Fireside with Rolly...
  • Home
  • Book Shoppe
  • Fireside (blog)
  • Get in touch...
  • My Pets
  • Fireside Gifts Gallery

Fireside

Yukons Colourful 5% Wigwam Harry

12/24/2017

20 Comments

 
Picture

Fireside Merry Christmas 

Welcome one and all and I do hope you are having a great time during the holidays. Maybe a huge dinner, guests over and fun and games.

Just listening to the road reports keeps one at home. Far to often we hear of the painful and unexpected death in the family. I feel for these people as they suffer in silence. 

I go back as far as 2005 and even though Dad made it through Christmas and New Years he slipped quietly away at the age of 93 on January 2nd. 

Mom slipped away in May 2014 and both are certainly missed. 

So for all who are remembering I pass along a special hug...

You may ask why I have decided on writing on some of the people I ran into over the years while living in the Yukon here in northern Canada. Why would I call them the colourful 5%. Well truth be known they were people whom either society had left behind or as often as not they left society behind and became their own people. 

After dealing with them on a regular basis I decided to write a series of article in one of the local papers. For me it was a case of gaining their trust and allowing them to tell their story. Sadly and far to often we categorize people by sliding them into a pigeon hole, even worse we give them no voice. All of these people put a little something extra into my life and I decided I would share and rewrite some of their stories as many are now gone.

So gather around and settle in for a sometimes comical look at them or really allowing their voice to be heard. So speak away Harry you were without a doubt a man with a great deal to say through your actions... Thank my friend.  

Picture


​After a few years I felt I had the addictions under control yet they were always going to be with me. Addictions of drugs, prescription or otherwise, now toss in well established alcoholism and I think you get the picture... I was a mess. 

People became more interesting to me, over the years I made contact with many people who were like minded. Each person who came along planted seeds of healing in me. Yes some certainly could classified as the colourful 5%. They would often spend their days in search of the next drink or drug to dull the pain of addiction. Well known characters with names such as Wigwam Harry, Queenie, Whiskey, Quigley and many others would come and go. Each one was unique in their own way. 

Wigwam Harry stood out as being one of the most colourful people on the streets of Whitehorse. He arrived in the Yukon from Ontario in the early 1900’s. Harry hired on to the building of the Alaska Highway, he was known as the best heavy equipment operator with no fear of sinking into the muskeg with a Caterpillar and working on steep slopes were no match
for Harry. Harry would take it in stride and complete his tasks. If he stood in agreement Harry would complete the job, should he not then Harry had his own way of settling the score. 

Stories would fly rampant about some of his antics. Harry was an uneducated man and willing to do what ever it took to make a small living. His home was no more than a tar paper shack along the river in a place called Whiskey Flats. It was rumoured that one time he had been hired to dig a basement for a new house for an agreed price of 60 dollars and a bottle of his favourite beverage. When he arrived to get paid the husband who he had made the deal with was not home. The wife took it upon herself to reduce the price to 40 dollars and there was no bottle as she did not agree with the deal.  In typical Harry style it was all done by hand, the digging and in this case the filling in with old dead trees, scrap metal and bed springs. Harry was a man who believed in fair pay for work done. 

Yet another story was that Harry had been hired by White Pass and Yukon Route to dig several post holes for a fence. Upon completing the job he went to the office and insisted on getting paid in cash. The young lady in the payroll department said his check would be in the mail soon. Harry in his typical fashion went back and filled all the holes with large rock and packed them again with dirt.

​Harry had a distrust with any form of banking and had his own method of banking. He once buried 200 dollars in cash under a tree stump. A few weeks later early in the morning a piece of heavy equipment was clearing brush for a new home next door. Harry was said to have jumped onto the machine stealing the keys. The project was held up for several hours while he and the operator looked for the money, it was never found. 

Harry’s first home was built with a tarp wrapped around a telephone post forming a Tee Pee. Thus his name Wigwam Harry. His more permanent home was built with old piano shipping crates he had salvaged as payment for one of his jobs. Harry had an old wood stove in his home, I can attest there was more smoke that stayed inside than went up the stove pipe. I would come from there covered in soot and smelling like heavy wood smoke. 

Harry had some bad habits as some would call them. One such was chewing tobacco. It was always disgusting to watch him. He had a small jar in his pocket he would spit into. Almost daily Harry would take his prized spit jar and pour out its content on tin foil and dry it out for a second time around. A new tin of tobacco was like a gold mine to him.  

I recall once sitting in the restaurant in rge hotel where Harry woud clean up papers and cigarette butts to earn his morning coffee and toast. The cigarette butts well Harry would keep them. Harry as far as I know never wore his dentures. Unbeknownst to Harry one morning myself and a few police officers were sitting when he came in. I decided to treat Harry and  ordered him a steak sandwich. When it arrived Harry never said a word but sat and ate the whole thing, then wrapping the bone in a napkin. I asked him what his plans were for the bone he just laughed. "Make some great soup, you know toss in a little veggies and well you have soup. The next day boil it again and add ketchup then you have another meal." He smiled a toothless grin around the room and spoke softly. "Thank you to whom ever bought me tgis wonderful meal... God bless you all." He slowly turned and walked out. I think it was the last time I saw Harry.  

At the time of his passing it was learned that Harry had amassed a small fortune in stocks and bonds even though he chose to live as he did. As far as I know he had only one sister in upstate Minnesota who suddenly became very wealthy. 

Today Harry’s grave stone sits atop of a place called Grey Mountain. Several people pooled their resources and gave Harry a fashionable funeral which was followed by 3 days of a drunken wake in his honour. 

By telling the stories of the forgotten people in society I found people changed and were more excepting. People would often move over to the other side of the road to avoid people like Harry. It is sad really as Harry was an amazing man in so many ways. The thing which stood out in my mind was once you had been accepted by him you had a friend. Harry Fieck was his real name and he lived for 77 years leaving a rich legacy of hard work and becoming one of the best known in the Territory.
​ 
A few writers have attempted to get Harry’s real story out there. Truly there was very little you could say about Harry. Harry had a special way of making his coffee in a large pot. Each day he would drop several spoons of fresh coffee into the pot. I can laugh now but I had to strain through some of the strongest coffee known to man. The extra grinds were a bonus in his mind.  


© Rolly A. Chabot 
20 Comments
Peter link
12/24/2017 09:36:39 pm

Hi Rolly Thank you for sharing your memories about Harry .
I was captivated by your words about his work and the perks of his character . I could only imagine how hard life was for him in the winter .
You have given a gift to all who read your piece. I look forward to
future 5% articles .
May you and Peggy have a wonderful and Blessed Christmas . Blessings Peter . Thank you , as always for reading my stuff .

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
12/26/2017 10:23:44 am

Hi Peter...

Thanks for the visit and the comment, yes Harry was an interesting character. Even though he lived in seclusion with very little it was all he needed. I watched him often while he was working and there was no end to his energy. His moral compass guided him and no matter the menial task he did it with pride and accomplishment.

Hugs and Blessings back at you both.

Reply
Shauna
12/26/2017 05:59:36 am

Wigwam Harry certainly was a colorful character, Rolly. I love that he "un-did" the work he'd done when he got cheated out of his pay. You've got to respect someone who stands up for himself.

I look forward to meeting more of the 5%!

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
12/26/2017 10:30:01 am

Hi Shauna...

Great to see you here and I do hope that you had a great Christmas with many blessings.
Harry was a fair man and when he said he would do something he would accomplish his goal. He was a man of many quirks, maybe a little on the overly secluded side but then I question if that was him or just the way society treated him. He enriched my life with showing enough trust to allow me into his...

Hugs and Blessings from Canada

Reply
Christy B link
12/26/2017 10:13:27 am

This is a wonderful story of Harry, including his quirks and his humble (yet mighty) spirit. I'm hoping you had a wonderful Christmas Day and that the memories of those passed continue to warm your heart with their colorful memories xo All the best for the New Year, dear friend. Hugs

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
12/26/2017 10:38:36 am

Hi Christy...
Thank you so much for stopping by and posting your gracious comment.
Yes Harry was indeed a special individual, if you had even the smallest gift for him he would come close to tears.
I recall once taking him for a helicopter ride around the area. It was the first time he had ever flown and he loved it. I would always make certain he had several moose steaks etc to help him along.
He had some hard years behind him when I first met him but I so respected him for standing his ground...

Hugs from Alberta

Reply
Cynthia link
12/28/2017 01:19:42 pm

Wigwam Harry. What a name! That could be legendary!!
He sounds like someone I'd love to sit in the hotel coffee area and listen to for hours. This past year as we traveled, we met some folks that I might not otherwise meet - and I'm better for it.
I think our Native American Indian friends were truly enlightened. To do the work Harry did and then get stiffed on payment? Well, he didn't get violent, he just undid the work he did. I would have liked to have known him.
In fact, it makes me think of the people I pass on the streets from time to time. I don't take the time to talk, though I usually send a silent blessing. Perhaps I'll take the time to talk one of these days. Thank you for this special lesson. :)

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
12/31/2017 07:53:16 am

Hi Cynthia...

Best to you and hubby as the year draws close. There have been changes in all of our lives but they have been good changes looking back. We are in the throws of winter here in Canada.
Someone asked me recently how we heat our igloos... to funny in this day and age of information someone would ask. I suppose the answer I gave may not have helped... I said we line them with tinfoil... lol

Yes Harry was a character who stood on his own values. He may have been a little crusty but he was a good man. I did have him stay for a week once splitting and stacking my winter wood supply. The deal was 100 dollars and in the end we both were very pleased with the results. It was another of Harry's skills, I have never seen a man who could stack wood like he did. lol... at least Harry was well feed and went home with a winter supply of Moose and Elk meat...

You will one day be amazed at the people you find behind the person before you...

Hugs and Blessings

Reply
Angelia S. Phillips link
1/2/2018 10:18:02 am

Rolly,

I sooooooo love this story--everything about it! From the Yukon (where I've never been) to Wigwam Harry, whom I loved getting acquainted with through your post.

I think it's awesome that you're sharing stories like Harry's here. I feel privileged to learn of him. Quite a fella and no wonder you liked him. Good deal!

Reply
Rolly link
10/13/2020 12:33:15 pm

Hi Mar... sorry I have not answered sooner. Been having a struggle with Wordpress it keeps booting to the curb...lol.

Yes Harry was a character, one would have to get used to his hard exterior but once you made it inside he was a gentleman. I am certain no one ever got his complete story. I was blessed to have been allowed in that close.

Hugs

Reply
Maria link
1/4/2018 05:52:20 pm

Dear Rolly,

I also enjoyed getting to know Wigwam Harry through your heartwarming style. You effortlessly remind us that everyone has a story worth listening to / learning from.

Hugs to you and thanks, Maria

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
1/20/2018 09:49:07 am

Hi Maria...
We all have a story do we not. When I consider what you have gone through I am blessed to call you friend.
Harry was indeed a special man, the reason being he choose to live as he did. His reasons were many but the beauty of people like Harry what he had was good enough. If he had a need or a want I think it would be for people to see him in his true light. With that of course trust and respect had to be proven in the first place.
Thank you for your comment and encouraging words Mar... know that you are dearly loved by all whom you touch...

Hugs from Alberta

Reply
Martie link
1/23/2018 10:36:48 am

Hi Rolly,

I don't think Harry wanted people to feel sorry for him. I am sure he would prefer respect and recognition. Some years ago I lived on a small holding where many of the tenants were 'hippies' with strange habits. I was a snob before I met them, but when I left two years later, it was with the knowledge that every person is a unique and interesting being regardless of their habits.

Hugs,

Martie

Reply
Rolly link
10/13/2020 12:40:32 pm

I Martie...

Sorry for the long delay in answering. I guess I took a break and weebly taught I had disappeared... Oh well I am back.
You are so right about the treasures of wisdom and stories others have. Some are very sad others are a world of joy. No matter where people have come from or what they have done, they like the rest of us create a place in the world.

Hugs

Reply
Liz
2/18/2018 01:07:35 pm

Having met the illustrious 'Wigwam' Harry he was as illustrious as the stories you hear about him. He was a kind gentle man loved by many.

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
2/20/2018 08:23:54 am

Hi Liz ...
Welcome to the Fireside. From what I read in your post I assume you had the privilege of meeting Harry. He was very much an individual who had standards even though he had little.

Great to have you comment, I do hope you like the series...

Hugs from Alberta

Reply
Rolly link
10/13/2020 12:48:05 pm

Hi Liz...

Great to see you here and it sounds to me like you had the privilege as well of meeting Harry. If you are familiar with the north you know it is a place where everyone accepts everyone no matter the story. I did see Harry many times given someone the last of the money he may have had. I am so blessed to hear that Harry found a place on Grey Mountain to rest.

Hugs

Reply
Vanessa Feick
9/26/2018 06:07:27 pm

Wow! My husband, who is Harry’s great nephew never knew him and only had a vague idea of what he did in the Yukon. This will be a great read for him to see what his great uncle got up to in the Yukon and the people who knew him.

Reply
Margaret ( Croft) Martin
10/13/2020 11:35:39 am

Vanessa are you in Ontario. I never knew Harry either but my Grandmother was his sister .. not the sister mentioned in the article . The story i got as a kid was their family was so poor and had so many kids that Harry was sent off to relatives somewhere .. My grandmother was Pearl ( Feick) Croft .. there was brothers Charles, John and Lawerence . Lawerence was the mayor of Stratford ON at one time .

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
10/5/2018 06:21:53 am

Hi Vanessa

What a great privilege to hear from you and find this connection of family to Harry. How interesting you found your way to my site, Harry certainly was a special individual once you made it past his somewhat crusty character. Of all the people I wrote about during that period, spending time with Harry will always be a treasured memory.
If you or your husband care to send me an email I am certain I may be able to answer a few more questions.

I can be reached at firesiderolly@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for the comment, it has made my day.

Rolly

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    For a free subscription, just fill out the form below. 

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner


    ​Or, click below to follow via RSS.

    RSS Feed


    Virtual Busker

    ​The smallest tip goes the longest way--like a good cup of coffee.

    marcoujor, Virtual Busker's Guild
    Picture
    Fireside with Rolly is a totally free site, but, if you like it and would like to leave a tip, I'll surely put it to good use!

    Thanks for your support of the indie biz community.

    Tipping made easy!

    1.Click here ➣  PayPal 
    2. Select friends or family option

    3. Issue to firesiderolly@gmail.com

    Fireside with Rolly...

    ↑ Grab this Headline Animator

    Archives

    October 2018
    September 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Prestonbot
  • Home
  • Book Shoppe
  • Fireside (blog)
  • Get in touch...
  • My Pets
  • Fireside Gifts Gallery