Interview with Angus McLean
https://search.bvmuseum.org/link/descriptions12284
- Date Range
- 1992
- Collection
- BVM Oral History collection
- Description Level
- File
- GMD
- sound recording
- electronic record
- Scope and Content
- Self-recorded interview by Angus McLean, 1992. Includes raw and edited .WAV files and an .MP3 access file. No release form could be located.
- Collection
- BVM Oral History collection
- Description Level
- File
- Creator
- Angus McLean
- Fonds No.
- C5
- Item No.
- 2021.21.59
- Accession No.
- 2021.21
- Physical Description
- 442 MB of digital records
- Date Range
- 1992
- Scope and Content
- Self-recorded interview by Angus McLean, 1992. Includes raw and edited .WAV files and an .MP3 access file. No release form could be located.
- Type of Record
- Archival Description
Audio Tracks
Interview with Angus McLean - 1992
McLean introduces himself, gives some background info on his life in Smithers and explains why he has chosen to record this tape.
McLean recounts his involvement with the construction of the Smithers Airport during the Second World War. He identifies the contractors associated with the project and explains why they did not hire very many local men.
Bovill brothers; Campbell Brothers Contracting; Carl Spicer; Carter-Halls-Aldinger Co. Ltd.; contractors; Ernie Hann; hiring; Nelson River Dredging; R.S.B. Lillico; runway; surveying; Winnipeg Cartage Company; workforce
construction; Smithers Airport; World War II
McLean discusses the Air Force's presence at the Smithers Airport, including the buildings and infrastructure they set up, the reason why some planes were kept at Smithers rather than Terrace, the potential effects of planes on the runway pavement, and the infrequency of flights in and out of Smithers during wartime.
aircraft; buildings; construction; flights; flying conditions; pavement; planes; runway; sewer system; squadron; Terrace; weather
air force; Smithers Airport; World War II
McLean discusses the general effects the Airport had on Smithers, such as the opening of new businesses, the shortage of accommodations, and the personnel who remained in town afterwards. He believes that the presence of the Air Force and the construction work itself had only short-term economic benefits on Smithers' economy, but that commercial use of the Airport has been a long-term benefit to the community.
accommodations; Carl Spicer; Dick Heggie; George Adomeit; Heggie's Cafe
economy; Smithers; Smithers Airport
McLean gives a story about how the hockey player Red Dutton helped build an emergency airstrip at Woodcock.
airstrip; Bill Kilgour; Dutton Brothers; hockey jacket; Ken Warner; Woodcock
hockey; hockey players; Norman Dutton; Red Dutton
McLean summarizes the work he and the Department of Transport did on the Smithers Airport.
construction; Department of National Defence; Department of Transport; Smithers Airport