achieve a rustic background. The intent is to set it on Colorlox and mount it behind a glassed frame to hang in our entrance hallway.

The interesting part is that it takes all my attention as I find that it is easy to place the needles side by side in an alternating weave. I estimate that there will be about 7,000 individual needles for the full mat.

Following American politics is very interesting for me as Trump’s rise to power so closely duplicates that of Hitler’s rise starting in a Munich Beer Hall in 1933. The propaganda “machine” is no different as lying is routine even then. I secretly pray that the intelligent populace will vote him out of power.

The Alien shows are very interesting as the pictorial evidence of technology and intellect is very compelling that something “out of the world” may have taken place and perhaps we inherited this in some part.

I will keep participating in the affairs at Whatshan Lake Retreat while my health and my conscious mind permits me. I would like to see successful completion of the zoning that will permit the sale of water off site so that the current revenue shortfall of $25,000 from expenses can be illuminated. This is very important as ‘we cannot continue to carry water from the well t the house with a hole in the bottom of the pail”.

I am well advanced in researching a potential logging harvest of marketable timber over 200 mm on the butt. This revenue can be used to improve essential maintenance projects as well as install the water dispensing mechanisms. I am also exploring the feasibility of a commercial RV Park. Based on the rentals this year, it appears that this could be very feasible provided the Society can find the development funds to construct same.

I would really like to see the fronts of all the cabins, the side of the stage and Whispering Pines, all have a painted outdoor scene. This would render the buildings “alive” as the Marketing Study had recommended.

Without any argument, $55,000 needs to be allocated to replacing the aging shake roof on the Retreat Building which is overdue.

Transcribed 1640 hours, September 22, 2020

Transcribing from a “lost” writing pad.

Nona and I are travelling on Highway 3 leaving Oosooyos, B.C.,  September 04, 2017 at 1110 hours.

It was a different experience this weekend……

Firstly, I had no commitments nor responsibilities whatsoever. That alone was very different for me.

We went to Chillwack, expressly, to watch Garrett play in the Vancouver Gold Tour that included three (3) separate golf courses:

• Chilliwack (SW of Chilliwack)
• Sunpiper (near Agassiz)
• Falls (West of Chilliwack)

Garrett fared 14th out of forty (40) professional Golfers. What became his greatest challenge was the Falls Course, where he had set a course record that has not been beaten to this date. The course beat him this time as he went eight (8) over par, for a tournament total of six (6) over par.

He wanted, so hard, to be successful for his Gramps and his mother, especially for Don, his original sponsor (Owner of First Class Waste Services Inc,)

His drives were more tan acceptable but his lack of performance in the putting became a dilemma and 2″ was a s bad as a mile at that point of the game.

Upon arrival in Chilliwack, Don and his entire family met Nona and I at a restaurant in Chilliwack, on Thursday night upon our arrival at 1830 hours. They waited for us even though we were a half hour late. We enjoyed meeting everyone and Garrett, was especially proud to introduce us all. Gramps was the only one who had not met the group before.

The next day, watching Don and Garrett interviewed later on TSN Radio was another treat. Garrett was so comfortable and truly was a Pro.

I reflected on how his great grandparents would have felt to witness all this in person.

During the golf game, Garrett became frustrated, and Nona tried talking to him as did Don, but there was no way that Garrett could settle down. He dismissed his mother with a disparaging statement “you are just a spectator”. Perhaps it is a sit will be…..Garrett will need to find his way to control matters when they do not meet his expectations.

I feel strongly that Garrett will achieve his place in the Golf World as it is a difficult chore that he has ahead of him but he appears determined in his journey.

He has many tournaments and the next one waits for him.

Transcribed 1545 hours, September 22, 2020.

Marilyn found this writing pad where I had written some notes. This one is dated September 02, 2017 0945 hours.

There are two families of Arabic ancestry, dressed in kerchiefs and other traditional Arabic clothing. The women have sunglasses perched on top of their foreheads. Their children are screaming…. Oiyayoi!

This is the new Canadian Mosaic of family scenarios.

I decided to stay back this morning as my daughter Nona joined her son Garrett at the Cascades Golf Course on day 3 of his VGA Golf Tour.

Yesterday was quite trying with the heat and walking eighteen (18) holes as a spectator. I am still a bit weak. I am resting for the Falls Course tomorrow. It was the Falls Course that Garrett had set a course record last year, that has yet to be challenged.

He is trying very hard and the difference yesterday was his putting. “Wobbling” at the top of the cup and rolling away in the end.

I needed a day to myself as I immerse into a world where no one knows me. I actually enjoy that experience. Watching people preform as they do, is very entertaining to me.

Just buy a coffee and a donut, with a hole right through it, and the scene is a kaleidoscope of life in action.

Hey, Tim Horton’s just emptied….!

Coped to my blog September 23, 2020, 1510 hours

On August 12, 2020 Elmer Verigin celebrated his 80th birthday and on August 28, 2020, Marilyn  will also reach this maturity.

Our family decided to honour us with a party at our eldest daughter Nona’s house on Arrow Lakes Drive, Castlegar, B.C.

I will post some of the photographs and cards that were part of the festivities that included great food prepared by each family to create a Feast.

 

All my family gathered around a campfire at Whatshan Lake Retreat on August 01, 2020. My partner Marilyn being the eternal school teacher, asked the twenty eight (28) attendants to coin one word that would be associated with PEACE. These are the words from all, including a four (4) year old great grandson who suggested “Hugging”.

The “Tree” was then developed into the above by my daughter Lori Woodhouse. Thank you Lori.

This photograph is of the four members of the E. Verigin Family that followed an item in Elmer’s “bucket list” to attend a Grey Cup with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders playing. This happened in Regina in November 2014

Marilyn and her brother Allan, the Fall before he passed away. He came to see his sister with the comment, “I am having a serious operation to replace my shoulder joint and I thought I should visit you just in case something happens.” It was prophetic in that it was a few months later that he died of heart failure.

This site is under construction as of 0900 hours, Wednesday, September 02, 2020 EWV

I was sorting through my collection of photographs this morning and thought I should write something about these family photos and their part in the development of Whatshan Lake Retreat at 645 Whatshan Lake Road, near Edgewood, B.C.

The Oglow Bros were raised at Glade, B.C. They learned the Carpentry Trade from their father who was a skilled artisan. In the beginning, they obtained their work experience by participating in projects undertaken by others. They then decided to work together and established a construction company, Oglow Bros. Construction Ltd. This followed with construction of a building to house a Building Supply Store, Oglow’s, in Castlegar, B.C. They supplied their construction operations as well as the public.

They are shown here, after retirement, when they travelled to Whatshan to encourage construction of the Retreat building and make a financial donation. William is in the front row on the left with Pete, Nick and Paul in order on his left.

Verigin brothers migrated from a farm in Saskatchewan and became involved in construction with a start of working on the Waneta Dam. They later formed a construction company, Verigin Construction Ltd and eventually purchased a Sash and Door Shop, Obal Glass. This operation was later converted into a Millwork Plant (supplying millwork to schools and hospitals throughout Western Canada) at Trail, B.C.

In the photo, Elmer is in the back row on the left, brothers Lawrence and Russel are in order to left of Elmer.

The partially completed Retreat as in the background.

Verigin started dealing with Oglows in the early years and thereby established a relationship that remained to the date of the photo in 1998. Oglows were very interested to see the Whatshan site where the Verigins were donating labour and expertise.

This photo is also unique in that Elmer, is the last remaining person alive at the tim eof writing this blog.  The “Last Moehican” we might say!

Florence (Aunty to Elmer and his family) and Andy Markin became interested in the Whatshan Lake Retreat project during their visits to their nephews living in the Kootenays. The Markins encouraged financial donations to the Whatshan Project.

In this photo, Florence invited much of her family to attend the Music Festival in the early 2000s and here they all are posing South of the Band Shell at Whatshan.

The names are too numerous to identify here.

Aunty Flo, organized as many of her family as she could, every year starting 2000 to attend the yearly Music Festivals until she passed on. Some members continue to attend every year.

Marilyn and I were habitually at Whatshan on every work party. In this photo, my immediate families came to visit us and see what it was that drew us to the project.

Front row left to right: Kara Chahley (Lori’s daughter), Kayla MacKinnon (Nona’s daughter), Garrett Kucher (Nona’s son), Nigel Burk (Tamara’s son), Allie Kucher (Nona’s daughter), Sean Chahley, (Lori’s son).

Second row left to right: Marilyn Verigin, Nona Kucher, Lori Chahley, Lora Verigin, Kim Verigin holding his daughter Abby, Tamara Verigin-Burk holding her son Solomon

Rear: Elmer Verigin, Larry Kucher, Kyle Burk holding his son Solomon.

To this day, every member of the family is still drawn to Whatshan where they continue to volunteer as well as enjoy the development. The family now numbers 33 including partners, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They all try to attend scheduled Work Weekends as well as other occasions such as major events.

Completed and posted 1730 hours, July 20, 2020 EWV

 

The original Doukhobor Village at Castlegar, B.C., is operated by the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society and is now renamed the Doukhobor Discovery Center.

I was part of the founding members that constructed the buildings on the site across from the Castlegar Airport. I also was part of the committee that researched the Doukhobor Villages in the Kootenay Region and drew the original drawings.

One day in the late 1970s, I received a phone call from Jim Cameron, Public Relations Officer for Cominco Ltd (now Teck), asking me if could assist him in a arranging a tour of the facility as he was challenged with a request from the Federal Government to conduct an educational experience for approximately forty (40) young entrepreneurs from the province of Quebec. This was to be a program to bring citizens from Eastern Canada to the West and encourage better ties with each other.

Jim and I were Trail Rotarians and so it was easy to have me accept the request.

I was to greet this entourage led by Ed Schreyer, former Manitoba Premier and ex-Ambassador to Australia. Jim allotted one full hour for a tour of the Village and provide a descriptive education on the Doukhobor peoples residing in the area since 1908.

Once completed then the bus would take them to the rest of their tour.

So I needed help and I solicited the following:

1. Harry and Vera Voykin, operators of the Doukhobor Restaurant agreed to meet the group in the traditional Doukhobor fashion. He would then serve them a bowl of Borsch and freshly baked bread. This had to be achieved in fifteen (15) minutes.
2. Members of the Doukhobor Cultural Association (DCA) and I would lead them through the restored orchard (about 300 meters) to the Village Compound)
3. Peter Samolayoff. Conductor of the Kootenay Choir (about 12 young couples), assembled his Choir (all dressed in traditional Doukhobor customes), in the courtyard of the Village and would start singing hymns (in Russian) as soon as the entourage left the restaurant.
4. As soon as the group all entered the compound they were met by members of the DCA who spread them out facing the choir and permitted them to listen for about five (5) minutes.
5. The DCA had prearranged guides that would separate the group into three (3) parties:
   1. One group started the tour of the U-shaped buildings to the right
   2. The second group entered the two story community building
   3. The third group wen directly to the audio-visual Center (the second two story community building
   4. The idea was to provide thirteen (13) minutes in each selected location so that all would be shown and artifacts explained
   5. All the while the Kootenay Choir would sing

Everything took place like clockwork and the group reassembled  at their bus after bidding adieu to the Choir.

A few years went by and my construction company was in contract to construct a one acre sized First Nations School at Nelson House Manitoba. I was travelling from Vancouver to Winnipeg and I looked up as this gentleman walked by me. It was night and the visibility in the plane was poor and I returned to my thoughts.

A few minutes later, this same gentleman was returning from his bathroom visit when he stopped to look at me. “Yes now I remember now…..the Doukhobor Village at Castlegar, B.C. in 197_?, right..”

I was surprised as then I recognized Ed Schreyer.

“I will never forget the acappella singing, the Borsch and the Village Tour..” as I sat there with my mouth open. It was astounding at this man’s memory!

We chatted a bit more and he carried on to his seat.

It has been a long time but I wanted to record this beautiful memory.

Posted 1315, Tuesday, July 07, 2020 by EWV

I was sorting through my diary notes and this notation glared at me. I thought I should post it here as Peter (Mr. Negraeff) as I knew him for one year in Grade 8 and then for three years in grade 10 to 12 inclusive at the Pelly High School located at Pelly, Saskatchewan.

My experience with Peter and his wife Sylvia is part of my blog posting:

…..”Elmer’s Diary Note August 19, 2013……..”

MY MENTOR – PETER NEGRAEFF

My sister, Mary Khadekin, called yesterday to advise that Peter Negraeff had passed way. I immediately remembered the poem “For Whom The Bell Tolls” that best described my reaction.

I was fortunate that our Saskatchewan vacation, this past July, took me to the Penguin Café in Pelly, Saskatchewan. Perhaps it was not by chance that I was treated to a private cup of coffee with Sylvia and Peter Negraeff. It is not often that a student meets an Educator that perhaps, influenced hi s life to the greatest degree. I will not repeat that rare occasion where I was able to share my respect and aspirations with this Mentor in the formation of my ultimate attitude and confidence to “make that break” and leave Pelly High School for the challenges at the University of Saskatchewan.

Peter made reference to the fact that he was the last member of a large family unit that is now completely transferred into the “Spirit World”.

Elmer Verigin

Entered directly into Laptop. Last notation December 28, 2013

The reference to the poem “For Whom The Bell Tolls” as written by John Donne…. is as inserted here from Google:

For Whom the Bell Tolls by John Donne Next

No man is an island, Entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manor of thine own Or of thine friend’s were. Each man’s death diminishes me, For I am involved in mankind. Therefore, send not to know For whom the bell tolls, It tolls for thee.   This poem is in the public domain

So the memory of my Mentor, Peter Negraeff is alive in my conscious self.

Blog entry 1440, May 15, 2020

 

Highway 22 connects Castlegar with Trail, B.C., and passes a small residential community of Oasis. A pond is situate between the Highway and Oasis and is the subject of this blog.

There is no intent to discredit the educated human Professional Engineers and Nature’s animal, the Beaver, who continue to apply natural instinct to dam rivers, streams and in this instance, a pond. The Reader needs to smile when reading this story and understand the satire as well as the respect that a retired Professional Engineer has for both.

Figure 1 Oasis Pond

The writer suggests that the pond is likely fed by underground drainage from the mountains West of Oasis as it has water in it all year round. The pond has a natural beauty and is used by ducks of all variety, Canada Geese and the Beavers and of course, all the natural organisms that are enjoyed by fowl.

Perhaps a “Scouting Party” of Beavers placed this pond on their short list of potential sites as the Columbia River beside was too swift, too wide and too deep for dam construction.

The Writer grew up in Saskatchewan near Swan River and spent many curious boyhood years watching the Beavers construct a dam on that river which was slow moving, about three (3) feet deep and about 20 feet wide. An abundance of Aspen (White Poplar) trees near the proposed location, is most important as they are relatively easy to gnaw down and the branches and leaves are the preferential food of the Beaver.

It is important to note that Beavers have an advantage over the Hydro Engineers as there never is any need for Public Consultation regarding Rural Farm Lands. It is suspected that the Oasis Pond remains in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) today. The Writer is not aware of any advertised Public Hearings to permit flooding of agricultural lands. The Beaver then, must have special legislative permission that even the Indigenous citizens of Canada do not possess.

The pointed end of the bough is floated downstream and at the precise moment it is depressed on the downstream side with the momentum of tree and beaver used to drive the bough into the stream bottom. In ponds, it is assumed that some physical force is used to embed the bough into the soft bed.

The Writer noted then, as in the pond now, the narrowest width in the stream or pond is selected for the Dam to conserve effort and materials.

This the lower Beaver Dam which separates the original pond into three (3) pools. Figure 2 is the most Southerly pool .

Figure 2 Separation of Southern Pool from top two Pools

A man built a fill area which was available as a starting point on the East side to reduce the width of the Dam. The fill area may have been used by the West Kootenay Power & Light Co. Ld., the original utility that serviced Cominco Smelter in Trail, B.C.

It is interesting to note that pool difference in elevation is about nine (9) feet so that the Beaver engineering instincts needed to consider that the water pressure at the bottom edge of the dam would be approximately 562 pounds per square foot. They were able to widen the bottom to allow for this natural challenge and chink mud, reeds and grass in between the boughs to counteract this challenge. The cross section of the Dam would be about 3 to 4 feet on top with a 60 degree front face and about 8 feet at the base.

Present day Hydro Engineers would need to analyze the available soils to ensure that their earth filled design was relatively impervious to water seepage as they selectively placed the layers of design materials. Obviously the Beavers kept working with the available materials and were just as successful as the Arrow Dam (a bit of satire here of course) but both dams are servicing their purpose.

Universities train their Engineers to design with available materials after researching their strengths. Beavers naturally apply their instincts to achieve the same results. The Writer is sure that the Beaver Project Beaver Engineer would have his Material Testing Beavers search the ponds for the most suitable material sources.

It is not known if the Construction Unions have ever attempted to organize the Beaver Workers or the label the Project “Union Only” as was experienced on the recent Site C Dam on the Peace River. Certainly the Trail Times has not recorded any labour disputes nor work stoppages during construction.

The Writer suggests that this labour peace amongst Beavers is something BC Hydro Constructors would like to research and perfect in their future Projects.

The completed Beaver Dam is shown in Figure 3:

Figure 3 Middle and Southern Pond Separation

The Hoover Dam US Corps of Engineers built with the Convex side into the upstream to have the natural strength of the design to assist in the structural stability. The Beaver Engineers must have had difficulty with the water pressure that caused the dam under construction to shift with their progressive construction. Nonetheless, the final design is a uniform parabolic shape and pleasing to observe.

The Reader must realize that all this effort is to have sufficient water depth to store their food of tree boughs, branches and their leaves so that should winter ice cover the pond, food would always be available to the pond Dwellers who would dive into the pools from their houses to safely retrieve their preserved food.

The Beaver Engineers and Builders, then decided that they needed to extend the flooded areas of Oasis Ponds and constructed a dam to partition the upper Northerly pond into two parts as shown in Figures 4 and 5:

Figure 4 Separation of Most Northerly Pond From Middle Pond

This upper dam is the narrower than the southern dam and has a water level differential of about seven (7) feet. An existing fill area constructed from the East side was again likely by West Kootenay Power & Light Co. Ltd., which the Beaver Dam Constructors utilized to reduce materials required for construction. It can be estimated that the pressure at the deep side of the Dam would be about 450 pounds per square foot. The lateral alignment was essential straight which maybe due to the reduced water pressure as that at the South Dam

Figure 5 Beaver Condominium 101

The Beaver Housing has this smaller one on the highest elevated pool but adjacent to the Dam. Typically the interior would all be above water level with a full open chamber and likely all as one room. there would be an opening in the middle allowing the occupants access to water without having to expose their cover to predators.

Again residential construction has been permitted in this mixed “zoning” by the authorities. A search of the records of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary would not uncover construction drawings or a Building / Occupancy Permit issue. Again Beavers have special privileges not afforded the taxpayers. The Writer is sure that BC Assessment has never appraised this building nor is there any taxes collected.

Figure 6 Condominium 201

This second condominium is much larger and further back from the upper Dam. We can philosophy that somehow the Beaver Community was able to make the decision who would occupy each building. It is unknown whether the local School District imposes a requirement to attend school like the rest of the populace.

There is noted evidence that recent construction has taken place on both condominiums. It would be interesting to determine whether this was reinforcing the existing construction or perhaps “raising the roof” to enlarge the living chamber inside.

Figure 7 Fresh Beaver Food Gathering

This fresh gnawing of bark appears may be a Beaver food gathering exercise as there is no attempt to gnaw into the tree itself.

Figure 9 Beaver Tree Gnawing and Falling

This grove of trees were all fallen and the limbs were harvested for food as the trunk has not been “bucked” into sections.

Figure 10 Another Tree Gnawing and Falling Effort

On closer inspection, the Writer notes that the tree is usually gnawed deeper on the side where it is intended to fall and usually directly into the pond or water. Then the gnawing continues on the opposite side to facilitate the tree to topple much the same as a professional human Tree Faller. Very interesting. Unfortunately the wind or the shape of the tree may cause gravity to direct its final trajectory, much to the disappointment to humans and animal alike.

Figure 11 Assistance of Humans to Beavers

This is an interesting stump and the Writer philosophies that the Beavers had started to fall this tree but the Ministry of Transportation and Highways decided to fall the tree away from Highway 22 as a precaution and safety of the motorists using the roadway. The tree trunk was then sawn into bolts but the Beavers abandoned the tree entirely which suggests that it may have been intended by the Beavers to fall the tree in line with the upper Dam to use it as part of a Dam extension.

Figure 12 Canada Geese Enjoying Oasis Pond

Nature is in harmony with Canada Geese using this pond as their nesting area. All is as it could and should be.

The Writer has enjoyed writing this story and he wishes that the Readers have appreciated the bit of satire in comparison of Engineers to Beavers.

Written April 09, 2020 by EWV