Loading...
The Huron Expositor, 1982-11-17, Page 20A20 — THE HURON EXPOSITOR, NOVEMBER 17, 1982 OTTO WAL%:,R BY KIS SVELA Otto Walker is a man who takes pride in the quality and tradition of wood working. A timber barn builder by trade, he continues to build traditional timber barns, although they are only scale models of barns he used to build. Now in his 8061 year, Mr. Walker continues to tell visitors abotct a highly skilled trade that he has seen, die away due to increased lumber costs and cheaper building materials for modern barns. And now he builds models and with them has caputred a period of time that he concedes will never return, • Mr. Walker is not only an advocate of the old barn building methods. he is also a collector of quality items he has obtained over the years. His latest purchase is a 1970 Custom Skylark. which he wanted to buy for the last several years.. He is proud of its mint condition compared to other cars built in the same year. Besides his car he has a collection of tools he used while he was in the barn building business, with some of the items coming from as far away as Europe., He started his business in the late 1920s after a four-year stint in De,ttrrooit-mss` framer. He worked on barns/until about 1965 when he decided to work full time at his own general store. During his almost 40 years as a barn builder he worked on his own and as a contractor for several supply companies. ' Quality is miniature The barns were built in sections with each piece fitted precisely into place. He explains that the job was a long and tedious one and that it demanded a lot of attention to detail and precision. Much of the timber was worked during the winter months in preparation for the barn erection in the spring. Broad axes were used to hue out the wood joints. WOODEN PiNS Once the building was ready to be built main beams were erected and straightened to fit with the other sections. It was a process called "taking the wind out of the wood." Once the wind or pitch was adjusted the other pieces would fit into place secured with a wooden pin or spikes. There were several designs used in barn building. Many of the barns were built with single bracing and double bracing, built on a 45 degree angle with the Targe cross beams. Some barns were built with triple bracing, also on 45 degree angles. However, Mr. Walker admits that triple bracing was seldom used and he can recall seeing it in only one barn. in the Hensall area. The barns were generally 36 by 60 feet. The most common form of bracing was the left-to-right method. Once erected the left_ to - right braces resembled a diamond shapped criss-cross on the inside of the barn siding. The entrance to the barn was built approximately 12 feet high and 12 feet ide to accommodate the height of the large wagons. Beams were also joined on the floor of the barn to the walls to ensure that the barns would not pitch after several years of use. Mr. Walker contends that the design and precision in the construction of the hams made them much stronger than the modern barns built today. "They (the old barns) could withstand a tremendous wind," he explains. Mr. Walker builds his model barns with . the same care and precision he took to build his timber barns. He uses white pine and is careful to duplicate every piece down to the last detail. His model also features the different types of bracing and roofs that were used on the original constructions. The model is designed to show all the different types of construction methods used. SiDING 1t took Mr. Walker almost a month to build the model, after he had put his design down onaper. Most of the joints were glued together because of a splitting problem he had with sniall pins he,tried for joints to make his model a true replica of the larger barns. He put wood siding on half the wafts and left the other side open to give people an opportunity to view the inside. "1 really enjoyed making the model." he explains. Besides his work with the model, Mr. Walker has.also made wooden ornaments for railings and house ornaments. He has done odd jobs for family members and he feels that his constant work with wood has helped him lead a lfealthy and active life. Mr. Walker concedes, with some sadness, that his trade has died and with it the tradesmen who once took pride in their work. He realizes that increased building costs are a large factor in the death of the barn building trade. But, Mr. Walker is able to keep his trade alive through his models. Van Egmond rummage sale planned Donations are being re- ceived for the annual fund raising Dec. 4. rummage sale sponsored by the Van Eg- mond foundation. It will be held at Rathwell's Auction Centre, starting at 10:00 a.m. This year the rummage sale is expanding to include a Country Fair. Donations of baked goods,plants, flowers. jams, pickles, books, toys, while elephants, etc. and good used clothing would be Dion will sing for Dion Dimuc ci,t will appear in concert on Ftjday evening. November 26, at 8:00 p.m. at the Saunders Secondary School, 941 Viscount Road, in London. All proceeds from the concert will go to support the work of St. Vincent's School for Handicapped Children in Port-au-Pnnce, Haiti, through the auspices of Compassion of Canada. Dion formed his singing group, Dion and the Bel - mints, from street corner singers in the Bronx appreciated. Anyone wishing to donate or who requires goods to be picked up or wishing further information may call 482. 3326 or 527.1102. Compassion Dion's ministry ranges from country folk to a light con- temporary sound, and in his words. "My music and songs give me the best way 1 know how to share with people what God is doing for me in my life." Tickets are available at the Egmondville United Church Manse, 527.1607. The cost is S5 general admission. or 54 each for groups of 20 or more. JOHN ELLIGSEN ELECTRIC LTD. /a rim•Roslduntlet•Comrn.rdel•Indus$rlaI "FREE ESTIMATES" Ph. 345-2447 R.R. No. 4, Walton VOTERS in SEAFORTH I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the trust and confidence shown me on November 8. Wm. G. (Bill) CAMPBELL Looking for the ideal CHRISTMAS GIFT Why not give a one-year GIFT SUBSCRIPTION WE HAVE APPROPRIATE GIFT CARDS TO NNOUNCE YOUR CHOICE Two -headed calf Continued from page 15 The second theory and the one he feels is most probable is that the neuro -plate was split in one egg causing two heads to form. The same process can be created artific- ially in chickens with the use of a .pin to split the plate. However, he would not speculate further on the functions of the brain because there have been very few reports on neurological dissection. He admits that if the middle brain is destroyed the animal's reflexes would be minimal. In several studies, Dr. Fisher says that the duplication has been found to go much further than the two heads. He explains that the duplications can go as far as a dual larnvx. and nervous system: Dr. Fisher sees a positive side to the deformities in calves and other animals. "Nature's accidents can tell us more about the development of cattle and other animals as well as embryology." he explains. According to Seaforth veterinarian Dr. Marina Brash, who delivered the calf, it came out backwards with relatively little difficulty. Like Dr. Fisher, she can only speculate to at the cause, although she admits it is the first time she has seen a live two -headed calf. Dr. Fisher told the Expositor that his group at the university would be interested in examining the calf in an attempt to shed more light on the matter. Society wants members The recently -formed Huronia Branch of the Ontario Humane Society is looking for more members, fund-raising ideas and volunteers to work on fund- raising activities. The next meeting of the branch is Wednesday, November 17 at 8 p.m. in the nursery at Knox Presbyterian Church, Goderich. Ideas for a float for the Christmas parade in Goderich will also be discussed at this time. For further information, call president Betty MacDonald at 529-7885 pr Gail Clark at 482-7926. B tit X l` eche ffers h un S dip st Addy McPhee and Rob Tetu of Beachwood Pottery will be presentin their 7th annual Christmas Show and Sale this weekend at their McKillop studio. This pre- view of functional and decor- ative potery.•crowns a busy year for the pair, whose work has appeared province -wide in juried exhibitions. Much of the spring and summer was spent organis- ing and opening a co- operative retail store in Lon- don with 'five other area artists . The shop. called 'Art and Soul has an attractive gallery format and features jewellery, stoneware, por- celain, stained glass, photo- graphy and water colours. Rob and Addy say that it has attracted a good deal of favourable comment and is, so far. quite successful. This year's Show runs on Saturday and Sun- day, noon to 6.m. in the old Beechwood General Store, north of St, Columban. Both potteri are excited about their new, designs in both stoneware and procelain, and promise an interesting show C©ij0fl tvikAo At its regular meeting Tuesday. Nov. 9. Seaforth council considered the follow. ing: The recreation committee has been approached by the town of Caro. Michigan. population 5.000. which is looking for a sister city. Rec director Bryan Peter has not yet had a reply from Sea- forth'4 present sister city. West Branch, which has had recreation funding cuts. After he hears from West Branch, the Caro letter will be follow- ed up, Caro would like to have friendship games. in Michi- gan, next summer, Seaforth's Citizen of the Year program will be changed to Citizenship Awards. given to a number of people to recognize their contributions. Service clubs and other groups in town will be asked for nominations. The rec director reported last summer's farmers' mar• kcts were a success involving a deficit of only 516.84. Resurfacing and lighting at the tennis courts will cost 51-.439. he reported. The cast will be paid by 54,359 from Wintario: 54.359 from a community recreation grant: 5500 from the SDHS stu- dents' council and 58.219 from the town. ONIP money may reduce the town's shale of the cost. The town will lease the courts for commun- ity use for 20 years from the Huron Board of Education. ( ouncil agreed to the police chief's recommenda- tion that school bus loading rune signs be placed near St. James School. "I'm not argu- ing with the decision. but the signs are already ordered. Why do they bother bringing this to council?" asked coup- chlor Paul Ross. "People are acting on their own and then asking as to rubber stamp their deci- n,:aa,sions." he charged. Council- lor Gerald Groothuis replied that with four council mem- hers and the mayor on each committee. if they stick to- gether. no council can turn down a committee decision. it might save a lot of time An Expositor Classified will pay you dividends. Have you tried one? Dial 527-0240. then. if council only discussed things not already decided in committee, councillor Ross countered. The last word went to councillor Hazel Hildebrand who pointed out that if the town's policy manual is followed. there'll be only three councillors on thc 1983 council's commit• tees. Council supported a resolu- tion to put administrative responsibilities for new and existing buildings and their construction under one pro- vincial ministry. A new town of Seaforth sign. to replace one hit by a car, will be erected at the west end of town. The other town entrance signs are being repainted and service clubs will he asked to pay 530 for each of their crests. The new sign will cost 5300: the others will be repainted for 5200 each. The sewer infiltration study indicates problems in the sanitary sewers on George St. S. and in 1954 sewers in the commercial core These will be power flushed to allow a camera inspection and get rid of sludge huild•up. Flushing will cost 51000. Council supported a resolu- tion from the village of Zurich. calling on local boards of education to keep tax increases to 6 per cent for 1983 and 5 per cent for 1984. Council told Seaforth Gulf they have no objection to it installing propane tanks. which meet federal and pro- vincial standards. Starting in Feb. 1983. monthly statements compar ing spending to. budget will be prepared for each commit- tee and circulated to each member of council. Council agreed 5.500 paid to the Sport%fest committee here will he considered a forgiveahtc grant. Because of an old agree- ment the town will pay 51528 to the Coca Cola Company. The company had supplied a score clock for the old arena. and was promised the Win- tario grant the town receive - for the clock, 31,528. Mayor John Sinnamon will attend the new council's inaugural meeting. to .pass the chain of office on to the new mayor. Signing authority was ex- tended to deputy clerk. Lu- anne Phair. who has com- pleted her probationary per• ind with the town. An amount of 31908.15 paid to the town's account• ants. Atkinson. Leach and Neill. represents an interim payment. about one quarter of the firm's fee, councillor Gerald Groothuis was told when he queried it. If the infiltration study finds leaks and they arc fixed, could the town's sewage rate go up for the 66.8 cents per 1.000 gallons that's forecast for the next five years, councillor Bob Dinsmore ask- ed. Clerk Jim Crocker said the rate could go up if the flow decreased substantially but there would still be a saving. Council members' pay for last month was approved in these amounts: Mayor John Sinnamon, 3525, plus 5105 for meals at the police authorities convention; Reeve Bill Dale, SI 10; Deputy reeve Bill Bennett, 5245; councillors Bob Dinsmore, 5335; Gerald Groothuis, 5155: Irwin Johnston, 5200; Hazel Hildebrand, 5110; Paul Ross. 5200 and Alf Ross, 5545. Councillor Paul Ross point- ed out that the council's policy manual. passed earlier this fall, contains provisions about town employees. And in a case where an employee has a contract with the town, terms of that contract take precedence over the mannan. in answer to councillor Groothuis. he said it would restrict the negotiations and bargaining between the town and employees to say that contracts had to conform to the manual. And he added, if circumstances change, coun- cil could change the policy manual. The BIA was given approv. al to cover parking meters downtown for Christmas shopping, from Nov. 29 until Dec. 31. DRYWALL KNOWN FOR HIGH QUALITY Peter Bakes Drywall COMPLETE DRY W ALI. SERVICE 527-1398 ROOFING CONTRACTORS "ROOFS INSTALLED IN ANY TYPE OFF WEATIHER" • LOCALLY CALL PAUL -527-1819 75 KEEWATIN AVE. i ITCHENER 579.30i5 Are yu over r turning 71? before 'LI eeernbeF 31, 1''' ; 2 If you are, and wish to secure a lifetime income from RRSP or are interested in other 5 year investments at very competitive rates, call; Arnold J. Sti n7 sen 117 Goderich St. East, Seaforth 527-0410 ,l Council agreed to take an ad on thc Expositor's Re- membrance Day page with Mayor Sinnamon comment- ing that the day needs more recognition and councillor Groothuis saying you don't recognize it by making it commercial. Councillor Hazel Hilde- brand. who topped the polls, served cake to all who attend- ed the meeting. including two new members of council, Bill Campbell and Wayne Ellis, who were observing. Council passed the town's official plan, which has been under review for more than a year. The land in the area of the community centre has been changed from residen- tial to community facilities designation. Because the Huron County planners would like more time to consider the town's need for industrial land, zoning for the Duke and N. Main St. area was deferred. At his Anal meeting as head of council. Mayor Sin- namon praised the 1981-82 council as "aggressive and equal to the task. I'm proud of you." Thanking town em- ployees as well, he said "everyone has shown a lot of class in this election." Reeve Bill Dale. at his final meeting. echoed the mayor's words and said he'd been lucky to have a full range of experience in his political career. Councillors Bob Dins- more and Gerald Groothuis, who are also retiring. said a few words. Water Well DRILLING W. D. Hopper and Sons 4 MODERN ROTARY RIGS Neil Durl Jim 527-1737 527-0828 527-0775 SEAFORTH • JEWELLERS i„ t I)l14f(i4 )S W 1( 11i'S .1fWf1f1R1--1-141'(i11'5r1 fR 1-14RR1y- ry( (1ST() ly (four '- 2' 02'0 how ®PSP MUT M7ERNOO 1 P9M-5 PM Also open Monday to Saturday, including W.dneaday la AM - 5:39 PM, also Friday .v.nings'fill 9 PM, THE BOARD AND BATTEN GIFTS AND HANDICRAFT'S 9 Rattenhury Stun East. Clinton 482-3720 ONSALE THIS WEEK: CUP FACH WITH EACH $5.00 PURCHASE Available at: KNECHTEL ROTH FOOD ilnk MARKET Seaforth INFORMATION ABOUT FUNERALS FUNERAL DIRECTOR ROSS RIBEY CAN A FUNERAL DIRECTOR CONDUCT FUNERALS OF ANY FAITH? The answer is 'yes for most experienced funeral directors We have acquainted ourselves with most of the local religious customs and can advise you about them F rom the time we and the clergyman are called, we are in close touch with each other so as to pay strict heed to the family s wishes for any and all religious services It is important for you to contact your own pastor, priest or rabbi F ARI Y so he can help you •and us If you don t happen to he active in any church, we ran Suggest an appropriate clergy person During the time of the funeral planning and service, your religious faith ran he a mighty strong support and source of comfort to you To ,ncb,de meaningful portions of vow faith in the funeral service can render additional comfort to those attending the funeral it you have any gi.e.tinns about the funeral service and any religious prat tires feel free to contact us by phone or stns, in for consultation WHITNEY-RIBEY FUNERAL HOME 87 0ODERICH STREET, WEST SEAFORTH, ONTARIO, NOK 1WO 527.1390 1