The Citizen-39Th Annual Reunion, 2000-09-06, Page 30PAGE A 10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 6, 2000.
Millennium project celebrates farming eras
CELEBRATING THE ERAS
As a special feature at this year’s thresher reunion, Henry Hendriks of Dungannon has been pulling together a show to dis
play tractors, equipment and homestead goods from three time periods. It is hoped owners of pre-1900, pre-1919 and pre-
1939 items will not only exhibit the pieces, but demonstrate how they work and what they were used for. Hendriks stands next
to a1927 Ford.
be on hand to detail the history and any fami
ly connection to the current possessor.
“This aspect of the entire show is very
important." he said, “as younger generations
no longer have any memory of the equipment
or the way in which it was used.”
He also points out that there will be working
demonstrations in several locations around the
site, includmg horses used for harvesting the
north field, a functioning reaper and binder
and horse power with-drag saw. Operational
steam powered saw mills and shingle mills
and a blacksmith shop also offer a glimpse
back in time.
Visitors are encouraged to talk to the
demonstrators, to discover the story behind
the skill, item or involvement with the Pioneer
Thresher Reunion.
Hendriks, himself an exhibitor, said that is
what first drew him to become a member of
the thresher association.
After showing his own antique tractors and
getting to know the people, he soon began to
run the tractor pull and help with the parade.
Attending shows not only in Blyth, but in
Paisley, Dungannon, Milton, Cookstown,
Ilderton and many more, the shows became a
family event.
It is hoped this year’s feature will provide
an opportunity for all members of the family
to participate with the older generations
telling tales of threshing and plowing with a
two-furrow plow while the youngsters learn
about the past.
Whether an actual piece of history, model
replication or artist’s rendering of impressions
of the past, Hendriks plans for much of the
material will be mobile so that it can be taken
through the daily parades.
As the feature is associated with the trac
tors, while stationary, the displays will be
located in the antique tractor section towards
the rear of the reunion site.
Prizes will be awarded for first to third for
each year classification and a grand prize will
be given to the most unique display.
By Janice Becker
Citizen staff'
With the turning of the millennium, mem
bers of the Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion
and Hobby Association believed something
unique was needed to mark the event.
With the hulking steams engine dating to
the 19th century and a bevy of tractors and
equipment exhibited from the early part of the
20th century, it was decided to feature three
time periods from those early years, the years
in which the most change in technology
occurred.
A veteran of more than 10 thresher reunions
and organizer of the millennium project Henry
Hendriks of Dungannon said instead of featur
ing a specific make of tractor this year, there
will be feature years. Exhibitors with both
tractors and machinery for the pre-1900, pre-
1919 and pre-1939 classifications will be the
focal point.
We want more than just the tractor,” he said.
“We want the equipment which went with it.”
Aside for the year categories. Hendriks said
he is looking for entries to various themes.
Along with farm machinery, it is hoped there
will be displays of antique kitchen and shop
items.
Hendriks is also hoping owners of machin
ery and items will not only demonstrate how
the machinery or equipment works, but will
riresfone
Farm Tires
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Wishes the Huron Pioneer Thresher and
Hobby Association great success on the 39th
Annual Reunion in Blyth.
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Exeter
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