The Blind Mechanic

The Amazing Story of Eric Davidson, Survivor of the 1917 Halifax Explosion

By: Marilyn Davidson Elliott

Narrated by: Jan Crowley

Eric Davidson was a beautiful, fair-haired toddler when the Halifax Explosion struck, killing almost 2,000 people and seriously injuring thousands of others. Eric lost both eyes - a tragedy that his mother never fully recovered from.

Eric, however, was positive and energetic. He also developed a fascination with cars and how they worked, and he later decided, against all likelihood, to become a mechanic. Assisted by his brothers, who read to him from manuals, he worked hard, passed examinations, and carved out a decades-long career. Once the subject of a National Film Board documentary, Eric Davidson was, until his death, a much-admired figure in Halifax.

Written by his daughter Marilyn, this inspiring book gives new insights into the 1917 Halifax Explosion and contains never-before-seen documents and photographs. While Eric Davidson has been mentioned in previous Explosion accounts, his story has never been told in such fascinating detail. Davidson overcame such odds that his life story might not seem believable if it had not happened.

©2018 Marilyn Davidson Elliott (P)2019 Marilyn Davidson Elliott

The Blind Mechanic

Visually sighted people can see with out turning their heads 180 degree. People who are blind and rely on their hearing can see/hear 360 degrees. The Blind Mechanic tells of one man’s tenacity and determination to move forward from a traumatic eye injury to living a life with his wife and children with very little hindrance. As with many blind and visually impaired, if aloud will figure out how to do something perhaps differently but ending with the same result. Eric’s skill to navigate with in his community is natural for all of us. I can appreciate how his skills and ambition while remaining humble is admirable. Even today only 3% of the population who are blind work at competitive main stream jobs. Mr Davidson story is told through his daughters perspective with deep admiration and love. The Blind Mechanic is a nice and inspiring read.