HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-09-03, Page 54THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3,1997. PAGE A-23.
Man against machine
A common practice well over 50 years ago, belt-setting is something that
only the die-hard competitors at the Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion take
on. Other adult special events, however, are perfect for anyone wanting to
get their hands dirty, trying some of the old world methods of farming.
Adult events put you to the test
At the Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion
and Hobby Show visitors not only get a
chance to see how life was in the past, the
can also give it a try. From sawing wood, to
bag tieing, the adult special events give
visitors to the Reunion an opportunity for
some hands-on attempts at practices less
common today.
These competitions, which take place each
afternoon of the three-day reunion, test a
variety of skill levels, which for the most
part could be attempted by even a rank
amateur, if they don't mind being humbled.
But one contest, pits man against machine
and therefore presents a bit more risk.
Belt-setting requires agility, speed and
technique. It is done on both gas tractor and
steam engine. There are two contestants,
one to operate the tractor or engine, and one
to operate the separator.
The first step is to unhook the steam
engine from the tractor, then the person
running the tractor turns it around and lines
up the pulleys to the separator. The second
man then strings out the drive belt, blocks
the separator, then puts the feeder and wind
blower out. The final step is to put up the
grain elevator. The clock stops when the
feeder starts, and the time is announced.
The biggest difficulty, according to Ray
Hallahan, whose family has been part of the
Reunion for decades and who, for many
years, chaired the committee for special
events, is lining up the separator so the belt
will stay on. If the belt is not secure it can
fly off, which brings an element of danger to
the event. Because of this, most novices
decline offers to try after seeing it done.
When the technique was in use, well over
half a century ago, it was very competitive.
Threshing teams used to race to see who
could prepare the apparatus most quickly.
This spirit is still present today. There are
usually about 20 competitors in the event,
which makes it one of the largest of the
weekend.
Thank goodness for chain saws. Cutting wood the old-fasioned way can
‘only’make'you smile, when you cfoTHor*tun at theThresfierTTeunion
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