THE IGNITOR NEWSLETTER
VOL.13 No. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 2002

LEDUC WEST ANTIQUE SOCIETY EXECUTIVE

ANNUAL LWAS MEETING
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2002
at the
TELFORD HOUSE in LEDUC
4907 46 street (East end of Main Street in Leduc)
at 6:30 p.m.

The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. A potluck supper will begin at 6:30. Bring a potluck dish & a friend. Plates, cutlery, coffee, & juice will be provided. The Annual Meeting will begin at approximately 8:00 p.m. Door prizes are welcomed.

Agenda for the meeting will include the Financial report from 2001 and an Election of Officers and two Director positions for the 2002 Executive. This will be followed by a General Meeting with the new Officers presiding. See you on the 23rd!!!!

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - Walter Burak

A belated Happy New Year to everyone !!

As I reflect on the past year, I would say it was an enormous success for the members of LWAS. 1 would especially like to thank all our committee heads, volunteers, exhibitors, entertainers, sponsors, and visitors who went out of their way with their efforts through the year. I can not begin to name all the people responsible as there are just too many and some would get missed. The year started with great expectations that perhaps a partnership project with the Edmonton Antique Car Club (EACC) was possible. However, in June 2001 the EACC membership turned the proposal down. The 'Antique in the Country' event was a great success with many happy vendors. Perhaps this year we can expand it with a proposed auction sale. This will depend on the members response as well as other interested parties. A lot of details need to be worked out before the auction is a go. Our July event was salvaged with the successful September show. Some areas of improvement are needed. Perhaps more attention could be given to enlarge on the displays in the Modeler's building, provide a means to better serve the elderly visitors, improve on the kid's events, and find a way to attract more volunteers. The Appreciation Nite format with a roast beef supper is an excellent way to end the year. Thanks to the organizers and people involved for making all the events successful. Since the last General Meeting discussions with the Horse Group resulted in the group no longer participating with our July show. They provided a very good feature to the show; however, the group decided to leave. I thank the committee for their work and hope they will be successful in their future endeavours.

There have been a number of site improvements done this past year to upgrade the Park. More improvements are planned for this year. In this newsletter are included the opinions and ideas from the individual members of the Business Plan Committee. No group report is available. Alex Lewoniuk has enclosed a survey for you to complete. Please complete this survey as soon as possible. This data will be considered as one of several factors used in making a Business Plan Committee report. The process that will be followed is:

(1) Report from the Business Plan Committee will be submitted to the Executive for discussion.

(2) The Executive will make decisions taking into account the information provided.

(3) The membership will be consulted through a voting procedure at a General or Annual Meeting if any changes are to be made in regards to the By-laws, objectives, 3rd Party Policy or if a new vision of the Society's direction is recommended by the Business Plan Committee.

All members (either individual or as a group) are welcome at all Executive meetings to observe the proceedings or make a presentation. Just phone Brenda, our secretary, at 986-1146 to make your intentions. Meetings are held at the Leduc County building once a month.

I hope to see you all at the Annual Meeting on February 23rd at the Telford House in Leduc. We would like more input and discussion to help with some of the decisions that need to be made this year.

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PARK NEWS UPDATE

In the October newsletter I informed you of many of the projects that were undertaken at the Park during 2001. Since October we have a new pole shed constructed by Schneider's Building Inc. to replace the shed that was destroyed by a wind storm. The building is quite impressive as it sits up high next to the Sandy Fraser building. Elmer doesn't believe in idle hands and since he was out at the Park anyway supervising the construction of the shed he salvaged pieces from the shed that had been destroyed and put up a pole shed in the bone yard for some of the artifacts that may not be used for many years. Way to Go, Elmer !!!

Jerry Paschen, one of our electricians, was in contact with UTILICORP and consequently we will now have power on the north end of the site at no cost to LWAS. Thanks Jerry !!!!

Wally was successful in getting a grant from the Leduc County Community Lottery Board for the construction of the station platform. Plans are to complete this before the July show.

There are several other projects to complete in 2002. The former horse concession will now be the LWAS second concession. It will be moved to the south side of the swale along Vintage Iron Street. It will require power & a major restoration. The pole & tarp grill cover will be used from the other concession as we will be building a cookhouse for our grills at concession #1.

I would still like to see the back of the bleachers get siding; however, we'll have to see how our money situation is before this can be done or perhaps a generous sponsor will come forward.

Several members have feelers out for the shell of a lawn tractor but still no luck. Please keep your eyes & ears open so this pedal tractor can be built before the show.

As usual there is painting to be done. The Modeler's building requires the construction of a rail on the verandah and a paint job, so Bud's vision of this building can be completed.

Wally moved more trees to the site, as well as, transplanted trees from the east side to the Village area. It is quite beautiful now as the empty areas have been filled in. Bernie watered all the trees and put ground around them. It seems like each year more and more improvements are done at the Park. We sure could use more volunteers to make it easier on the guys.

 

MEMBERSHIP

Membership fees are due. Family $15.00 or $150.00 lifetime - Single $10.00 or $100.00 lifetime. Our lifetime memberships far exceed our yearly. That's great !!!! Please notify Brenda 986-1146 if there are any changes with your membership i.e. children reaching the age of 18, address changes, or divorces or deaths in the family. All yearly members please send your dues in at the beginning of the year. Send dues to : LWAS #6 Bienert Court Leduc, AB T9E 5K8 Please issue two separate cheques if mailing together with the raffle tickets.

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RAFFLE INFORMATION

Your tickets are in this newsletter. Please return them as soon as possible if you are purchasing them yourself or you do not wish to sell them. The monies earned from these ticket sales goes towards the station mortgage. Last year only three books were lost. It's too bad as we could have sold another 5 books at least. This year hopefully, no books will be lost..Return to: LWAS #6 Bienert Court Leduc, AB T9E5K8 Contact person: Marg 986-0054

 

EVENT CO-ORDINATOR REPORT - Marg Burak

The Society is working on another full year of scheduled events at the Park. Our three major events are well underway in getting organized. A letter will be sent to all former vendors to send in their application for whichever event they would like to attend. This will save the Society monies in stamps and printing of the letters as the number of interested participants is growing considerably.

The first major event "Antiques in the Country" is on May 25. This allows the Society to host the sale of some of the finest antiques and collectibles in Alberta. Many vendors have indicated a desire to be back. Bill Smith will be looking after the organization of the vendors. Anna & Marilyn will be operating the concession. We are hoping to co-ordinate an AUCTION SALE at the same time. We already have an assortment of Vintage equipment, tools, etc. More items are required to make this sale successful. Contact Marg at 986-0054.

Our second major event, "the Annual Exposition" will be held on July 27th & 28th. This year we will be expanding the Friday, July 26th set-up. We are planning to run through all the Society's equipment to insure that everything is operational. In addition, Kathy will be expanding on the entertainment and yes after a hard days work the Beer Gardens will be in operation. Our feature display will be "International Harvester" equipment. In December I made a phone call to Bill Greenhough of Warburg as I knew he was interested in International Harvester. A week later he called and already had a company interested in sponsoring the poster advertising. I followed it up and thanks to Bill we have two sponsors, Parkland Farm Equipment from Spruce Grove and Thorsby Farm Equipment. The posters will be printed in April.

Our feature tractor display will be improved. Several ideas are being looked at. Registration forms will be available at the meeting & the June picnic. A new form is required for each different tractor, car, & truck that you have not brought before. Please get your forms in as soon as possible as they have to be typed and entered into the book.

The entertainment chairperson, Kathy Abel, is working overtime. We are in contact with some of the top fiddlers in Alberta who are interested in coming to the show. Another new item happening will be "Tractor Square Dancing". The caller is available and already I have 6 participants. I am waiting word on another couple. However, if more of you are interested give me a call and maybe another set can be made. By the way you don't have to know how to square dance.

This year plans are for more golf carts for transporting the elderly. Contact has been made with several sponsors.

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Since we will no longer have the heavy horse events we have the corral schedule quite full already. The sheep dogs will be back. Hopefully, the weather will co-operate and we'll see an excellent turn out of all vintage tractors, cars, and trucks. The Edmonton Antique Car Club is celebrating its 40th Anniversary. A larger vintage car display will be present. Get ready for another exciting Leduc West Exposition. A sign up schedule will be passed around at the Annual Meeting or give me a call at 986-0054 or fax to 986-0902 where you would like to participate.

Our third major event is the "Country Harvest" on September 14. There is a possibility of this becoming a two day event with emphasis on the harvest aspect. A whole new group of visitors can attend only in the Fall. We'll see what we can organize.

A new event for the Park this year will be a Garage Sale on August 17th in conjunction with the Highway #39 MEGA MARKET. So you can begin to gather your garage sale items and bring them to sell at the Park on August 17th. There will be a nominal charge for your spot.

The LWAS family picnic is booked for Sunday June 2. Please bring a potluck dish. We hope to see many members and their families and friends attend. Door prizes are always welcomed.

More news on these events will be in the next newsletter in May. Also we have booked tour groups, picnics, and wedding pictures. Let's try to have the Park open every weekend from May to October between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. I would like to see members take turns and schedule a weekend in which they could get together with another family and spend one or both days at the Park so it could be open to other visitors. It would mean taking visitors through the various buildings and showing them our collection of artifacts. You will be provided with keys and information. I will have a sign up book available at the Annual Meeting

Concession Sales Analysis from the Annual Exposition for 2001 by Grant Miller

These percentage figures are a portion of the total concession gross revenues.

Hamburgers Smokies French Fries Coffee Lunch Special

16 % 3% 12% 6% 2 %

Cheeseburgers Hot Dogs Pop Pie Milk, Hot Chocolate, & Donuts

23 % 6% 17% 15% less than 1%

VIDEOS to VIEW

Lloyd Stevens gave Howard an interesting selection of videos from various shows in the U.S. You may sign these out for your own personal viewing by contacting Howard at 985-3384.

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KOLLECTOR'S KORNER by Bill Smith

I got to thinking about the new EURO currency that is now taking over in Europe and how much it is going to help in travelling across borders, in commerce of all types, and a real level field for goods and labour. Member countries include Germany. France. Italy, Spain. Portugal. Netherlands. Belgium, Austria, Ireland, France, Luxembourg, & Greece. Not joining was Britain, Sweden. & Denmark. This came about with 15 years of planning and negotiations and three years of final introduction. All the chips had to be in place, so to speak, with 50 billion new coins and 15 billion crisp new bank notes to a total value of 664 billion euros or $924.5 billion Canadian, not even double Canada's national debt. Paul Martin talks about balanced budget but nothing about this astronomical debt that was created since the Liberal Government took over from Diefenbaker in 1963. What is the answer? Certainly not printing more paper, I can see more devaluation of our dollar. We are now just above the status of a banana republic and will soon be in front of the World Bank asking for a handout. Still our goofball leaders insist on massive giveaways to impress the United Nations, what good corporate members we are. Just like living on an overextended credit card. But then you did not need a lecture from a retired banker. However, it won't be too long before we will be using U.S. money, along with Mexico and we will be paying at least $2.00 Canadian dollars for one U.S. dollar if we are so lucky.

Canadian money like our stamps has a lot of history of our great nation either in picture or engraving on our coins. At all times coins were graced with the Royal Household of either the British Empire or France which was used in New France or Eastern Canada from 1600 to 1760. These coins were minted in copper, silver, and gold. Then we started to get a mixture of Portugal coins and England coins, and U.S. money started to creep north of the border. What a time the money exchanger must have had , especially with U.S. coins like half dimes and two cent pieces. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island printed their own coins for a short time from 1861 - 1871; however, Newfoundland had their own currency until 1919. Canada really started their own coins in 1858 and 1859 under the banner of Province of Canada. Finally, Canada had reached adulthood and in 1867 the Dominion of Canada came about; but. it took until 1876 before we actually introduced big Canadian penny (1876 - 1920) until the small penny as we now know it. There was the Canadian little silver 5 cent piece (1870 - 1921), then the nickel as we know it now.

We have had some real oddball coins like the copper 1942 and 1943 five cent piece due to war with a shortage of nickel. In the 1920's was a paper .25 cent bill called a shin plaster. Canada had a $4.00 bill and a $50, 000.00 bill (1896 - 1935). Of course we must not forget the Canadian $1.00 and $2.00 bill replaced by coins. Our coins have seen many changes and this is just what coin collectors thrive on. As they say "money is the root of all evil"; but, I always say "give me plenty of root".

 

Report from THE WESTERN CANADIAN BLACKSMITH GUILD - by Hilton Sinclaire

The Western Canadian Blacksmith Guild was established by a group of people who were interested in preserving the ancient skill of blacksmithing as a trade, a craft, and an art form. Since the Founding Chapter was organized in 1986, other Chapters have been established in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Founding Chapter, based in the Edmonton area, meets the second Saturday of every month at the Blacksmith's shop at Leduc West. The meetings give members a chance to learn blacksmithing skills from each other, to practice those skills on individual projects, and to exchange information in an informal and sociable atmosphere. Members come from amazingly different backgrounds, and each brings his or her own unique perspective to the craft. While a few members make their living as blacksmiths or ferriers, many members are hobbyists. Skill levels range from beginners to advanced.

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In addition to working on individual projects, the group generally decides to work on joint projects once or twice per year. For example, in 2000 & 2001, the group made garden benches as a fund raising project. Members each took on the construction of individual pieces, and several work parties were held to assemble the pieces into a completed product. Projects like these encourage participation across all skill levels and still allow for individual stylistic expression. At times special workshops are held, which allows members to learn some new techniques, and often results in some useful tools for the shop. At least once per year, members volunteer to demonstrate blacksmithing skills during Leduc West events, such as the Antique Exposition.

A newsletter, "The Rivet" is published monthly. It includes news from each of the Chapters, projects, special events coverage, and miscellaneous information of interest to blacksmithing enthusiasts. News from across the border is included via affiliation with the Artist-Blacksmith Association of North America. New members are always welcome. Dues are $25.00 per year.

 

IN MEMORIUM

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of one of our dear members. This tribute was written by Robin Stewart in memory of Donald Beckett. Don served as a director of the LWAS for 6 years.

As each of us live our journey, we hope that when our turn comes to take our place with those who have gone before, that in some small way we will have made the world a better place for our family, friends, and neighbours. We hope to that others will have enjoyed us and appreciated us for who we were. Don Beckett, who passed away on Dec. 7th, 2001 (at the age of 72 years) has indeed touched our lives and we are the better for it.

Don was born in Lloydminster, the youngest of three boys. His character and personality, enjoyed and appreciated by so many, were forged during his early years on a Paradise Valley farm and experiences with the Great Depression. His interest and love of nature, livestock (especially horses), old machinery, trains, clocks, and history were born of experiences and friends in rural and small town life during the 30's and 40's. He loved to make or repair something by making do with things at hand. This fostered skills and interests that showed not only in his work as a machinist; but, in his ability to repair and restore machines, such as, when he fashioned a part from a choke wire for the Estey Organ at the Leduc West Church. He liked antiques, not only because of their mechanical genius; but, because of their connection to the past. Being able to see the big picture bode him well in his life, his work, and avocations. He loved to talk about and promote the LWAS and his vision and support for it was well known and appreciated. Those who knew Don experienced his strong sense of fair play, the strength of a man's word, the sealing of a deal with a firm handshake. His prejudices, if any, were very few, for his friends were many and came from all walks of life, interests, and backgrounds. Don was always generous in sharing his life, experiences, and knowledge with others. We are all better for having known Don Beckett, and thank him for his help in making our journey clearer and better.

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WHAT'S IN THE STARS FOR THE LEDUC WEST ANTIQUE SOCIETY ????

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of February 24, 2001, a Business Plan Committee composed of the following members was authorized: Dave Bodnaruk, Marg Burak, Bill Graham, Alex Lewoniuk, Jerry Paschen, Lowell Ross, and Peter Straub. The mandate was to study, evaluate, and compile a business plan to forward the objects of the Leduc West Antique Society (LWAS). Unfortunately the Committee has not met during the year and a report is not available. Therefore. I have asked members of the committee, past & present presidents, and some former directors to put down some ideas they would like to see incorporated in the future projects for LWAS. The following excerpts are the opinions and ideas from these people. Alex Lewoniuk has organized a survey for the membership at large to express their opinions. Please return your completed survey forms as soon as possible.

 

(1) Submitted by Howard Lengert - former President

"50,000 PEOPLE ATTEND LEDUC WEST ANNUAL FOUR DAY SHOW"

That's the headline that I expect to see in the years ahead. We have the potential to reach that goal if we set our sights high enough. Here is a guideline as to how we might achieve this goal.

We need to activate our planning committee again and lay out what we want to achieve in the next five years, and then ten years ahead. There are 1.5 million people in the greater Edmonton area. If we could attract just 3.5% of them we would have 50,000 people at our show. Advertising is the key here. We have the ingredients now, we just have to expand on them. Our show site is better laid out than any show site that I have seen anywhere in Alberta. The circle idea is unique to LWAS. We need to improve our "Feature Tractor Idea". Here is what the show in Linden, Washington has done. They have a small building on the show site and each year it becomes the dealership of the tractor featured that year. It is full of the history. There are models, books, posters, and many other things relating to the history of that make. In Rolag, Minnesota they featured Allis Chalmers "Gathering of the Orange". The Smithsonian even brought the A.C. fuel cell tractor for display complete with the history of the development of this one of a kind tractor. I encourage members and executive members in particular to attend Rolag just once to see what they have done since they started in 1954. They have the largest collection of steam and old gas tractors in North America.

We also need to improve the entrance to our site. When you see a line of cars that stretches a 1/4 of a mile or more you know that's not good. Here is what I suggest to help that situation. Move the booth east about a hundred feet and let two lines form so we could have twice as many cars coming in and if that isn't enough then we need to widen our entrance to accommodate three lanes of traffic.

The food services need to be expanded. We need ethnic foods available. We could be known for a certain kind of speciality food. For a snack, how about cow pie cookies, large bull cookies, cow cookies, and calf cookies. I ate them in Seattle a few years ago. They were very good.

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The north entrance needs a gate arm at the booth so every exhibitor registers and then we have all the information for our parade.

We should look at the people movers that Mt. Pleasant, Iowa have. They have two wheel carts that hold about six people each and they hook up as many as they need behind a tractor and they are very easy to get into. They follow just like our barrel train. We also need some way to get our elderly people around. Le Seur, Minnesota has solved that problem by using golf carts that are sponsored by local businesses.

Our entertainment is very good and getting better each year. A dance after the fiddling contest could be expanded upon. I think we are ready for a three day show just about now. Everything is in place so I don't see a big problem with expanding our show. I'm sure we could find entertaining things to do on Friday. We could start with a thresherman's breakfast and go from there. There are many more ideas we could think about; but, at least this is food for thought.

 

(2) Submitted by Alex Lewoniuk & Bill Graham- committee members

I have been researching information as to where the planning committee should begin and what direction it should take. The following information has been learned so far:

(A) Government organizations have been canvassed to identify resources for LWAS. Two are of particular assistance.

(a) Museums Alberta — An association of museum operators in Alberta possessing an extensive inventory of literature and reports on museum operation. A 41 page list of relevant articles has been complied for LWAS.

(b) Alberta Community Development —
    (i) Provide access to business plans of Alberta museums, such as, Reynolds Alberta Museum, Glenbow, and smaller regional museums,
    (ii) Have available a specialist in Volunteer Services (out of the Stony Plain offices) to meet with and guide LWAS in developing their business plan. The consultant is available for evening meetings on-site.

(B) The emphatic advice from all who I contacted that are familiar with the art of business planning for a charitable organization say, "Be absolutely clear on the objects of your organization, as currently expressed by the membership, before striking out on developing your plan".

I have taken that advice and accordingly have developed a survey to measure the perceptions and sentiments of LWAS members as of February 2002. It's like taking the temperature of the organization after some twelve years of existence. The survey questionnaire is enclosed, and it is anonymous, unless the respondent indicates otherwise. Members are asked to mail the completed survey to a secure mailbox number, accessible by the secretary only, especially set up for this purpose. The complete mailing address is indicated on the form. Alternatively, members are asked to bring their completed surveys to the AGM where a secure ballot type box will be set up to drop off the forms.

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II. Survey Considerations

Your knowledge and opinion are valuable. The results of the survey will provide essential guidelines for the direction of the organization. All members will have access to the survey results. Discussion of the report results will take place within the committee, the executive and the membership at large. Constitutional amendments may arise out of this process. Therefore, please answer the questions thoughtfully after due consideration. By way of background and as an aid to reflections on the survey questions, please consider the following:

(1) The Society is in its twelfth year of operation. Tremendous progress has been made on development of the site and installation of basic infrastructure. Membership has grown; successful events have been staged. One can feel an environment developing where all can enjoy and share our passion for our pioneer heritage. It is a success.

(2) The survey is designed to measure two factors related to the Society. Firstly, the degree to which members perceive the Society has met its objectives as specified in 1992. It's an opportunity to pause, reflect, and issue a report card. Secondly, it's an opportunity to give advice. Members are encouraged to record their views on which direction to go and how to get there.

Here are some issues to contemplate:

-Are the objectives as specified in 1992 still adequate?
- Is the system of names and logos (ie: Leduc West Antique Society, Alberta Heritage Exposition Park, Ignitor, Society and Club) adequate and doing the job?
- Can volunteers do the job or should there be a plan to bring in paid management at some point?
- Is the regulation of architecture satisfactory and clear enough to achieve the theme desired for the site?
-What hours of operation ought to be the objective (seasons, days of the week or hours of the day)?
- What revenue generators should be pursued: Corporate sponsors? Site and facility rentals? Family events (weddings)? Commercial events (corporate functions)?
- Is the major contributor program (i.e. third party policy) a route to growth? If so, how should it be regulated, promoted, and made to work for both the Society and the contributor in a relationship of peace and tranquillity?
- Some basic infrastructure is still unfinished (i.e. washrooms facilities)
- Is the budgetary process satisfactory? Are the financial controls adequate and can both processes adjust to the future needs of the Society (i.e. some funding bodies require genuine audited statements)?
- Are there enough checks, balances, and caution signs in place to avoid the classic pitfalls of volunteer charitable organizations - that being, unhealthy influence of special interest groups, misuse of authority, damaging concentration of power, and just plain uncomfortable political infighting?

The survey will be a very useful tool to form a solid basis for a business plan. Please may we have your response. For questions regarding the survey, please call the co-ordinator, Alex Lewoniuk at (780) 432-0306 - Edmonton.

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(3) Submitted by Dave Bodnaruk - a Founding Member & Former Director

I was asked to write a small article about the LWAS and what direction the Society should be going. This is a perfect opportunity because I don't have to get up in front of a lot of people to express my thoughts. This Society has come a long way since 1990 and has much further to go. In order for that to happen there are a number of issues that have to be addressed so that the Society remains solvent and vibrant.

One very important issue is the fact that the Society has to revise their program of policies and bylaws. Very important !! To date there has never been a business plan put in place. All business ventures big or small have to have a business plan. When you have a plan you have a gauge by which the Society is guided. Very important indeed !! Some years back a complete site plan was made and accepted by the Society. Has the plan changed or are we not suppose to follow the plan? This has to be addressed before we go too far and can't come back. Something else that is very important to our viability is the number of days that we are open to the public. Two days a year ?? If the government were to find out we could lose a lot of our grants. We are listed as a museum and to keep that status we have to think about staying open a lot more days per year. Plus we need a lot more income to stay viable.

One of the last issues that I have is that I think we should be seriously thinking about is a full time manager. A manager, if in place, and with a solid business plan in place could make the site into a thriving community site for all of the members. The manager would be able to keep everything organized, get all of the members helping so that the same twenty or thirty people are not doing all the work that is required at the site. We are getting volunteer burn out. A good manager would manage the site, instead of the site managing the members.

We have a board of directors that work very hard trying to achieve a lot of these issues. They spend a lot of hours (days) every year getting things organized for the show, looking after the chores on the site, etc. They deserve all of our support and encouragement, since we voted them in. It's our duty to turnout and do our best to help them with all these chores. Come on membership !! United we stand !!

I am sure there are a number of varied opinions as to what direction the Society should take. In light of that there is a very real need for a committee to be set up to address all of the Society's concerns. We need every member's input in order to make this a vibrant Society. 1 would hope that you, the members, make this happen. Friends and neighbours let's make this happen !!! God Bless!!!

 

(4) Submitted by Elmer Shukalek - Former Director (55-22)

Things I think should be done possibly at LWAS. We should have a third party policy in place and signed with all people before the party starts to build. Complete all building repairs and maintenance before starting other projects. A bulletin board would be helpful so all people can see what repairs, jobs, maintenance, and upcoming projects need to be done. A gate at the north end should be made for the next show where exhibitors stop to register. A rating of show exhibits for the public to fill out and return. 2 or 3 show persons would be helpful to answer exhibitors questions. 2 or 3 people with carts or bikes could lead all exhibitors to their display area. All club exhibits must have a trial run the day before the show.

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(5) Submitted by Lowell Ross - Committee member, teacher

I have given some thought to the Park and feel that there are some focuses that could be of interest to the Society. If you compare the Park to other local museums, ie: RAM at Wetaskiwin and the Ukrainian Heritage Village, the LWAS Park has some interesting and unique features. The UHV has a good coverage of lifestyle and culture of early settlers. It has little to display in terms of technology of the pioneers - few tractors, farm implements, vehicles, industrial equipment, no steam train, etc. Now, at RAM the focus is indeed on technology and work. However, the major impact is that of vehicles and farm implements. When you consider the LWAS Park, it has an interesting cross section of buildings, implements, vehicles, and displays. For example, the railway station, school, church, and Ohrn home provide a good view of early Alberta life. The eventual development of the rolling stock display is a unique feature of the Park in contrast to other museums and historical parks outside of Edmonton.

The above being said, I feel that it is becoming important to make the Park more available for limited school visits each year. The social studies units in Grade 3 & 4 focus on Alberta pioneers and their culture. With a modest number of informed volunteers, students could be shown around the Park and observe the daily routines of pioneers. Blacksmithing, the church, school, sawmill, and railway station and equipment are all fascinating. I find it amusing that many schools will set off to see the old McCauley Avenue School in Edmonton and make a half-day trip to do this tour. What do the students do? They get to come dressed in clothes of the 30's, get introduced to the harsh discipline of that period, use slates, take part in a spelling bee, and a few other contests — rather basic stuff. We could do the same thing too at Dneister School; but, we have so much more to offer at the Park. We should realize that school programs also generate revenue. Each class of 25 students will pay a minimum of $5.00 per student for a trip to RAM and most other museums. For example, even Edmonton's Waste Management Centre now levies $5.00 per student - just to see garbage being sorted and visit a landfill. A particular project that seems to hold a lot of potential is the work on the rail line that seems to be in a hiatus. The possibility of having a full scale working locomotive and rolling stock is a wonderful feature of the Park. Even if it were only a static display for most of the year, consider how few of us have ever set foot in a steam locomotive cab. Railway transport was the backbone of the pioneers moving merchandise around the country. We should consider fast tracking the rail line into some small scale circuit to allow at least a sample of early railways. We seem to have some knowledgeable members who have enthusiasm to get work done on the rail display. I think this project holds much promise. I trust these observations may be of some help to plan future projects.

 

(6) Submitted by Bill Smith - former Director

What lies ahead for the Leduc West in the future? What would I like to see? Firstly, I would like to see an Information Centre built just west of the Railroad Station. Not so much for a centre as such; but, the entrance point to our Park.

Next step and a very important part of the theme is a chain link fence from the west fence to the east boundary just south of the railroad station. This would put all public parking in this south area. Now we have the people movers to bring the public down to this one entrance by the

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Information Centre, thus eliminating all the workers at the gate in dust, heat, and stop the chisellers from trying to get in free. This way we free up plenty of help and get a perfect head count. Sooner or later we are going to have to adopt this system. Why not sooner than later?

 

(7) Submitted by Peter Straub - Committee member

Thoughts toward our Club's direction: I'd like to see our club take a more year-round position in the community. We are in danger of being known for a great two day summer show period. The rest of the year we seem to lie fallow. We could add facilities such as washrooms, restore the old hall, c/w heat, and rent it out year-round. The horse group could hold sleigh rides with winter cook-outs, even (perish the thought) snowmobile clubs could use the grounds.

To look towards a future in which we operate as a cohesive unit, we may have to limit our catering to special interest groups. Each of these has their own demands. We seem splintered trying to please everyone, and may lose the village like concept that the grounds were designed around. Unfortunately, the architectural theme exhibited in the station, church, Ohrn home, etc. were not adhered to when other structures were added. Some buildings look out of place next to one another. I don't see a village, more a conglomeration of independent structures. Each building has an interest of its own, or for what it displays; but, contributes little to the visual impact I understood we were after - part of the catering to interest groups I mentioned earlier. Got the tail wagging the dog. Maybe we have to revisit our lot plan and decide how we wish to appear. Then we can insist on construction conforming to plan, in facade at least. Too bad we lost the Sanitary Cafe, it could have fit right in. A restaurant, properly out-fitted, might be worth re-visiting.

I think we should use the prestige we've earned to further the development and preservation of the Leduc Elevator. We have display equipment going begging. It could be used for demonstrations and other events that would advertise and strengthen both groups. Seems a symbiotic relationship is a natural. The population of Leduc is aging and a lot of the older folks have a great attachment to the past. We need to encourage the attendance of people with limited mobility who can't get to our shows, or get around if they do get out. We could arrange scheduled bus runs to and from the various senior's homes, and provide people movers that accommodate physical frailties. These forgotten people lived the times our events represent.

As regards to our endeavours towards a full scale restored steam train to encircle our grounds - I doubt we have the financial, nor people resources to properly complete this project, nor if completed, do we have sufficient area in which to properly display and operate such a train. It seems to me that a distance, not unlike that in which the Fort Edmonton train operates, would be required to properly show such a magnificent unit in operation. I'm afraid that in our small space, a train might appear as does a child's small train - with the engine chasing its own caboose. Bit off more than we can chew ? Why not properly complete a short length of track at the station, long enough and accessible enough to display restored cars, that we have or wish to keep. I can see a smaller gauge, 1/4 - 1/3 scale unit parallelling the full scale display, that would act as a scheduled extension of the people mover, taking folks to and from the far east campground, to the station, and the west parking area. A small diesel locomotive ? Home-made?

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How about a building equipped with tooling and heat, devoted to the restoration of club equipment? Crews would work under the supervision of crew leaders, like the adoption program, but, at a common location. It may help to encourage attendance and camaraderie.

(8) Submitted by Marg Burak - committee member

I have an advantage in writing my report as I got to read and type all the other ones first. I was very impressed with the amount of time that was put into writing these reports. A few minor areas had to be reworded with the permission of the person submitting them.

The following ideas I would like you to consider:

(1) After 12 years I feel it is time for the LWAS to have a suitable office at the Alberta Heritage Exposition Park. All the Society's correspondence should be kept in one place. This could be accomplished either with the construction of an Information Centre, make use of the waiting room at the station, or as part of Alex Lewoniuk's 'Prairie life Collection' building in the mezzanine area. 1 realize a building of that magnitude and expense may take many years before it is built; but, I do have a suggestion to make it happen sooner. I would like to see Alex, the Truck Club, and the Edmonton Antique Car Club pool their resources and construct a building that serves the purpose for all. If this plan is initiated the LWAS could apply for a grant to match their input. A lot of thought and expense was put into the initial stages of planning this building, and I would hate to see this go by the wayside.

(2) We are registered as an Agricultural Museum. We have beautiful restored and replica buildings, storage buildings, stationary engine building, sawmill display, etc Where is our agricultural display?? I have been asked this question many times when taking tour groups around. There are a number of donated artifacts that require a great deal of restoration; but, nothing is properly displayed. Why can't we pursue something similar to the Leduc #1 for their oil display? Perhaps the groundwork should be made with rail ties and ballast for the flooring. A canopy roof would really add to it.

(3) This brings me to the point that we require a heated work place. Since we have power on the north end, why can't part of that pole shed be used for a heated workshop to restore equipment? Perhaps more members would get involved if we had a place for them to work. Ask Howard how hard it was to repair the lawn mower worrying about oil spills or Bill Smith about trying to clean up these oil spills so the floor could be painted. It's a no win situation unless we have proper facilities to work in.

(4) We are a museum. Why isn't the Park open for the visiting Public on a regular basis? I understood when the caretaker moved in, the Park would be open. Now there is talk of locked gates and allowed in only by appointment. I realize Al & Penny can't be expected to be there at all times. As I mentioned earlier, there is no reason the membership can't pool together to keep the park open. Remember members this is your Park, let's work together to open it to the public more often. Each restored building has an information pamphlet. Soon signs will be on all Bill Smith's artifacts which are displayed in the Founder's Gallery, Bill Graham has signs made for all his equipment, Jerry Paschen has informational signs in the engine building, and there is an excellent informational brochure about the Park as a whole.

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Since there are very few places that require more information, any one of you could take a group of visitors around. If the membership is in favour of this idea I'll have a sign up book available at the Annual meeting so the Park can be open weekends from May to October.

(5) Another area that definitely requires a great deal of attention is the railroad. It is a shame that there is such a lack of interested parties to volunteer their services to complete this project. 1 feel it is very unlikely or perhaps not feasible to construct the railroad around the Park. However, the concept of a railroad, miniature in nature, could run between the station and the RV Parking. This could act as another means of transportation for RV campers. The rail, ties, ballast are available. With a little more clay and a lot of volunteers this could be accomplished. A speeder is available for transporting people.

Speaking of rail cars, the ones out there have become glorified pigeon houses. It is a disgrace the way these cars are just tossed on the ground. The box car will soon have no south side left. I know some have been used as storage; but, I'm not sure that is the purpose for them. When was the last time these cars (i.e. the caboose) were open to the public at the show? Bill Graham has used his own personal funding and spent many hours in transporting these cars. Does that mean we expect him to restore them himself? Perry has tried to get track down. It's a pretty impossible job when you have to do it by yourself. Surely there has to be someone else interested in working with Perry. If the membership does not indicate an interest, perhaps it is time to scrap the railway concept. There are more railway artifacts to move to the site. At present they are sitting on the Ireton Sub. Since this stretch of track is being shut down I understand these snowplows have to be moved or we lose them. Where do we put them? Will they be thrown on the ground next to the rail cars or will there be track to display them? The workers from the Alberta Justice System, under Greg's direction, would be willing to restore the cars. Unfortunately, as Bill Smith says, "give me more root". Perhaps allowances could be made in the budget or a corporate sponsor located to get extra finances.

(6) Another project to consider is to extend Vintage Iron Street. If this was built to meet the North road with proper ditches on either side, we could avoid some of the disaster that occurred at the scheduled July show last year. There has to be proper drainage from the north end to the swale. I'm no engineer and I can't do the work; but I really feel it is necessary to consider this.

(7) A turn-off road is required on the north end for the tandem trucks to drive off to unload and park next to the fence for our show. At present they unload and then have to go through the circle display area to park. They probably will no longer will be able to park on the north side as a new building is going up. Which comes to another point and that is moving the rail and ties to the bone yard or elsewhere to open this area for other prospective builders. Also a proper loading dock could be incorporated with this turn-off road.

(8) The engine building now has the electrical work completed. A beautiful display of stationary engines, electrical display, and our gigantic steam generator display help round out this building. Even wall to wall carpeting is on the floor during the show. But, what it's missing is a cement floor. Where can we find a corporate sponsor for partial funding so we can get a matching grant to complete this project?

(9) Why isn't the Acre Plaque displayed in the Waiting Room?

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In closing, I know I have addressed a number of projects that could improve the Alberta Heritage Exposition Park. It's easy to put them on paper; but, it's another thing to carry them out either by financial input or volunteer labour. All these ideas cost money to complete. However, if the membership can come up with the initial funding (either in the way of labour, equipment rental, or plain hard cash) to match a grant application, I will gladly apply for the grant.

Thank you to all who submitted a response. I would encourage the rest of the membership to voice your opinions and ideas to assist the Business Planning Committee in making its report. It would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

EDITOR'S NOTE

As your editor, I would like to remind you that the submissions are from individuals only.These opinions and ideas do not reflect the ideas and opinions of the Executive or the Business Planning Committee as a whole. The survey and other submissions did not have input or approval from the Business Planning Committee as a whole. Nor did they have input or approval from your Executive. Therefore, by printing them, I do not in any way wish to influence your thinking.

EDITOR'S REMINDERS 1) Raffle tickets 2) Membership dues 3) Survey forms 4) Vehicle registration forms 5) Sign-up for Park events volunteer schedule 6) Sign-up for weekend schedule

See you all at the ANNUAL MEETING on Feb. 23, 2002
at
Telford House in Leduc.

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