Volunteers bring history alive at Kindersley threshing demonstration

By Joan Janzen

Kindersley’s annual antique threshing demonstration was once again a huge success thanks to a lot of faithful volunteers pitching in and doing the hard work required to make it happen. The Threshing Club volunteers were kept busy as they ensured the ancient equipment was working smoothly, which is not an easy task.

Pitching in across generations: Volunteers young and old feed sheaves of grain into a McCormick-Deering threshing machine during Kindersley’s annual antique threshing demonstration. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN

In spite of a number of breakdowns happening throughout the day, the work carried on. A 1903 Case steam engine powered a threshing machine while energetic workers fed sheaves of grain into the hungry threshing machine. Across the road, four Clydesdale horses pulled another antique threshing apparatus.

There were more magnificent Clydesdale horses pulling wagons, which supplied rides for anyone who was up to enjoying a bumpy ride. The cook shack was on location, where burgers and hot dogs were served to a hungry crowd, and the museum was open for people to tour its displays.

The four hours of entertainment enjoyed by the many spectators who came out for the afternoon was the product of many hours of work before the day of the threshing demonstration. All the equipment had to be maintained and fixed beforehand, which is easier said than done since parts are no longer available for those old machines.

Two weeks earlier, a group of volunteers was out in the field building stooks, which are sheaves of grain set upright to dry before threshing. The stooks managed to remain intact during bouts of some good old Saskatchewan wind. However, the rain did play havoc with the drying process.

A big shout-out to the Threshing Club for their dedication, which brings our history alive for younger generations.