Loading...
28th Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion, 1989-09-06, Page 21THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1989. PAGE A-21. Antique vendors popular with visitors BY USA BOONSTOPPEL From its humble beginning in 1987 when only a couple of vendors participated in it, the flea market at the Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion in Blyth has turned into another success for the show. This year the market could boast up to eight vendors displaying and selling an­ tique farm implements, dishes and machinery parts. However, the flea market almost never came into being. When the idea was first passed by the Thresher Reunion committee almost three years ago, there was much concern that the market would draw new items and that this would undermine the show’s intention of display­ ing antiques. So, Bruce Thompson of Lucknow, who is the chairman of the Flea market assured the committee that the wares sold at the “The stuff sold is mostly to do with agriculture,” said Mr. Thompson but there are also old-fashioned dishes and flatware available as well. And the people who come to sell their wares travel a lengthy distance to get to Blyth. Mr. Thompson said they get vendors from as far away as Windsor. He admits that the flea market isn’t a big money maker for the Thresher Reunion since the vendors are only charged two dollars a foot, but it is an added attraction for steam show enthusiasts. “Most people have the idea that it’s all right as long as it’s in the antique line,” said Mr. Thompson. And, he expects the market will expand. “Last year and the year before we had about the same amount of tables but I think market has caught on with sellers and buyers. vendue would remain antique and the that we’ll find it will grow quite a bit.” This in sellers indicates thatyear s increase possibility. Remember these? Many an oddity can be found at the flea market in the Thresher’s Reunion, but for the old folks, the old implements and parts on for sale can bring back a lot of old memories. Boilers checked annually BY LISA BOONSTOPPEL he looks inside to make sure the boiler isn’t Antique boutique The flea market at the Thresher Reunion has become quite successful since its implementation three years ago. Then, only a few tables of antiques were available, this year there may be as many as seven vendors selling their ancient wares to thresher visitors. Blyth steam show regarded as friendly BY LISA BOONSTOPPEL Each year in September, the little village of Blyth is flooded with thousands of tourists who flock to this remote area in order to visit the Huron Pioneer Thresher’s Reunion. But what is it that keeps people coming to this annual event? I asked three regular attenders of the reunion to reveal the attraction of the Blyth steam show. One of these regulars is Doug McIntosh who lives in the town of Embro situated Continued on page A-22 The steam engines displayed at steam shows across Ontario are powerful remind­ ers of another time in farming. But the huge, steam powered machines are con­ sidered presstire vessels which makes these old-timers potentially dangerous. Like any other pressure vessel, if the pressure is too tremendous for its contain­ ment, people and places near the vessels would be in a threatening situation. That’s why, every working steam engine is tested every year. On a steam engine, the cast-iron boiler is under tremendous pressure from the steam being produced inside it. Were the boiler not strong enough to confine the steam, the boiler would blow up spewing hot water and metal debris in a dramatic explosion. The possibility of injury and death is apparent. Therefore, a qualified pressure vessel inspector every year visits the owners of steam engines to test the boiler for safety. If the boiler is safe, a certificate will be given to the owner for one year. No steam engine can be showed without this certificate. The vessels inspector for Western Ontario is Gordon Reiger from Stratford who works for the Pressure Vessels Safety Branch of the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations. “I deal with any­ thing under pressure whether it be ice-makers, propane tanks or steam en­ gines,” said Mr. Reiger. He explained the process of checking a boiler for safety. First, the boiler is opened up through an inspection opening which is called a hand-hold or plug. Once opened, corroded or scaled. Then, the boiler is tested for thickness using an Ultrasound D Metre. The metre puts soundwaves through the boiler and reveals how thick parts of it are. “The thinnest spot can reduce the working pressure,” he said so then the operator of the engine has to either reduce the working pressure of the engine or fix it by replacing the material with welding. After the ultrasound, the boiler is given a Hydrostatic test. The boiler is flooded with water and put under pressure. It’s a cold water test with the water at 70 degrees. The water is put under pressure with a pump without working the boiler. This way, if there are any leaks, they will show up without anyone being in a dangerous situation. During this test, the boiler is only put to one and a half times its working pressure. “If you go over then you can distort or damage the boiler,” said Mr. Reiger. If the boiler passes all these tests, it is issued a certificate. Mr. Reiger said he had found some unsafe ones during his seven years as an inspector, and once they were fixed they were checked again. The cost of the testing depends on the size of the boiler. “You have to know what you are looking for,” said Mr. Reiger who has previously worked in a boiler shop for 22 years, has repaired a few boilers and passed exams to get this job. Though there is the potential danger, all the steam engines are checked regularly and are safe. Mr. Reiger said there hasn’t ever been an explosion in Canada. on your 28th Threshermen's Reunion Clinton Veterinary Services Robin G. Wiley, D.V.M. Peter W. Wiley, D.V.M.