The Citizen-40Th Annual Reunion, 2001-09-05, Page 37THE CITIZEN. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2001. PAGE A-5.
40th Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion
Houston recalls picture perfect memory of Reunion
Continued from A-4
many memorable moments. "I have -a picture
perfect memory of the Reunion," she says.
"My opening ceremony, the year I was presi-
dent was a beautiful day, fluffy white clouds
hanging in the sky. We had the engines all
lined up and when the show was officially
opened, they simultaneously blew their whis-
tles. That white steam going off into those big
fluffy clouds is a beautiful, beautiful memory.
Everyone did what they were supposed to do
and I had a woman from Peterborough say
after it made her cry."
Houston also recalls some more humorous
moments. "We used to host the dances on
Saturday night. I was selling bar tickets and
Gary Courtney (now an Association past pres-
ident) came up to buy some. I made him show
me his age of majority. He laughed until the
tears rolled down his cheeks. He was appar-
ently around 30, but I wouldn't believe him
and he wasn't getting a ticket until he proved
it."
The spirit of volunteerism that thrives with-
in this group was evident the year that the
arena was putting in the elevator. "There was
no caretaker and everything was muddy. A
group of us cleaned up until about 3:30 in the
morning then were back at 8 a.m."
Houston also recalls fondly many of the
people who have made the Association such a
special group. "Thunder (Lloyd Josling) is
always such a hard worker — and a colourful
character. I just love him."
Carmen Craig is someone she recalls for his
efforts in getting the extra land at the fair-
grounds which has resulted in many improve-
ments and much expansion. She also remem-
bers his support. "The first year I was presi-
dent, on the Sunday afternoon of the Reunion
I was so dead-tired. I went to Carmen's and
cried for an hour. After talking with him I was
fine."
Houston adds too that she supposes that's
the only time she showed anyone "I was a
Sawmill
lovingly
restored
each fall
No you didn't always go to the local lumber-
yard to buy your 2x4. At one time a 2x4 was
actually two inches by four inches and the saw
that cut it might have come to you when you
were ready to build that new house or barn.
Although the Thresher Reunion's resident
sawmill is fairly large to do much travelling
others much like it would have been available
to come to the farm and ,turn trees from your
bushlot into lumber for your home.
Each September, members of the Thresher
Reunion lovingly reassemble and refurbish the
mill that was donated to them more than 20
years ago. For reasons of safety and conserva-
tion the mill is dismantled and put in storage
after each reunion.
The 54-inch blade can be powered by steam
engines which range from 10 to 75 horsepow-
er. Which engine is used depends on the hard-
ness of the logs to be sawn. With pine a small-
er engine will do but beech logs require the big
boys.
The whine of the huge blade changes as it
bites into a log and the sawdust starts to fly. It
is not hard to imagine yourself a hundred years
in the past getting ready to erect a new barn.
The sawmill will be set up near the steam
engine display area, in the central section of
the park.
woman. I cried."
The feminine touch, she believes firmly, is
wha' has kept the Reunion not just thriving but
alive. "I think after I was president it made a
difference for women. And I feel if there had-
n't been changes made for women in the early
1980s the Reunion would definitely not be the
success it is."
"People were changing, society was chang-
ing. Women were not chattels being dragged
along behind their husbands."
Many of the attractions added for the young-
sters and women, such as the craft show and
entertainment have become the most popular
features of the Reunion, Houston believes. "A
lot never get any further than listening to the
music now."
Remembering the miles logged back and
forth from her home to the Reunion during
those years, Houston notes that she will be
missing out this year because of knee surgery.
But with family members still playing an
active role, her "thoughts and heart will cer-
tainly be there that weekend."
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THE CORPORATION OF
THE TOWNSHIP OF
NORTH HURON
o the Huron Pioneer Thresher
and Hobby Association
on their 40th Annual Reunion
• Friends • Threshers • Tractor Men • Neighbours & Visitors
The Township of North Huron extends a warm
welcome to all visitors here to celebrate
another Thresher Reunion
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