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Home My WebLink AboutClinton News-Record, 1983-08-31, Page 29G. WILEY, D.V.M. HE OPENING OF AN OFFICE ZACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE MITED TO PETS AT TE RI NARY SERVICES . ). 4 NORTH OF BLYTH BLYTH, ONTARIO NOM 1 H0 TELEPHONE (519) 523-4443 Page wing demonstrations at this weekend's events in Blyth. 1878 style... of any machine I have yet. It is quite un- ssary to brace the hine. All that is required set it in place, when it is y for work and it will run out jar or noise. I would ve any other than the End Shake Climax." - Aikenhead, Brucefield. any other im- ements, such as ring the front (or nder) end of the hine, adding a tightener pulley to Fanning Mill Belt, windlass for raising the Straw Carriers, improved "Concave Adjuster," etc. have been made, which will add largely to the worth of machine. Our Pitt's Power have been improved in various ways, still further adding to their durability, convenience and ease of running. All machinery is run and carefully tested before leaving the factory. ARVEST KENNELS of dogs and cats g of Golden Retrievers G. WILEY, D.V.M. o. 4, North of Blyth , Blyth, Ontario NOM 1H0 ) 523-4443 Old implements ey re art of th f' it personal past Smiles of enthusiasm and pride are easy to spot on the faces of steam engine lovers. These men devote money, time and energy into the big lumbering steam machines and take them to various shows and parades around the province and the United States. (Blyth Standard photo) By Doris Bond of The Village Squire A popular saying among wives and families of steam enthusiasts is, "The only difference between men and boys, is the size (some say price), of their toys." Ardent steam buffs can be heard to reply with a shrug of their shoulders, "Can't help it, it's in my blood." The steam era started a comeback on a bright, sunny day in August, 1957, when a handful of enthusiastic buffs gathered at the farm of Stuart Hunter near Cour- tright, Ontario, to share their memories, knowledge and,of course, their huge, cum- bersome, noisy steam machines. This was the first Western Ontario Steam Thresher's Reunion. Word of the organization spread quietly and steadily, dispersed like a cloud of steam, until now we find steam shows across the province. For those who like to attend them there just or Our Best Wishes fo fhe 22nd Annual Reunion Always a good selection of fully -reconditioned •USED CARS AND TRUCKS •GENERAL REPAIRS Class 'A' mechanics on staff HAMM'S CAR SALES LTD. BLYTH SALES 523-4342 SERVICE 523-9581 BOWES ELECTRONIC SIIOP � Hamilton St. Blyth 523-4412 Welcomes everyone to the rNREsaER'SaEuaioN Invites you to come into our shop and see * Satellite T.V. *Magnavox T.V.'s *V.C.R.'s *Yorx Stereo's *Clock Radio's *Sunbeam Kerosene Heaters *Telephones and Small Appliances Rei„ober 9th Anniversary Salo September 17-24t1ty aren't enough weekends. What is it that attracts these people? Why do they drive hundreds of miles, spend a weekend camping out next to the rural fairground, usually without adequate washroom facilities, often in a muddy field, or worse still, if it is hot and dry, with the inevitable dust sifting into the camper? The cost, too, for tran- sporting those huge, awk- ward engines on a big float is fairly steep. Then steam buffs spend hours greasing, oiling, polishing and preparing for the show. And just what entices the public to reach into their pockets to pay admission ( upwards of 12,000 passed through the gates of Blyth last year) to watch the old traction engines operate and parade around the racetrack? This is a typical steam show in southwestern Ontario. Most shows are at least two days long and usually held at the local fairgrounds where there is plenty of space for both large and small machines. The infield is usually reserved for stationary machinery, such as small gasoline engines, chopping mills, fanning mills, a saw -mill busily sawing logs, a shingle - splitter hard at work, and many other pieces common to the agricultural com- munity of a few decades ago. An interesting part of the show is always the collection of antique cars. You might even spot a special pale such as a 1930 Model A, complete with a rumble - seat, often referred to as "the mother-in-law" seat. There is sure to be a souvenir booth, as every steam -oriented household must possess a coffee mug, a flower pot or an ashtray depicting a steam engine. There will be food con- cessions, since it seems the fresh country air does sharpen appetites. And, of course craft tables, flea markets and priceless collections of antiques and memorabilia. Most wives of steam buffs are vitally involved, having long since come to the decision that if you can't beat them, join them. For many, membership in the organization means total immersion, because they are active throughout the year, holding regular meetings, election of officers and social events. A newsletter informs members of upcoming events, bus trips, neigh- boring shows and in- formation on who has what to trade or sell. It could be a complete tractor or some specific used part like an engine from a Rumley Oil Pull 25-40 or a power take -off for a 10-29 McCormick Deering. To the outsider the jargon sounds like a foreign language and for the wife who doesn't share her steam buff's enthusiasm, life can be lonely. In fact, rumor has Purge 9 it that more than one marriage has suffered to the point that when a choice had to be made, he chose his steam engine. One feature common to all steam shows is the daily parade, when every mobile vehicle lumbers past the judges and the spectators on the sidelines. It's a thrilling sight to see these huge iron monsters belching soot and smoke as they huff and puff down the street. The proud face of the operator breaks into a wide grin as he hears the commentator describe his pride and joy. Steam enthusiasts will tell you stories about the old days on the farm, when there was an aura of romance about the harvest and the thresherman was a real hero. Today a huge combine whizzes around the field and in no time the harvest is complete, all done by one person and a machine. Back then, there was always great excitment and preparation for threshing day. The common denominator among machinery buffs is that the old implements are part of their personal past and heritage. For whatever reason, these boys and girls too, both young and old, love their ancient toys with inex- plicable obsession. Even some of the retired en- thusiasts who spend their winters in Florida can be found - you guessed it - at the steam shows. Continued Success to the annual Blyth Threshermen's Reunion! INTRODUCING NEWMAC WOOD ADD-ON FURNACE •For operation in conjunction with existing residential o11 furnace systems. •The quality solution to efficient combination fuel heatin •CSA APproved. •QUALIFIES FOR OFF -OIL GRANTS We specialize in WATER SOFTENERS Threshermen's Reunion Special! MYERS 20 GRAIN WATER SOFTENER Myers reg. list 116. Our price 1636. REUNION SPECIAL! SAVE AN EXTRA 5 % OFF only... $599. RyPass Valve Included Tax Included Till FRIDAY SEPT. 1.ONLY TOM DUIZER PLUMBING AND HEATING LONDESBORO 523-0359