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The Citizen, 1994-09-09, Page 10PAGE A-10, THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994.__________________________________________________L__ Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion 1994 jvfan’s re-creation of old lifestyle becomes hobby ModeC perfect Fred Lewis of Wingham will be attending this year's Thresher Reunion to display his steam engine and separator, machinery that he used when he was young. ‘Ready to rotf By Shane Taylor The Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion in Bly th not only provides a chance for young visitors to catch a glimpse of the way things were, but also allows the exhibitors themselves to revisit the past. Fred Lewis, of Wingham, will be attending this year's Reunion to display his steam engine and separator, machinery that he used when he was a kid. Almost 10 years ago Fred decided to make a steam engine. With the help of his two sons, Rae and Fred III, they did just that — from scratch. They made everything themselves except the castings which Fred and a buddy picked up in Kansas. By 1989 it was finished, new roof and all and Fred took it to the Blyth Thresher Reunion for the first time. It's been there every year since. It's also been to Mitchell, Brigden, the Ilderton Tri-County Fair, the Milton Steam- Era Reunion, the Tilverton Fall Fair, the Steam Automotive Gas and Antique Show in Beeton and Coyle's Historical Show in Tillsonburg. This year he finished building the separator , which he will be bringing to the reunion as well. A 1949 Model M John Deere Tractor, parked in the shed he built for it, will also be on display. Fred says he likes the type of people who go to these shows but he doesn't like the publicity. "I'm just a farmer who has a hobby of building things. Everybody should have a hobby." Fred is very humble about what he does and credits his sons for the work they did on the steam engine. "My sons say I'm great at starling things, then they help me finish it," jokes Fred. Fred explains the importance these machines had on the farm when he was a kid, "The steam engine was the first means of power and we used it on the farm for years." Fred lived on his farm five miles cast of Wingham, until 18 years ago when he retired. His sons look over the farm. Il was then that Fred began io dabble wilh wood and laihcs, and soon a hobby was bom. He started out making coffee tables and plant holders in his garage which now looks more like a hardware store. A metal band saw, table saw, steel lathe, radial arm saw, belt sander and electric welder are among some of the tools in Fred's "workshop". Candle holders, benches, coffee tables, picture frames and about 60 or 70 gavels are among the finished products that have come out of Fred's garage. According to him the gavels have made great gifts to his friends and they can now be found in households all over Ontario. He has never sold anything that he has ever made nor does he ever plan on it. "The thanks I receive for the gift is a better reward for me than money." He is also quick to point out that things don't always turn out exactly the way he planned them and considers his best work to be a minature sleigh he built. "I think I have received the most satisfaction from the sleigh; the rest of the things I make anybody can do." The sleigh is a work of art. Real leather harnesses on the horses, bells on the front and every other minute detail has been built into the model. The sleigh itself carries small logs from about 15 different kinds of trees including, butternut, cherry, oak and pine. It, too, will be on display at the Thresher's Reunion. Fred says his building plans usually consist of trial and error, the way a hobby should. He finds the parts he needs for things in the strangest places. The chains on the sleigh are from a grandfather clock, leather straps from a lady's purse bought at a fleamarket and a bicycle bar was used for a small windmill he built on his shed. " It's all there, if you can just find it." Fred explains. Fred's interest in farm machinery stems from his long agricultural history. He'd been farming ever since his father died when he was only 11 years old. Fred and his 13-year- old brother had to drop out of school to help with the farm. Il was then that farmers and their machinery first earned Fred's respect,"We'd gel up al 7 in the morning, go out lo the field, slop for a half-hour Continued on Al2 The lifelike wagon crafted by Fred Lewis is one of the many items he has displayed at past Thresher Ruenions. Fred says his building plans come from a long interest in agricultural history. ‘Worltfofart The sleigh is adorned with real leather harnesses on the horses, bells on the front and many other minute details to lend to its authenticity. It carries about 15 logs from diffeent kids of trees. Fred Lewis will be displaying it at the Thresher Reunion. Central Rental & SUPPLIES LTD. Bill Crawford - Manager Industrial & Farm Supplies Small Equipment & Tool Rental Honda Rental — • Two Way Radios • Cellular Phones • Paging Keith’s REPAIR SERVICl LAWN-BOY Small Engine Sales & Service i®Husqvama»? Snowmobile Parts & Service ( Hwy. 86 Whitechurch) 357-2277 Horse Tack & Supplies 26 Isaac Street CLINTON, ON N0M1L0 Phone/Fax 482-7930