President, R.R. 3, Ilderton, Ontario, Canada NOM 2A0
Early in the spring of 1976 about a dozen local fellows got
together to discuss the idea of forming a steam and gas engine club
in order to put on a display at the Centennial celebrations in
Ilderton, Ontario. From this small group a club was formed, and the
name Tri-County Heritage Club was chosen. The group had a small but
the enthusiasm received it was decided to hold a steam show the
following July.
During the 1976-77 year the club grew in membership, ideas, and
enthusiasm. By July, 1977 the club had approximately 90 members and
was applying for a charter. In planning for the club’s first
annual Heritage and Antique Show, it was anticipated that the
members would be able to put on a small show with a variety of
activities, but because of their enthusiasm and dedication the show
bonanzed into a large and successful endeavor.
When the gates opened on July 8, the steam was up on 7 steam
engines (including a 1911 20-22 HP McDonald, two 20 HP George
Whites (1907 and 1923), a 1/2 scale George White Junior, a 20-22 HP
1919 Waterloo, a 1915 Case Traction Engine, and a 1923 20 HP
Goodison. As well, there were 2 large upright boilers one operating
a variety of miniature steam and the other a shingle mill. In the
miniature field there were 5 model steam engines of various scales
on display, one of which powered a scale working model, threshing
machine that actually threshed wheat throughout the show. Judging
by the straw stack it threshed more than its share! All weekend the
large steam engines took turns threshing winter barley in two
threshing machines, operating the Baker Fan, and sawing logs on a
full-scale sawmill set up on the grounds.
Steam, however, was not the only display presented by the club.
On the grounds were 91 antique gas tractors (including such names
as an Imperial Super Drive, Mogal, Titan, Rumelys, Eagle, Happy
Farmer, Lanz Bulldog, Gibson, and Hart Parr), and 115 gasoline
engines (including Brantford, London, Ideal, Mogul, Gould Shapley
& Muir, Massey Harris, International, Maytag and John Deere).
The gas engine boys put on a wide variety of entertainment by
operating such things as pumps, a drag saw, washing machines, corn
shellers, grinders and elevators.
Between 35 and 40 antique cars added to the show’s success.
A 1916 Ford Popcorn Wagon supplied hot popcorn for all who attended
the show. As well there were such cars as Rolls Royce, Model N
Ford, brass rad T’s, Model A Fords, Chevs, Dodges and a
7-passenger Chalmers just to name a few.
The show also had an arena full of displays such as old tools,
glassware, watch fobs, crafts, a flea market, and a
‘boring’ display of old brace and bits. A wide variety of
amateur music and entertainment by young and old from the community
was enjoyed throughout the weekend. On Saturday the club held an
auction sale of old farm machinery and antiques, and each afternoon
there was a large parade of exhibits.
From the official opening of the show by Ontario’s former
Minister of Agriculture, William Stewart, steering one of the club
member’s MacDonald steam engine through the ceremonial ribbon
until sunset on July 10, the show was a tremendous success.
The club now has over 135 active members, and we are looking
forward to an even bigger and better show July 7, 8 and 9, 1978. In
addition to our regular display of gas tractors, steam engines and
antique cars, our theme this year will be to host a First
International Gas Engine Show, and are extending a warm welcome to
anyone interested in participating. We have come to be known as
Ontario’s fastest growing show and are striving to meet our
motto of ‘Help Us Preserve Our Past.’
