a quiet time of year. Gas-sales increased with road construction, and more people were buying cars. This kept the family members busy pumping gas.

Robert was a man of many talents who was the backbone of the fishing and farming industries in Bear River and surrounding areas. If anyone was broke down, and needed repairs, or a part that was difficult to obtain, Robert would come to their rescue, and if necessary, make

a part to accommodate them. Robert was a self—taught man and he was known as a first-class

mechanic. In his earlier years, he kept a few animals to supplement his income. He wanted something to pull the plough and harrow, so he built a tractor, using binder wheels on the back and had it powered by a Model T engine. Later, he improved on the original one, by replacing the engine with a Model A, which gave him more power. He also built three Model T cars, starting from scratch. Sometimes, he could buy the parts, but what he could not purchase, he built, making the job much more of a challenge.

One summer, some tourists were travelling through the area, and their car broke down. Thinking that there was dirt in the gas, the man took the carburator apart and lost the needle. Robert came to his rescue by fetching a thorn from a nearby bush, whittling it down to the shape of the needle and placing it in the carburator. The car started, and it was ready for the road again. They were amazed at his accomplishment, and they expressed their thankfulness for the hospitality that they received on our fair Island. Robert demonstrated that necessity is the mother of invention.

Robert was a very quiet man who was kind to the youth and animals, as well. On one occasion, he was aroused late at night by a young couple whose car refused to start. He quietly got up, managed to get it going, and they drove away with a thank-you as a reward.

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