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~ Ben Carlson
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Ben Carlson
Ben Carlson led a colorful life. It was a spring evening sometime in the
forties when Ben and the Swingsters Orchestra were on their way to Kingfisher to play for
a community dance. Ben and company didn't have a car to drive or a horse and buggy either.
The Swingsters packed up their instruments and walked to Kingfisher. The roads were dirt,
and because it was spring they were also very muddy, but they still went because of their
love for music. The Swingsters would play until one or two in the morning and then walk
back home again. Inspite of all the hassle that they would go through to play for one
evening, they would be lucky if they received one dollar each; but on this particular
evening they each received one dollar for their performance.
Ben Carlson, the son of Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Carlson was born June 1, 1910. Ben was born and
raised in Enderby. His death occurred suddenly on October 2, 1989 after a brief illness
termed "Oscar Bernard" [we have no explanation].
Ben's parents were immigrants from Sweden; they immigrated to Minneapolis, U.S.A., and
then to Enderby due to a business proposition. Webb Wright, a family friend, told them to
move to Enderby and if they did they would have a job working at his hotel, the Enderby
Hotel.
Ben was the youngest of eight children, and being the only boy he was quite spoiled, but
as Ben's nephew Ben Johnston says, "He wasn't spoiled, just well taken care of".
Ben took all of his schooling in Enderby at the Enderby Elementary school and at
A.L.Fortune Secondary, but opportunities were limited. Six out of Ben's seven sisters
became school teachers so it was taken for granted that Ben would become a teacher as
well, his father had most say in the matter.
Ben took the rest of his schooling to become a teacher at the Normal school in Victoria.
There he boarded with a family to whom he became very close.
Ben married Mary Hassard in 1955 in Armstrong and they had 34 wonderful years together.
Although Ben never had any of his own children he enjoyed Mary's two children as if they
were his own. Ben also loved the six grandchildren, and they would come to him for help
with their school work.
Ben started his professional career as a teacher in Hilda and Echoe, Alberta. He taught
grades 1-8 in all subjects. At this time there was only a very small population and
sometimes he couldn't teach because there were too few students in a certain grade.
Teachers had to work hard because the students needed help and support to pass the grade
eight entrance examinations.
Ben liked to come home to Enderby and sometimes he taught during the summer. He moved to
Enderby permanently because his father needed help after his mother died. He taught grades
5-6 until World War Two broke out.
Ben was a dutiful person and he was already over thirty years old when the war started.
Although he did not have to join the army, Ben thought it was his duty to support Canada.
He went through basic training and later moved to Europe to fight for the Canadian Army.
Ben came back to Enderby after the war was over. His heart belonged to the children so he
decided to work as a teacher again. Miss Beattie was
the principal of the Elementary school in Enderby at this time. Ben took over her place
when she retired.
Ben was a hard-working man and he achieved a lot in life. He was very active in the
community and was a member of many clubs. Ben was involved with many clubs but had a
special fondness for the I.O.O.F. (Independent Order Of Odd Fellows). Ben held all
positions in office with the I.O.O.F. He was president twice, secretary, and treasurer; he
was treasurer when he died.
Ben was also a member of the Legion in Enderby and Armstrong. He didn't go to the Legion
very often because the I.O.O.F meetings were on the same nights. Another club he was
involved in was the Garden Club, but it was too much work so he gave it up. After Ben
retired he became treasurer of the United Church;
he was also a boardmember of Pioneer Place.
Ben was very active in many things, but he liked his music best. In 1940 Ben started a
band called the Swingsters. He taught himself how to play the sax. The band members were
Ray Hassard, Jack Dougdale, Neil Weddick; Gene Clark and, of course, Benny Carlson. The
Swingsters played at weddings and dances, and they would go to Revelstoke every New Years
to play. This band was booked all the time because everyone wanted to hear them play.
Places that this band travelled to play were Little Fort (on weekends), Falkland, and
Monte Lake.
Ben has played a big part in the small community of Enderby for many years, and was a role
model for many. For the people who knew Ben and the small community of Enderby, Ben will
never be forgotten.
Sherry Vetter, Leah Robinson
ALF School 1989