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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe 25th Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion, 1986-09-03, Page 3THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1986. PAGE A-3. Young leaders take up Reunion torch Bill Vincent of RR 1, Auburn represents probably the big­ gest change that has taken place at the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Associa­ tion over the last few years: the emergence of a new, younger leadership of the organization. While the new breed of leader generally doesn’t have a lot of actual experience in the old threshing gangs that used the equipment on display at the show, they are no less dedicat­ ed to keeping the equipment of a bygone era going strong. And in doing so, they’ve also ensured that the Reunion itself will continue to be going strong for many years to come. It was only a few years ago when, despite the success of the reunion that saw attendance climbing steadily, people worr­ ied about the future of the event. The moving force from the early years was becoming less able to carry on with the heavy workload of the Reunion as illness and death claimed many of the original members. But people like Bill Vincent, president of the association for the 25th edition of the show, caught the bug of working with the old equipment and have added the security to the future of the Association. Bill, with his partner Alan Caldwell, now has three tract­ ors , all on steel plus a threshing machine donated by his father- in-law which he keeps in top shape to enter in the Thresher reunion. He’s been working at the Thresher Reunion since 1972. Now serving in his first year as president of the association Bill has picked a busy year to get initiated. The 25th annual Reunion has brought some extra work. This year, for instance, the Association is trying to work more closely with Blyth Village Council to build up the downtown parade. The parade will make more of the local people aware that this is the 25th edition of the Reunion. Also to mark this special occasion, the Association has published a souvenir book. Bill credits Marian Hallahan, se­ cretary of the Association for much of the hard work involved in getting the book out. The book, with more than 60 pages of stories and photos, will be on sale throughout the grounds for $5 a copy. Behind the scenes, the Asso­ ciation has also been busy this year working with the Village to purchase additional land at the park to ensure room for parking and expansion in future years. The land purchase will give security for the future because, although the Association has already been using the land for several years, it was only available through the gener­ osity of the present landowner. A special feature of the 1986 show, that might not be important to the general public but is a highlight for members of the Assocation, is the return of one of the original steam engines from the very first show. The 25-horse-power Goodison engine, built in Sarnia in 1923 was owned by Hugh Chisholm at the 1962 show. He was one of the founding members of the Asso­ ciation who met at that first meeting at the home of Simon Hallahan. The engine was later boughtby owners in Eastern Ontario and this is the first time in several years it has returned to Blyth. What brings the younger generation to join an organiza­ tion like the Thresher Associa­ tion when they don’t have any personal memories of their own to relive? Well, an interest in tinkering with machinery is one reason and the social aspect definitely plays a big part, Bill admits. And he thinks it is natural for people to get excited about learning what their grandfathers did. Those interests bring people from far and wide to help organize the Thresher Re­ union. The active membership stretches from Owen Sound and Chesley in the north to Watford and London in the south. While Bill’s initial interest in the reunion was in the machin­ ery, he finds all areas of the show fascinating now that he’s in charge of the entire show: all Bill Vincent the way from the crafts to the competitors. And all the time in the back of your mind when you’re president, he says, is what the attendance at the show is going to be. If the growth over the past 24 re­ unions is any example, one thing should be assured: this will be the best year yet. We hope everyone has a wonderful time at the Thresher Reunion H* I — Brussels Stockyards Ltd- 887-6461 WINTER WHEAT Call us early for prompt application! SERVING HURON, BRUCE, PERTH BOB JAMIESON-OWNERS OPERATOR STARDUST AVIATION INC. Bluevale 357-2599 Welcome to the 25th Annual Pioneer Thresher and Hobbp Reunion See us this fall for your decorating needs 523- TT o Wellington St. «25 ILawiriie Bly,h Dee oral inn <g 3 blocks east off main street (T"j) X Welcome Visitors X r *1 to the 25th Reunion of the Pioneer Thresher f' & Hobby Association in Blyth Welcome Visitors DOWNTOWN BLYTH SINCE 1894 FAMOUS FOR WOOL AND LEATHER PRODUCTS Mon. to Sat. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. outtttut WOOL ANO LEATHER PRODUCTS