The Citizen, 1998-09-09, Page 27PAUL COOK ELECTRIC
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Welcome to all those
visiting the
37th Annual Thresher
Reunion and
Congratulations to the
organizers.
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WELCOME TO BLYTH'S
37th Annual Thresher Reunion
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TILE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1998. PAGE A-7.
1998 HURON PIONEER THRESHER REUNION & HOBBY SHOW
16-year-old says he loves every aspect of show
young people are getting interested and
involved.
Just 16, Bob Sloan of Chesley had been
attending the annual event for at least 12
years. "I have been going for as long as I
can remember," he laughs.
By Janice Becker
Citizen staff
Not even born when the Huron Pioneer
Thresher Reunion and Hobby Show began
in Blyth 37 years ago, a new generation of
THREE GENERATIONS OF INVOLVEMENT
The Hallahans of the Blyth area have ben a part of the Huron Pioneer
Thresher Reunion and Hobby Show since its inception 37 years ago. Young
Kevin Hallahan is seen in the arms of his father, Frank. Also pictured are, from
left: siblings Steven, Darryl and Diane Hallahan (now Millian) and co-founder,
grandfather Daniel Hallahan.
Hallahan passed away. The family decided
to restore a 1949 McCormick W4, which
had belonged to the elder Hallahan.
"1 have a nice memory of driving that
tractor in the parade at the next
Thresher's," says Kevin.
Today, his work for the reunion is more
behind the scenes. Having gone to a
computer bookkeeping system recently,
Kevin's knowledge has been put to ust&by
his mother, long-time club secretary
Marion.
With over 500 households to enter into a
data base, Kevin spent many hours at the
screen. Last year the system was upgraded
to allow for expansion.
Though his personal pursuits take him
away from the reunion, Kevin says he will
always have a strong .conncction because
of his family's heritage.
"It is a way of remembering the
founders and carrying on the memories.
Whether it has simply grown as an
interest because of regular exposure of a
family tradition — his father, Jim, has
been the assistant sawyer in the sawmill
for years and his mother, Judy, is on the
executive — Bob says he loves every
aspect of the show.
"Mom and Dad have been going for
years. Dad was at the first show."
Since his early years, Bob says he hung
around and watched his father work in the
sawmill. As he grew older, he began to
lend a hand where possible. Today, he
assists in the operation.
Aside from the sawmill, Bob says the
heritage implements have always
interested him as he marvels at the design
techniques used. "You have to give them
credit for what they came up with. They
used what was available."
The love of vintage machinery is a part
of Bob's life for more than just three days
in the fall. The Sloans complete their daily
farm work using antique tractors. The
collection of John Deere's range from
1941 to 1956.
Bob says he likes to work on older
tractors because "they were put together
with logic". "It doesn't take a lot to repair
them and it is not tricky work. Half the fun
is fixing the stuff."
That fun of tinkering with old
machinery may one day bring Bob to
Blyth as an exhibitor. He has a 1941 John
Deere Model he hopes to shown it
_eventually.
Earlier this summer, a group of Thresher
Reunion veterans gathered in Blyth to
watch and participate in the stooking of
wheat, harvested by hoirse-drawn
equipment. Bob was on hand, helping with
the task. "It is a nice way to fill time," he
says. "It is a fun kind of work."
However, the mechanical side of the
show is not the only area that attracts Bob.
Having taken to the fiddle six or seven
years ago, Bob began taking part in fiddle
competitions and jamborees at the show
two years ago. Old time fiddle tunes
seemed more his style, he says, though he
started by playing classical violin music.
However, he says playing music "takes
second fiddle" to other aspects of the
show.
His
H
involvement in the show has
allowed him to develop friendships with
the older generation of steam engine and
antique tractor enthusiasts.
"I've met a lot of nice fellows. I have
good chats with others. The older ones•
know the tricks of the trade and are there
to work out problems (with machinery)."
As for keeping the younger people
interested Bob believes that the
continuation of school activities, held
Friday morning of the reunion, helps them
stay involved.
3rd generation continues tradition
By Janice Becker
Citizen staff
For Kevin Hallahan of the Blyth area,
participation in the Huron Pioneer
Thresher Reunion and Hobby Show is a
family tradition.
Kevin's grandfather, Daniel Hallahan
was one of the founding members of the
reunion. His father, Frank, and family
have been involved for 37 years.
Though now 19, and ready to return to
college for his second year, Kevin says the
reunion is not as much a part of his life as
it once was.
One of his best memories is from more
than a dozen years ago, when the stooking
of grain was done on his family's farm.
Kevin says he still remembers helping in
the field with his grandfather, father and
brothers.
During the winter of 1995, Daniel