Jim Fehr (a grandson of Abram Fehr) with his wife and grandchildren recreated their ancestors’ photo.
S. Andreas
of The Crossroads
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In the case of the famous Fehr family photo taken during the Great Depression, a photo can inspire an epic journey that covers 1,000 km.
The Great Depression was a devastating time. The unemployment rate was at an all-time high and the Dirty Thirties brought severe dust storms and drought to the Prairies. The low crop yields paired with the fact that the price of wheat dropped below the price of seed, made providing for a family nearly impossible.
Following two terrible years of farming, Abram Fehr made the decision to move his family from Peace River, Alta., back home to Hague, Sask. Abram, his wife Elizabeth, their seven children and a few belongings were crammed into a 1927 Chevrolet Superior V car and small trailer; their epic journey began in April of 1934.
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Their photo was taken by a photographer from the Edmonton Journal. Since then it has been featured in numerous history books. Canadian journalist Barry Broadfoot used the photo for the cover of his book Ten Long Years. It was this book that sparked Bart Campbell’s own epic journey.
The original Fehr family photo taken by an Edmonton Journal photographer in June 1934.
Campbell of Medicine Hat, Alta., reached out to the Fehr family and was informed that three of the children in the photo were still alive as well as many more descendants of those photographed. Campbell continued his search and met with Jim and Doreen Fehr last December. Their first meeting was guarded; it is not every day someone is this passionate about a stranger’s family and their history. As time passed, their relationship grew. The Fehrs and their grandchildren made a trip to Medicine Hat to share well-wishes for the journey and took time to recreate the famous photo.
Before arriving in Leader the travellers were informed that the great-granddaughter of Abram and Elizabeth, Michelle Ausmus (nee Fehr) lived in Mendham. Ausmus and her son Emmett greeted the travellers while in the area. Ausmus shared the story of her grandfather Corney from the photo, noting that he was not shading his face from the sun, but hiding his tears as he had just spilled milk given to them by police.
How does one come to the decision to travel over 900 miles on the generosity of others? After acquiring a 1926 Chevrolet similar to the Fehrs’ Campbell was planning a car trip adventure for himself. A series of events led from that personal trip to this epic journey. Campbell stated, “This car wants to make this journey.”
Campbell shared the story of a visit to a Saskatoon bookstore. He was holding Ten Long Years when a gentleman over his shoulder commented that he had owned a car like the one on the cover. Campbell shared of his own recent purchase and through further conversation concluded they were discussing the exact same car.
In 1960 Don Wilkins restored the car and when Campbell shared of his growing interest in attempting a trip funded solely on the generosity of others, Wilkins’ response was, “You have to do it exactly like that.”
Campbell’s fate was sealed. Their visit ended with Wilkins hugging Campbell strongly. They will be stopping at Wilkins’ farm on their journey.
While sharing his hopes of an adventure with his friend Fred Holt, Campbell welcomed the possibility of him joining the trip. Over the next two to three years the pair discussed potential car purchases and thoughts of living through the Great Depression. When it came time to decide on the trip Campbell reminded Holt, “I’m going with no money.” Holt’s response, “That’s what I want.”
They planned their route leaving Medicine Hat, AB travelling to Warman, SK taking the lowng way. They are expecting to be on their journey for two weeks. When they arrive they will be greeted by the Fehr family and share in a celebration. Bart and Lisa Campbell and Fred and Teri Holt started their epic journey on September 4, travelling a mere 25 miles per hour and looking forward to seeing the beauty of Saskatchewan. While in the Leader area they took in Blumenfeld Church, St. John’s School and the Great Sand Hills.
Holt is hoping to work and earn all their fuel, food and accommodations. He and his wife spent their first evening at Wayne and Debbie Wenzel’s farm, sleeping outside under their tarp. The group was busy clearing trees earning their keep. (Holt noted that he had worked moving trees for Wenzel in 1981.)
Campbell is more than happy to travel on the generosity of others, accepting kindness and gifts and focusing on being humble. They were happy to take shelter at Lisa’s cousins, Shirley and Clint Oakman’s in Leader.
The group left Leader with more than enough supplies for the next few days. They hope for some authentic moments during their journey commenting that going hungry would be a welcome experience. They also noted that nothing can compare to the Fehrs’ journey of 1934.
Enjoy more of this epic journey by visiting their Facebook page My Epic Journey 2018, the Campbells and Holts are thankful for all the generosity they have received and invite everyone to perform their own random acts of kindness.
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