I started driving for "Blaine Port Huron Motor Express" (B.P.H.M.E.) in 1951, the Trans Canada Highway did not officially open until July 30 1962. On the following pages with the aid of a poem which I appropriately titled "The East Run, 11 I shall endeavour to take you on a trip to Toronto by truck.
BPHME was one of the first companies to operate on this long haul. For the benefit of present day Line Drivers I will try to illustrate the differences between Line Driving now and then; and for the benefit of any lay - persons who may read this account, I shall try to create a mental picture of this "way of life."
"Gill Inter Provincial Lines" was the first, followed by "B.P.H.M.E.
My first job as a "Line Driver" was with Carsons Truck Line, in the fall of 1949. I travelled from Vancouver British Columbia to Prince George, five hundred miles to the north.
The following is a short preview of this journey. Each of the fifteen verses of Poetry bring back fond memories which I have endeavoured to describe
They fought each State over license agreements,
and finally got, Reciprocity.
We soon learned to talk and to act like attorneys.
Which is why we were able, to complete our journeys.
THE CARIBOO ROAD
With the tail gate chained up and the tarp,
tied down, we're heading up the valley.
The city smoke is far behind and there's many a mile to tally.
Past Bridle Falls and Cheam View,
then over Jones' Hill.
Past Jones' Creek and Laidlaw Flats,
then coffee with "Hunter Bill."
It always seemed good to be on the road again, even if you had just come in the night before, there was always a feeling of excitement when starting out on a trip. Of course this was long before the Freeway and the Port Mann Bridge; our usual route was, Lougheed Hwy. to North Rd. then through Sapperton (named after the Royal Engineers "Sappers" who built the original Cariboo Wagon Road) over the Pattullo Bridge then up Peterson Hill to Whalley's Corner; now known as Whalley which is considered not quite so rural sounding. After a fast coffee at the "Round Up Cafe,' we would head up the Valley.
Contrary to popular opinion truck drivers do not always stop at the same cafes because of good food only; word of a new waitress, better mechanical facilities or a new cook was enough reason to pass up a regular stop.
At Hunter Creek, Bill Jarvis: usually known as "Hunter Bill": operated a small cafe that catered to the truckers; tire and minor mechanical repairs were available here as well as good food.
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