September, 1998
Most of the Pinetree Line radar stations have long vanished - having been returned to the natural state that existed before the arrival of the Cold War defence systems that protected the North American continent for close to 40 years.
The radar station which was located at Baldy Hughes is quite similar to so many others that existed during the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Baldy Hughes was constructed in the 1952-1953 time period. It was first manned by USAF personnel and the station was eventually handed over to the RCAF in 1963. The Canadians operated this facility until it was finally closed in 1988 - yet another victim of advancing technology and escalating costs.
It is at this point that there was a difference between Baldy Hughes and so many other radar stations. I do not have any firm detail - except to say that the domestic site has been purchased and sold on a number of occasions. The current owner is a gentleman named Terry Beeton and he offers the "Baldy Hughes Lifestyles" as "Putting a little city in the country". Terry resides at the old domestic site with Sheila Cederholm, and together - well, using words similar to that of Martin Luthor King "They have a dream". Unlike many dreams in this day and age, their dream is slowly becoming a reality.
The military may have departed from Baldy Hughes, but I am pleased to advise that the domestic site lives on. The guard house building which was located at the main gate has been converted into a general store. The original MSE section has been converted into a garage and carwash area. Barrack blocks have been and are being converted into 4-plexes and 3-plexes to provide residential housing. The upper mobile home park has been converted into a camp ground which caters to Recreational Vehicles and offers a picnic area, complete with picnic tables and chairs. The lower mobile home park has 31 trailer pads and is being prepared for a return to an active mobile home park.
The gymnasium remains fully functional, and there are plans for the curling rink and bowling alley. There is talk at converting the Combined Mess into a "Pub" style restaurant. I could go on, but that would be giving away all of the secrets - and we wouldn't want to do that - would we?
The long and the short of it - if you ever served at Baldy Hughes, feel free to return for a visit. The road is paved all the way between Prince George and the Baldy Hughes domestic site. Directions on how to get to the community are located in the travel section. Give yourself a treat - drop in for a visit and a chat. You'll be more than happy in taking the time for a trip into "memory lane".
We offer a number of photos in an attempt to show "the past" vs "the present". Enjoy.
Hopefully, these photos will bring back some memories to those who once served at the radar station which was located in Baldy Hughes.
I wish to thank Terry and Sheila for their time and assistance as I made my way around the domestic site taking photos of everything that moved. The photos which are provided have managed to provide an update and show what is currently happening at the old domestic site which was once located at Baldy Hughes.
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Updated: April 25, 2000
