As you likely know, Canada celebrated her 100th birthday in
1967, and as a result, most areas planned parades, pageants and
shows all pertaining to the ‘Olden Days’. Caledonia was no
exception.
All who participated in the Centennial fun agreed that it was a
shame not to follow up on the ground work laid for that occasion,
so I ,along with several other ‘Antique Buffs’ organized
the Golden Horseshoe Antique Society Incorporated, (G.H.A.S.). Our
plan was to have monthly meetings for members, of which there are
now more than one hundred, with the August weekend show as a
climax. In 1968, the first weekend in August, we held our first
giant show, and plans are well under way for a bigger and better
one to be held at the same time this year.
The area around the southern tip of Lake Ontario is known as the
Golden Horseshoe, hence the name. For me, this a is long time dream
come true. The following is an account of last year’s show,
which took place in Caledonia’s five acre Fair Grounds:
The Main Street of Golden Horseshoe City was dominated by the
‘new’ City Hall, a two story, barn-board structure
containing ancient furniture over-looked by Queen Victoria and a
feather-boaed girl advertising cigars. Across the ‘street’
stood the Livery stable, where one could obtain food and lodging
for one’s animals, and next door to City Hall was
McDonald’s farm, a huge barn full of poultry, sheep, ponies and
the other types of animals one finds on a farm.
Continuing along the street, you could get a bargain in the
Trading Post or at the General Store, get your car fixed at the
Gray Dort Garage, look over the supply of guns at the Gun shop, or
place an order for farm implements or gas engines at several shops.
Food was the order of the day and at every turn you could refresh
your self with fried chicken, hamburgs and pop.
At the far end of the street, a steam caliope ground out music
to the time of the threshing machines, shingle mill, gas and steam
engines all doing their ‘Thing’. Drivers attired in
pleasing costumes of a century ago directed horses, carriages and
vintage cars along the dusty street trying to avoid pedestrians
clothed in a mixture of mini skirts, bustles, top hats and cut-away
coats.
During the weekend, there was an opening dance, a free teen-age
dance, archery contests, daily grand stand shows conducted by well
known M.C.’s, and daily parades featuring over 200 entries of
steam and gas vehicles, horses, bands, and antique cars.
Visitors from 11 countries signed the; guest book, as well as
interested people from 7 provinces and as many States. All levels
of Canada’s Government were rep resented by officiating
guests.
August 2, 3 and 4 of 1969 will bring a repeat of this gala show.
Won’t you add your name to the guest book, we would be pleased
to have you.
Signed: Fred Thompson, President.
