The early days of grain threshing will be recreated at the Sukanen Ship Museum annual threshing bee this weekend.
“We’re hoping for another good year if the weather co-operates,” said president Gord Ross.
Two days of farm activities have been lined up (September 11th and 12th) to take place after the morning pancake breakfasts.
“We’re going to have three threshing machines going. We’re going to do the cutting demonstration with the reaper, with the three and one-half foot Allis Chalmers combine.
“We’re going to load the sheaves the old style this year.” The sheaves of oats will be hand forked onto a hay rack.
Steam-driven tractors will be a highlight.
“We’re going to have three of them this year plus the miniature steamer.”
The miniature steamer was acquired from the Stoughton museum when it closed two years ago.
One of the steamers will pull a people mover.
An operating scale model harvesting display will draw attention.
“Dan Hawkins of Rowletta is bringing a scale model of a John Deere D tractor and clipper combine.”
The Hawkins display, with two other scale model John Deere tractors, will be set up in front of the John Deere building.
Demonstrations also include the stationary baler, operation of the shaft-driven engine in the 1913 wooden crib elevator, hand threshing machine, rope making and quilting.
The blacksmith shop will be operated by Aird Rusitch of Swift Current.
A lady farrier will demonstrate the skill of putting shoes on horses in the barn.
The barrel train will give youngsters rides around the grounds.
The afternoons conclude with tractor pull demonstrations using vintage tractors.
Museum member Rev. Bob Langdon will handle the Sunday morning church service.
All 40 or so buildings will be open for viewing. This year the Glover ranch house has been completely redone in the new location.
A rare octagonal granary has been moved near the two settlers’ shack in preparation for some coming displays.
Concessions include home-made pies of all sorts.
The museum is 13 km south of Moose Jaw on Highway Two.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
