Celebrate the Spirit of the Machine!

By Staff
article image
John D. Dean
1920 Canadian Tractor. Only 50 of these Alberta tractors were built, and there are only two left in existence. This tractor has its original wooden frame and wooden spokes in the rear wheels, and an adjustable wheel base. Photo by John D. Dean, Calgary, A

P.O. Box 6360 Wetaskiwin, Alberta Canada T9A 2Gl

The Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, interprets
the impact of technological change on Albertans in the areas of
agriculture, aviation, transportation and industry from the 1890s
to 1965.

The museum features an outstanding collection of more than 5000
artifacts, both static and operating. Enjoy hands-on displays,
audio-visual shows, artifact demonstrations, interpreter led
programs and special events throughout the year. During the summer,
the hiss of a steam tractor, the roar of an airplane, and the purr
of a vintage luxury sedan bring to life the spirit and speed of
change on the prairies. Ride in one of the vintage automobiles,
experience two 1930s midway rides, or thrill to the excitement of
flying in one of the fully restored vintage biplanes.

Agricultural collection highlights include: 1908 IHC 12 HP
gasoline traction engine (restored); 1929 Harris 36 ft. cut combine
(unrestored); 1910 Fairbanks-Morse 25 HP tractor (original); c 1912
Gas Traction Company Big Four 30 (unrestored); 1913 Hart Parr 30-60
tractor (restored); cl912 American Abell 32 HP steam traction
engine (unrestored); 1920 Canadian 14-28 tractor (restored); cl915
Best 75 HP tracklayer (unrestored); c 19 18 Goold Shapley &
Muir 24-12 tractor (restored); cl87O A. Gaar portable steam engine
(unrestored).

The library boasts more than 1800 publications and 18,000 trade
literature items, including repair manuals and dealer catalogues.
This is believed to be the largest public collection of its kind in
Canada.

The Reynolds-Alberta Museum operates a state-of-the-art
restoration shop and conservation lab. Often, visitors can tour
these facilities, meet the museum’s restoration staff, and see
actual conservation and restoration projects in progress. Included
in the museum complex is a 120-seat theatre, a boardroom, two
assembly rooms and the 120-seat Grill Cafe. These settings are
ideally suited to small conferences, meetings and seminars. Full
catering services are available, and all venues can be booked
through the Special Functions Program.

The museum is proud of the support offered by the Friends of the
Reynolds-Alberta Museum Society. This organization is involved in
ancillary services, such as fund-raising, hosting special events,
and coordinating the museum’s large corps of volunteers.

Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame is an on-site partner with
the Reynolds-Alberta Museum. Contributions made by Canada’s
flying elite are presented through biographical panels, records,
and flight memorabilia. Together with vintage aircraft on loan from
the Reynolds Aviation Museum, this is one of the most significant
aeronautical exhibits in Canada.

Open daily, the Reynolds-Alberta Museum is operated by Alberta
Community Development. The museum is located 45 minutes south of
Edmonton, one kilometer west of Waterskiing on Highway 13. For more
information, contact David Dusome, Head of Visitor and Corporate
Services, at 361 -1351, or 1-800-661-4726.

  • Published on Dec 1, 1998
Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-866-624-9388