29 North River Road, Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada N8A 4R3
The 21st Western Ontario Steam Threshers Association Reunion was
held at the fairgrounds in Brigden, Ontario, on August 18, 19, and
20, 1978.
There were 18 steam engines, 70 gas tractors, a large selection
of gas engines as well as antique farm machinery on display. Many
smaller antique items were on display in the buildings. Several
dealers presented a wide selection of quality antiques for sale at
the flea market.
A parade was held on the track in front of the grandstand each
day at 4:00 p.m. First in the parade were the steam engines, then
the antique tractors, followed by several antique cars. Also in the
parade were the MacPherson’s from Arkona, Ontario, with their
team of three trained pigs; the Butlers from Florence, Ontario with
their Prairie Schooner pulled by two oxen; and Hugh Miller riding
his Penny Farthing bicycle around the track.
The Thompsons of Blenheim gave free rides around the grounds in
their double-decker bus to show visitors.
The bean soup cooked over an open fire in a large iron kettle
was popular with show visitors again this year. The bean pot was
under the care of Reg. Kemp of Tilbury, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Crowe of
Wallaceburg, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Forshee of Akron, Michigan.
Earl and Martha Heywood entertained in front of the grandstand
crowd each afternoon.
Ladies’ entertainment was presented Saturday and Sunday
afternoon in one of the buildings. Another popular exhibit was the
quilting bee which went on each day during the show. Many ladies
took part.
Threshing of oats, log sawing, straw baling and shingle making
demonstrations took place each day.
The Sarnia Model Builders Association presented a display of
working model steam and gas engines.
Of special interest to antique tractor enthusiasts was Walter
Hull’s very rare 1910 Gilson gas tractor. Walter had done a
nice job in restoring this tractor. It was almost a basket case
when he started to work on it.
Wallace Lowrie had his Waterloo Boy tractor there as well as his
unusual hand feed thresher.
Edgar and Lome Haris displayed their 1914 Model T Ford Touring
car for the first time. They have spent most of their spare time
during the past three years working on it.
We hope to present the 1979 show on August 17, 18, and 19. Watch
for our ad in this magazine.
1929 Fordson built in Cork, Ireland, owned and operated by Lloyd
May of Shetland, Ontario. The steam engine, upper right is a 20 HP
Robert Bell built about 1905 by the Robert Bell Thresher Company of
Seaforth, Ontario. This is owned by John Shamblaw of Kerwood,
Ontario.
Pictured from left are Gene Hartwig, Ralph Henderson and Hugh
Miller.
