A True Classic - Jack Stevens

A TRUE CLASSIC: JACK STEVENS – by G.B. Reid

The definition of the word “Classic” is: “To serve as a model of excellence; or outstanding”. By that definition, the man that is Jack Stevens is truly an instant classic.

Born in Darlingford, Manitoba on March 22nd, 1929, during an era where people strived for opportunity to make a better living so they could move forward with their lives. Jack grew up no differently and on his Mother’s birthday, May 26th, 1947, at the age of 18 (still not the age of majority at that time); Jack Stevens packed up his ambition and entrepreneurial spirit as well as some socks and headed north to Flin Flon where he would soon become a staple in the small mining community.

Upon his arrival, he truly began to become a “Jack of all trades”, as Jack’s first 2 ½ years were spent working at the Hudson Bay Store. Although the store was an adequate means of work, Jack was presented with the opportunity of working for the more lucrative pay check at the Liquor Commission. This is where you could find Jack for the next 11 years, before moving back down South to Winnipeg keeping with the Liquor Commission. However, after just one year in Winnipeg, Jack decided that life with the Liquor Commission in Winnipeg was not for him. This decision turned his bus around and brought him back North to Flin Flon where he would find himself working from 1960-1966 for Hudson’s Bay Mining and Smelting Company (H.B.M. & S.) in what was called the Zinc Plant. Being more of a people person and having a penchant for sales, Jack left the dirt and grime of H.B.M. & S, to go work for Sears. A decision some probably thought he was crazy for doing as in Flin Flon, working for “the Company” was the top earning job for that area. However, Jack had other ideas and after two years with Sears, in 1968, he once again decided to expand his horizons and went to work for Beaver Lumber in Brandon, Manitoba. This was at the beginning of the prefab home era where ready to move homes were becoming increasingly popular. It was this popularity that sent Jack to another Northern mining town, Thompson, Manitoba, where he went to work for Sears until 1971. In that year, Jack felt he had gained enough knowledge and experience in the retail world, he felt confident it was his time to build a business for himself.

In 1971, featured in Flin Flon’s neighbouring Saskatchewan border town of Creighton, Jack began a new chapter in his life and achieved his goal of becoming his own boss by purchasing Creighton Hardware Store from then owners, Andy and Ann Skoronski. Over the next few years, Jack’s Creighton Hardware was the place to go for all your hardware needs. It would be a great surprise if Jack didn’t have what you needed, but rest assured, whether it be by bus, planes, trains, automobiles or dog sled, he would have it for you within 24 hours. Jack aimed to please and didn’t disappoint when it came to having products or service. Jack not only had sold the best, but he also had the skill and ability to repair what he sold. One of Jack’s mottos was: “We sell the best, and repair the rest!”

I recall a situation in the early 90’s, calling Jack with a minor crisis, and without a moment’s hesitation, he came to our rescue (not the first or last time). My wife’s main diamond stone from her engagement ring had somehow fallen into the agitator in our washing machine. We could see it, through the agitator however, we were unable to retrieve it. Jack arrived with his special tools, knowhow and a smile, looked at the problem, and within minutes he had retrieved the diamond. After a brief visit and two or three of my wife’s butter tarts, he was off to make another house call. It really didn’t matter, what time of day or night, you could reach Jack at the store or bother him at home, and people could tell you countless stories of how Jack came to their rescue. From helping program your remote control, to diamond retrieval to kitchen installations, Jack was there and always glad to help.

For decades, Jack provided our community with loyal and faithful service. Continuing the tradition, Jack’s two sons, Tom and Dave and daughter Sharon, now operate the store under the name Creighton Furniture, still providing friendly congenial service to our community.

Along for Jack’s journey, was Dagmar Persson. Who became Dagmar Stevens when she and Jack married July 3rd, 1953 in the Lutheran Church on Hill Street in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Their reception was held at the Lobstick in Channing, which was “the place” to hold a celebration or bash, owned by the Vickery Brothers. (Which will hold many more stories in this book as The Lobstick is a story in itself.) Together, Jack and Dagmar ran Creighton Hardware together and when you would call, Dagmar usually knew you by your voice, which made you feel special when you were on the phone. Jack and Dagmar knew how to treat a community and both they and their small business was an asset to ours.

Over the years I have photographed many assignments, which takes me back to a bright autumn day in the early 1980’s. As not only was Jack Stevens known for owning and operating Creighton Hardware and being an all around great guy, he also had a great love for the automobile and old classic cars. Of which he asked me to photograph his collection. A collection that the likes of Jay Leno would love to see or acquire. With it being a bright autumn day, I headed out to behind the pavilions at Phantom Lake, which has a large grassy area and great tree line, making for a perfect spot to photograph Jack’s precious pieces of history. As Jack had six classic’s to be brought to the location, this photo shoot was a family affair, as they all drove a car out as if in a mini parade.

Purchased from a fellow out of Regina, Saskatchewan, Jack’s 1919 Chevy Depot Hack, as pictured above with Jack and wife Dagmar, was the oldest in his collection and by far, the oldest vehicle I have had the opportunity to be taken for a ride in. I must say, the cruise down the Hanson Lake Road was an interesting one in this robust, rare wooden bodied, 4 cylinder 90 hp engine, which garnered many looks and stares from passersby.

Purchased out of Saskatoon, Jack enlisted the help of a Mr. Braithwaite to help remodel the above 1927 Hupmobile, 6 cylinder sedan; who was able to obtain the original cloth, restoring the seats back to their original status. Still the proud owner of this Old-School Luxury Sedan of the 20’s, this 50 hp classic that boasts a 114 inch wheel base has had Jack at its helm through many a local parade.

Considered the Ford Fusion of its time, Jack purchased a 1929 Ford Model A 5 window sedan, as seen above, which son Dave has since laid claim to.

Jack leans on his Brandon, Manitoba find, a 1930 Chevy 4 door sedan. Although sold from his collection a few years later, it still remains in Flin Flon with now owner, Randy Daneliuk.

Considered a fairly classy vehicle in its era, Jack was the proud owner of the above 1952 Monarch, which was extremely popular in Canada. This classic as well as Jack’s dark blue 1929 Ford Model A 2 door, not pictured, was sold to a gentleman from B.C.

Partially restored with new interior, with the potential of becoming a classic beauty, the above 1941 Nash 6 cylinder is a “rare bird” these days. With seats that folded down into a bed, which was unheard of for its time, this car was extremely popular with the Taxi businesses in the 40’s and 50’s, as well as with the travelling population. Now for sale, this car is in amazing shape for its age.

Although it will be parting Jack’s possession soon to a party for restoration, the very popular 1948 Chevy family car, as seen above still resides with him at time of this printing. Also in very good condition, this car has the potential to be a beauty.

Long time resident of Flin Flon, Gunnar Hammerstad originally purchased the above 1960 2 door Cadillac new before selling it many years later to Roy Bunn of Flin Flon and was eventually restored to greatness by a trade college in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, before ending up in Jack’s driveway. The beauty and prestige of this classic automobile is no longer in Jack’s “stable”, as it also resides in B.C.

Photographing Jack’s car collection and spending the day with his family was one of the most enjoying and entertaining assignments I recall doing in my time. It was great to see the old cars and Jack’s enthusiasm towards the cars, his family and his love of life made for a great autumn day. Jack has been a great citizen and humanitarian to all in our community. I wish him well in his twilight years and I would like to thank Jack for allowing me the opportunity to photograph his cars and the story about a man that I have nothing but respect for.

This is where you will find Jack today just pushing back, having coffee, telling stories, and entertaining his grandchildren, and other pop in guests.