The following story, Northern Bureau, is reprinted with
permission of the North Bay Nugget of North Bay, Ontario
EARLTONT he sights and sounds at the Northern Stockyards in
Earlton on Saturday and Sunday were a bit out of the ordinary.
The stockyards were the site of the ninth annual Earlton Steam
and Antique Show, where steam machines, vintage cars and craft
displays delighted the large crowds.
The show, which is the only one of its kind in Northern Ontario,
attracted more than 150 exhibitors. Spectators had an opportunity
to see a steam-powered crane lift a concrete form; and rides were
given on a 1909 steam tractor, which blew its whistle at frequent
intervals.
A display of antique cars ranged in years from 1912 to the late
1940s.
New additions to the crafts display were a potter, two spinners
and a weaver. Spectators were treated to a first-hand glance at how
these techniques are performed. And if no one minded getting dirty
hands, there was a standing invitation to create something on the
potter’s wheel.
Other craftsmen, including quilters, knitters and bakers were
also on hand to sell their wares or to answer questions pertaining
to their skill.
Dorothy Houston, secretary-treasurer of the Earlton Steam and
Antique Farm Society said this year’s exhibition was a success.
‘Everyone seemed to have a good time and found the whole show
very interesting. The out-of-town exhibitors were amazed and
thrilled by the whole thing,’ she said.
The show is organized annually by the steam and antique society,
the Temiskaming Machine Club and the Historical Auto Society. The
Kerns Central Lions Club looked after the parking and admission
gates.
Plans are now underway for next year’s show, which Mrs.
Houston said ‘promises to be bigger and better.’
