BRITISH COLUMBIA LOOKOUTS
BOWSER
Nanaimo
November 1, 1946: "The effort expended in the construction of the Bowser Lookout in the Vancouver Forest District during 1946, is most worthy of notice not only from a rehabilitation standpoint but also from the standpoint of craftsmanship.
This point was developed as a lookout during the 1946 season. A tractor road was bulldozed to the site, lumber was obtained from the remains of an old A.S.W. Camp, windows from the property Clerk, Victoria, and the district provided hardware and shingles to complete the job. The building was constructed almost entirely by the lookoutman himself, and about twenty man days of labour were required to make the place habitable. This effort is certainly noteworthy, due to the fact that Lookoutman Charles Egg, a recently discharged veteran, is handicapped by the effects of illness contracted during his service. Despite this handicap, an outstanding effort of enthusiasm and craftmanship was displayed. A well constructed building resulted in which are comfortably located the Lookoutman and his family.
The building is approximately 14 feet square, and, built along the four sides of the room underneath the windows are bunks, tables, cupboards and a stove. The fire finder is located in the centre of the room and an unobstructed view is maintained in all directions. Despite the fact that development of this point did not commence until June, the building was occupied in early July and presented a neat and smart appearance. Further improvements are continuing, such as the addition of plywood lining to render it more habitable during adverse weather conditions..
With this type of construction the lookoutman can maintain a constant watch whilst carrying on other duties. It is sufficiently large so that his wife and child can occupy the same building without developing claustrophobia or interfering with the normal work programme.
This is the second article concerning the activities of high calibre lookoutmen, who are improving their living conditions and thereby rendering more satisfactory service. It is also a noteworthy achievement on the part of the Vancouver staff who, for the expenditure of about $100, constructed a temporary lookout of excellent design which will be of assistance in attracting a higher calibre man for this increasingly important position. Congratulations Lookoutman Charles A. Egg." (Forest Branch News Letter)
This point was developed as a lookout during the 1946 season. A tractor road was bulldozed to the site, lumber was obtained from the remains of an old A.S.W. Camp, windows from the property Clerk, Victoria, and the district provided hardware and shingles to complete the job. The building was constructed almost entirely by the lookoutman himself, and about twenty man days of labour were required to make the place habitable. This effort is certainly noteworthy, due to the fact that Lookoutman Charles Egg, a recently discharged veteran, is handicapped by the effects of illness contracted during his service. Despite this handicap, an outstanding effort of enthusiasm and craftmanship was displayed. A well constructed building resulted in which are comfortably located the Lookoutman and his family.
The building is approximately 14 feet square, and, built along the four sides of the room underneath the windows are bunks, tables, cupboards and a stove. The fire finder is located in the centre of the room and an unobstructed view is maintained in all directions. Despite the fact that development of this point did not commence until June, the building was occupied in early July and presented a neat and smart appearance. Further improvements are continuing, such as the addition of plywood lining to render it more habitable during adverse weather conditions..
With this type of construction the lookoutman can maintain a constant watch whilst carrying on other duties. It is sufficiently large so that his wife and child can occupy the same building without developing claustrophobia or interfering with the normal work programme.
This is the second article concerning the activities of high calibre lookoutmen, who are improving their living conditions and thereby rendering more satisfactory service. It is also a noteworthy achievement on the part of the Vancouver staff who, for the expenditure of about $100, constructed a temporary lookout of excellent design which will be of assistance in attracting a higher calibre man for this increasingly important position. Congratulations Lookoutman Charles A. Egg." (Forest Branch News Letter)
June 3, 1947: "Mr. and Mrs. Neil Magee are on duty at the Bowser lookout." (The Daily Colonist)
Latitude: 49.422 Longitude: 124.766 Elevation: 389