There’s a special kind of learning that takes place in Papa’s shop, and it’s about more than vice grips and planers; it’s about patience and hard work, love and life.
George Clark worked at the Powell River mill for 39 years, and during his career he spent time in a variety of departments, learning many skills. He has always loved working with his hands and spending time with his children. Working in the shop to pass knowledge down through generations runs in his family.
Sandra McDowell is Clark’s daughter. “When we were growing up we spent time in Grandpa Clark’s shop, who was my dad’s dad,” she said. “We would go visit and all six of us kids would crowd around the shop table and work on little projects. My dad actually learned a lot from his dad, who also worked in the mill. They built one of their homes, and rebuilt another, and they spent a lot of time fixing cars.”
So it’s not surprising that Clark’s home shop—known lovingly by his family as “Papa’s Shop”—is a place where much learning has occurred and many happy memories have been made.
“Around our house, growing up with a family of eight, there was always some kind of project underway,” said McDowell, “and my dad would involve whoever was around and willing.”
Papa’s shop is a place where Clark’s children and grandchildren have learned to use their hands and a variety of tools to make toys and practical things like shelves, lamps and benches, but it’s also a place where stories and life lessons are passed on.
“I’ve learned so much from him,” said McDowell. “I’ve watched him give his whole life to his family and I can see how he’s made a profound difference to each of us. He’s taught me the importance of humility, patience, hard work, family first, safety, and most of all how a parent’s love and guidance is the foundation the rest of your life builds upon.”
This month the Powell River Literacy Council is launching a new campaign called Literacy: It Means More Than You Think. In partnership with First Credit Union, July’s focus is Literacy and Family. It is well known that a child’s literacy development begins at birth and is shaped by his or her experiences in the home environment. As a child’s first teachers, parents play a crucial role in their child’s interest in learning. Improving literacy and learning within the family, as Clark has proven in Papa’s shop, does not always look like sitting down with pen and paper. Indeed, the most important kinds of learning can take many shapes.
One of the most effective ways Clark passes on his lessons, McDowell said, is through stories.
“Storytelling is such a powerful form of communication. We remember his stories because they bring learning to life in vivid ways. Besides sharing stories and insights, he listens to your thoughts and asks questions. He is very present when you are in a conversation with him. You feel important because he’s really listening and valuing what you have to say. He’s not checking his email, texting someone or being distracted by a TV or computer. His teachings for all of us have gone way beyond the shop.”
When asked why he chose the shop as a place of learning for his family, Clark said, “I wanted to teach them how to do things safely and to not be afraid.”
For McDowell, the practical lessons her father taught have served her well.
“I grew up believing that I was capable of tackling household projects and improvements and I haven’t been afraid to do those things as a woman. In the last 25 years since I left home, I’ve done things like painting, carpet laying, patching drywall, landscaping and more…When you believe you can do something, you don’t hesitate.”
Boys and girls, Clark said he has treated them all the same. “Each one is different, with different ideas,” he said. “I just follow their ideas and see what they want to create.”
The learning, and the special time spent in Papa’s shop, has now extended to Clark’s 12 grandchildren.
“Each of the grandchildren has spent many hours perched on the stool making toys and projects with him while listening and talking about just about everything,” said McDowell. “All of them have treasured that time in the shop. My sons Austin, who’s now 16, and Carter who’s only three, have both spoken the words to me, ‘Mommy...you go inside, Papa and I are working in the shop.’ I’ve always walked away with a smile on my face and a skip in my heart, knowing how blessed they are to be sharing the time learning together about shop stuff and life in general.”
Austin has his own thoughts on why his grandfather is so popular. “Papa is so patient. He’s taught me a lot about things in the shop, but so much more…I think all the kids have gravitated toward him because he just sits back and waits for us to find him.”
“I get choked up when I think about it because it goes by so fast,” said Clark. “In the last few years, the older teenagers come home from high school and say, ‘Look, Papa, what I made.’ And I’m so proud of them all.”
For more about families and literacy, ideas for making learning fun within the family, and information on what is happening in July for Literacy and Family month, readers can visit the council's website or check out the Facebook page.
Emma Levez Larocque is the literacy outreach coordinator for Powell River.
