Billy Higgins Rides the Freights

J.G. Reade was Librarian of the Dalhousie Ocean Studies Programme, Dalhousie University, Halifax.

A fictionalized account of the On-to-Ottawa trek organized by unemployed men in 1935. The years of the Depression, the work camps, and the trek to which they ultimately led are seen through the eyes of young Billy Higgins, 13 years old.

Billy, living in Vancouver, is forced to leave school and join many thousands of others in the lineup for the daily ticket for accommodation and meals. He becomes friendly with several of the leading figures in the Relief Camp Workers Union and finds himself increasingly sympathetic to the aims of this organization. When the idea of the trek is suggested, Billy joins enthusiastically in this attempt to arouse the nation’s attention and confront the leaders of the country with the plight of the unemployed.

The trek is not successful, however. Prime Minister Bennett will not agree to the men’s demands and sends them back to the west coast. This time the men ride inside the train, instead of on the roof! Billy, now greatly matured, cannot forget his experiences and his sufferings. He manages to find a job after arriving home and continues his education through night courses.

This is a good attempt to make real to young children a period of our country’s history which is often glossed over or discounted. Although the characters of the story are somewhat stereotyped (Billy’s mother “had long red hair, the greenest eyes you’ve ever seen, and a temper that could flash without warning”), the book assumes a lively pace and narrative. (There are a couple of “damns” in this story, though quite in context.)

Billy Higgins Rides the Freights is likely to appeal to upper elementary grades for recreational reading, but it would also be useful for a history or social studies unit. It is gratifying to see historical writing for children broadened to take in subjects such as this.