Submitted by Heather L. Booth, Sec. R.R.# 7 Napanee, Ontario,
Canada K7R 3L2
On July 25 and 26, 1992, the Napanee Collectors’ and Antique
Club held their second annual show on the beautiful fairgrounds in
Napanee, Ontario, Canada. With the help of the local Lions Club
members to man the gates, volunteers were able to get things off
the ground early Saturday morning. The weather was not spectacular,
but overcast skies did not hinder the festive mood of those in
attendance. Like the 1991 show, it was a success.
Along with a large number of exhibits, which included tractors,
gas engines and automobiles, there was a large flea market selling
everything from parts to fine china and handmade crafts.
Twenty well restored tractors were displayed. This was a large
number considering it was only our second show. The stationary
engine display brought in over 40 entries. Some engines powered
corn shelters, corn grinders, pumps and butter churns, while others
simply ran alone.
Model steam and hot air engines were also displayed. Antique and
classic automobiles made a beautiful display; too bad there
wasn’t any sun to make the chrome and paint glisten.
We had an excellent display of farm toys, and hope to have one
of the largest toy shows in eastern Ontario at our 1993 show. There
were toys representing a variety of makes and models, but it was
evident that Oliver toys were one of the favorites, as they
dominated the displays. In addition to the toys and tractor parts,
there were many pieces of farm machinery and accessories to help
those pioneer collectors add to their collections, or for anyone
who was just starting out.
Demonstrations by blacksmiths from the MacLaughlan Woodworking
Museum in Kingston showed their handy work by making tools the way
it was done in years gone by. The MacPherson House, a local
historical landmark, sent a staff member in era costume. She set up
a display to show spectators how to do quilling (a method of
winding strips of paper around a toothpick then glueing them into
shapes for things such as Christmas ornaments.)
We were privileged to have the Pioneer Square Dancers perform,
decked out in colorful costumes. Another demonstration was that of
a pole saw, which cut a large number of logs into firewood. On both
days we had antique tractor pulls, which were a crowd pleaser.
Our 1993 show promises to be bigger and better with more things
to do, so come out and join us on July 24 and 25.
