The Mad Archer of Ladysmith: Local author and historian to discuss the investigative process for his book, 85 Grams, the story of Ladysmith's drug czar, Art Williams.

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Thursday, April 11th, 2019
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM

During the 1970s Art Williams ran the largest lab in North America for the prohibited amphetamine, MDA, on Westdowne Road, just south of Ladysmith BC. Production and distribution carried on under the noses -- but out of sight of the RCMP, and even the US Drug Enforcement Administration during an investigation that spanned five years.

Much of Williams' MDA production was literally underground, and fronted by his legitimate mycology (mushroom) research facility, the BC Institute of Mycology. Within the mycology building were hidden dors, behind which were tunnels leading to underground rooms dedicated and equipped for the production of MDA.

Ultimately, after a long and expensive investigation police found enough evidence to lay charges. While in trial Williams, on bail, flew his private plane between Nanaimo and Victoria to attend meetings with his lawyer. On November 30, 1977, during his last return flight to Nanaimo Williams' Cessna disappeared from radar, purportedly crashing into the strait.

A search recovered a nose wheel and a few small interior bits of aircraft, but no fuselage -- and no body or remains. Further, there's no verification the wreckage pieces are from Williams' Cessna; from this lack of definitive evidence arises a rather inconclusive (if not D. B. Cooperesque) fate for Williams.

Prior to his mid-life transition to the outlaw side Williams could be described as a Renaissance man. Internationally famous in the world of archery for his covetted "Williams Bow", a handcrafted artisan longbow produced in a small factory on his property. This venture succeeded until 1969 when a much larger sporting goods manufacturer cut off Williams' access to essential materials for bow making, consequently forcing him out of business.

Perhaps this economic embargo against Williams' archery company was the psychological tipping point that moved a man, know as brilliant and ingenious, to become criminally motivated and resentful of law and authority. As an example of art imitating life one may find parallels to compare within the TV series "Breaking Bad".

About our speaker:

Daryl Ashby is a local historian and author. Before the release of "85 Grams" he also wrote the acclaimed account "John Muir: West Coast Pioneer" published by Ronsdale Press. This book describes the first 30 years of settlement in and around the Colony of Vancouver Island.

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The Nanaimo Historical Society, founded in 1953, is a non-profit organization. Annual membership is $10 for a student, $24 for and individual, $30 for a family. Membership includes a subscription to the British Columbia Historical Federation Magazine.

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