![The above picture is of my Father's threshing outfit taken in 1914. L. to r. in the photo are: Art Cummings, Ben Barnhill, Henry Curtis, [owner] and Everett Bissell. Mr. Bissell is the only living member of the crew.](https://ogden_images.s3.amazonaws.com/www.farmcollector.com/images/1973/11/05175148/IMA_V28_I6_Nov_1973_03-1.jpg)
Box 246, Strathmore, Alberta
PIONEER ACRES, one of the newest antique machinery clubs in
Alberta, has proven itself to be the most successful club of its
type in this province. Starting from a few interested collectors it
has rapidly expanded to fifty enthusiastic members. Pioneer Acres
is definitely on the move to the top.
During the early 1960’s, a group of men started collecting
and restoring antique tractors and farm equipment. The restored
equipment consisted of a Case Steam tractor, several Rumelys and
three Minneapolis tractors. They wanted to expand their collection
and get more interested people helping restore the machinery. Thus,
this was the starting of Pioneer Acres.
It wasn’t until 1970, however, that Pioneer Acres actually
became a club. Men came from various parts of Alberta to help
restore and collect equipment. The club thought that they should
let the public view the farm equipment their early ancestors once
used. After careful planning they decided to put on a two day show.
They did not want to just display the equipment, but to put it in
actual operation for which it was once used. Several men loaned the
club their antiques for the two day show. After several long hard
months of collecting, restoring and painting the antique machinery,
the club was ready to put on its first show.
At the show it was like stepping back into time. Once again, one
could relive the days of horse, steam, and finally gas power.
People stared in utter amazement at the hard tedious work it used
to be, to put in the crop. Putting in the crop seemed like
child’s play compared to threshing it. It was hard to believe
that there were any farmers in those days.
How could any one man do so much work? There were all kinds of
gas and steam tractors in operation. If you had never ridden on
one, the Pioneer Acres Show gave you that chance. Stationary
engines of all sizes were on demonstration. Horsedrawn plows were
illustrating just how long it took, and how hard it was, just to
plow one field. The crowd loved every minute of it. Pioneer Acres,
as little as it was, had put on a great show. The 1971 show proved
to be just as great. There were now, however, more members and more
antiques to help it become one of the greatest shows in
Alberta.
The engine is a 12 HP Russell and was purchased in 1910. The
thresher is a hand fed Russell with a slat stacker.
My father operated this outfit for many years in southeastern
Ohio. Courtesy of Jewell Curtis, 33 Anne Street, Pomeroy, Ohio
45769.
The year 1972 will long be remembered by the members of Pioneer
Acres. To start the year off, the Club was incorporated under the
Societies Act. The 1972 Show turned out to be a tremendous success,
with 2500 people attending. People came from all over the country
to the Taylor Farm at Langdon Corner. Pioneer Acres had finally
become the greatest antique machinery show in Alberta.
Today, Pioneer Acres is looking for a Home. They want some place
where they can put their antiques on display all year long. The
Club is planning bigger and better ideas for the 1973 Show. So if
you want to step back into time, to relive the days of early
farming, come to the 1973 Show of Pioneer Acres, which is about 12
miles East of the STAMPEDE CITY, Calgary, Alberta.
