Leduc West Antique Society

THE IGNITOR NEWSLETTER

VOL.15 No. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 2004

"Living the Past for Future Generations"

Leduc West Antique Society Executive:                  www.leducwestantique.com

COUNTRY SWAP MEET

Saturday May 22, 2004

Time: 9:00 - 5:00

There will be a variety of vendors from fine dishes to automotive parts. Everyone is welcome to rent a table for $10.00 outside and $20.00 inside. So clean out those garages and basements and bring it all down to the Park. There will be an auction at 2:00 pm for anyone wishing to get rid of any left overs. The concession will be open. There will be entertainment. Kathy has a band and singers lined up. There will be some demonstrations as well.

LWAS FAMILY PICNIC

SUNDAY June 6, 2004

Time: Church Service 11:30 am
POTLUCK 1:OO pm
General Meeting: 2:00 pm
Demonstrations: Tractor Pulls 3:00 pm

We have a pretty full day planned of activity for the whole family. The parishioners from the Rabbit Hill Baptist Church will be joining us for the day. Their pastor will be conducting the service. They hope to have a surprise visitor for the music. The gymkhana group will be out. I'll have a craft for the young ones. So we hope there will be a big turn out. Remember guys and gals if you bring your tractor you can pull. Also we want interested members who want to leam to operate the sled to come out and try it. Paul will be there to show us what to do.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - Walter Burak

Time sure flies fast when one is busy. Since several new projects are underway at the Park, there is little time to sit idle. The society received a grant to upgrade the engine building, that must be completed in two years. We are pleased to be working with the Edmonton Power Historical Foundation on the upgrading of the engine building. I believe the membership will be well pleased with the displays and demonstrations they have planned to incorporate in the building.

The executive are pleased with their two new additions. Both Marilyn and Terry have logged in a number of hours already since March. Marilyn seems to be living up to her reputation as a "handyman." If she isn't working with a bucket of water or bringing home cooked food she has a screwdriver or hammer in the other hand. Terry has most of his plants in place. He was out yesterday digging up the garden area with a spade as we just couldn't find the time to work it up with a disc. It's nice to see such dedication and that is what LWAS is all about. These two directors are hard working, dedicated people.

Jim McConnell of McConnell Building Movers sure made quick work of raising the train station. When you have the expertise and equipment a building 108 feet long is not much of a challenge to Jim. Our hats off to Jim for what he has done for the society over the years.

We are looking forward to another extremely busy year. We would like to see more of you join us and participate in some of the existing or projected projects at the Park.

Marg has quite an excellent array of events planned for 2004. There appears to be something for everyone throughout the year. Hopefully, many of you will join us for some or all the events planned.

There is an issue that should be addressed which was brought up at the Annual Meeting in February. I feel it is important that the statement made should be clarified for the membership.

A member inquired if any revenue was generated by our 3rd Party Contributor buildings. He mentioned that Ron Carey has to pay rent for his building he built in Irricana. I talked to Dorothy Weigum at Irricana and this is what she said: "Ron Carey donated funds to build a building on society grounds and when it was finished he leased it back for one dollar. Ron only pays for utilities the building uses - namely natural gas. So any funds seen in the financial statements related to Ron's building are only for utilities."

In the three third party agreements that were signed to date by LWAS the 3rd Party Contributor is responsible for their own utilities. The Litke agreement was different and the society picked up all utilities costs. The society has not collected as yet from the Blacksmith Group as the utilities used are minimal and the executive made the decision to forgo the payment for the past years. There are still two agreements that are outstanding. These should be completed this year.

I hope this clears up any misconceptions some members had upon leaving the meeting. If you have any questions or concerns about any issue about LWAS, call me at 986-0054 and I will be happy to address your concerns.

I am looking forward to working for you another year. I know we have made great strides over the past few years and we will continue to grow.

PARK NEWS

Leduc West is preparing for another busy year. We have had several busy days with members already and the season has just begun.

The first major project was the raising of the station. Wally, Bill, Dallas, and George made the pony walls and had it all ready for Jim McConnell to move in and raise the building. Perry brought the picker and lifted all the board walks away. It was all lifted and the walls in place in a matter of hours. Now the finishing work begins, only we could use more man power. The crawl space has to be prepared to pour the cement floor, outside sheeting has to be put on, more walls have to be made for the garage part, the garage doors have to be readjusted and the space above filled in, the gas and water reconnected, new board walks built, landscaping has to be redone, etc.

The second major project underway is the engine building. We were successful with our grant and a generous donation from the Edmonton Power Historical Foundation, makes it possible to do this project. Paul and his crew cleaned everything out of the building. Then on Saturday the finishing touches were done with Ed Rostaing from Bawlf came up and operated the Cat to move out the heavier pieces. Paul and his crew have it all nice and level. This week the rebar will be put in place and tied. Hopefully by the following week the floor will be poured. Then the electrical has to be put in and after that the walls and ceiling can be done. I appreciate the volunteers that have come forward; but, I know there are many more of you who could lend a hand. We sure could use many more of you.

Other projects are going on as well. Elmer has been working hard on the grill house for the second concession. Wally and his crew brought in more trees from the farm to replace the ones that didn't survive, as well as, add new ones where needed. Terry and his crew will be planting the saskatoon, chokecherry, and lilacs by the log house. I still have to dig out the rhubarb and raspberry bushes for planting. If anyone has perennials that they could spare we sure could use lots. I planted some grass about a month ago and it still hasn't started - either its too cold or I lost my magic touch. There are many more places where grass has to be seeded. Wally will be bringing in some smaller trees to make a shaded area on the north side of the swale near the corral. George has the corral worked up for the gymkhana events, and is taking on the farming activities. Bernie has been out several times helping in many areas. Ed managed to put in several more hours of grader work at the Park when he came out on the Saturday. There are still many, many hours of grader and Cat work to be done. Thanks to all the volunteers that come out!!!!!!

There are several more projects that should be completed before the season begins. One is we are in need of a plumber to connect the water for the Founder's Gallery. I know Wally and Norm both can do it but they are so busy we just can't ask them to do more. If you know anyone who would be willing to put in a few hours for charity let us know. We will feed them well and give passes for the show. Also the plumbing for the second concession has to be connected. The ceiling on the dance floor still hasn't got a volunteer, the siding on the bleachers could be done but Dallas can't do it alone. The doors have to be hung first. Lowell Ross and Harold Guild will be putting the siding on the north side of the school. Gwen Ross plans on painting the floor in the school as soon as it warms up.

Now while all this is taking place, the grass is growing and will soon need to be cut. I didn't finish pruning all the trees; however, I did purchase a power operated reciprocating saw. It works like a charm, except I should have purchased an electrical one and a small generator. Oh well, I guess I can use the break while the battery charges.

EVENT CO-ORDINATOR REPORT - Marg Burak

In spite of the busy schedule of work at the Park, about 20 members came out over the three days to help with the Black Gold Rodeo. We had a great time and even went dancing the Friday night. On the Saturday night only Wally, Anna, and myself were up for dancing; but, didn't last too long.

The BINGO is on May 27th. I have sufficient workers. Thanks to all who volunteered !!!

The CASINO in St. Albert is scheduled for December 30th and 31st, 2004. I already have enough workers; however, I will require extra members to complete forms in case someone is sick and unable to go. This can be done sometime during the year.

The GYMKHANA group was ready to begin on Sunday May 9th; however, the weather didn't co-operate. George had the corral ready; but, the snow made it too wet. They should be out every Sunday unless the weather is inclement.

The COUNTRY SWAP MEET on May 22 is shaping up to be more fun than just buying & selling. We hope to see many of you attend as a vendor or a buyer or just for the entertainment. Don't forget the auction at 2:00 pm. Consignments are welcome.

Perry will be having an AUCTION on May 29th. We will be operating the concession. Marlene, Brandon, & Natasha are ready to assist you. There are plans for one every month; but, Perry hasn't given me dates. Watch the web for updates.

The FAMILY PICNIC on June 6th should see quite a number of people at the Park. The church group will be bringing potluck to join with ours. Remember to bring your tractor for the practice pulls.

The first DOG SHOW dates will be changed to July 10th & 11th.

The ANNUAL EXPOSITION, July 24th & 25th is pretty well planned. We were able to have the UFA trailer attend as an additional attraction; however, they can only come on the Sunday. Now, the big job of assigning people to various jobs begins. You can assist us by phoning and letting us know your intentions. You may also receive a call from Donna, who will be assisting with the phoning, especially for concession workers.

PIE BAKERS needed. Last Fall, Bill gave me many apples for pies. I would like to carry on Elsie's tradition of making 50 or more pies each year for the show. I just don't have the time. The apples have been cut & frozen. I would like members to make them into pies. If you need flour, sugar, lard, pie plates, etc. let me know. PLEASE help to bake these pies.

The concession ladies request your assistance again in donating pies for our major events. I know there are a few of you that make well over 20 pies; however, it isn't necessary to make that many. We will be very pleased if you bring in only one or ten. If you brought in 100 we would be ecstatic. We really appreciate it.

The POSTERS for the July Exposition have been printed and are available for distribution for posting. I carry the box in my car, so you can pick them up almost anytime. I'm usually at the site during the day. I had 15,000 business cards printed. Most of them have been distributed already.

The second BINGO is on August 9th. I haven't booked all the workers yet for this one. So if you are interested give me a call.

UPDATE: Since I started this newsletter at the beginning of last week a lot of work has been done at the site. Unfortunately the newsletter may not reach some of you in time. The engine building will have the floor poured on Monday, May 17th. What an interesting little tool that is used for tying the rebar. The pony walls on the station garage are built, now just for the sheeting. Many feet of board walk has to be built soon as the grant is concluded by the end of July. Terry has all the fruit trees planted by the log house. Bill is working on the trees that have been moved in. Elmer completed the grill house for the second concession, etc.

Several pieces of horse drawn equipment, etc. has been donated to the society. Elmer, George and Wally moved it to the site. Elmer has it neatly set up in the boneyard area for now. I'm sure many visitors will make their way back to the display to tell their stories of what happened when they used a piece just like that. I am extremely excited about this donation as now I will have sufficient pieces for display along the walk way. That means another project on the go. HELP !!!!

The society was contacted to accept a two storey farm house just north of Calmar. The home is beautiful. We weren't able to go in; but, a reliable source tells us it is fantastic in the inside. However, a move such as that requires "big bucks". Even if we could get the funding in place for the move there is the cost of the grade beam, utility hook ups, monthly utility bills, someone to look after it etc. I can't think of anyone in the society who would undertake such a commitment. However, if someone is interested, please contact us.

Right now Howard is looking for a society member that would be interested in forming part of a committee to over see the operation of his building. Call 985-3384 if interested. The executive will be involved in the final selection of the committee members.

Soon Jerry Paschen will begin with the installation of the windmill project. This will require more assistance in getting the area ready for this project.

We just had about 50 loads of black dirt delivered - FREE. The dirt is great as there are a number of low areas to build up so the water doesn't sit. However, the dirt won't spread itself. That means another job for Elmer and Wally. Wally purchased a Cat for our farm; however, it hasn't made it there yet. Its been too busy at the site and will probably remain there for a while. We weren't able to get clay as the road band was on; therefore, we will have to rent trucks to haul the clay from around the lake to finish the newly built road before gravel can be put on.

I would like the area landscaped around our building; but, Wally is just too busy involved with all the other projects. I guess I just have to be put on hold.

I learned how to operate the Kubota today. I only wanted a lesson; but, ended up cutting grass for 5 hours. It was a lot of fun. Anyone wanting an easy job just come on out and cut. You'll enjoy it. I kept feeling guilty because I knew I had to do the newsletter.

As you can see the Park is a busy place to be. Anyone wishing to assist, you know where to come. I hope I do not hear anyone say - "Oh, they didn't call for help. If I would have known I could have come." Now you all know. So if possible we can use your help in many ways at the Park. For the members who are physically unable to do the work, we appreciate all the PR you are doing for the society. Just try to recruit new able bodied members who would like to spend many hours working at the site.

KOLLECTOR'S KORNER by Bill Smith

There is a vast difference between a collector and an investment collector, who is building up his nest egg for retirement. Most collectors end up with vast volumes of either mix-match or literally humdreds of items in one particular category. Then there is the so called collector who buys almost anything that falls into a junk collector group. One should only collect items which you feel comfortable with. Be selective whatever your taste. It does not matter where your taste lies, be it military, cars, lard pails, or such items as the ends of wooden apple boxes with the highly coloured designs - even this can break into two groups - some only collect these boxes from the Okanagan region in BC or from the Anapolis Valley in the Maritimes. I met one collector who only collected buttons with a flower design either engraved or applied on top. I had never seen one in my life; yet, this lady had literally hundreds from 1700 to present date. There were buttons made of ever imaginable element. Apparently these were designed for the very wealthy in the years gone by. One button was owned by Marie Antoinette, Queen of France (1755-93). She had paid several hundred dollars for it 40 years ago. You name an animal and sure enough there is a collectors group somewhere. In the US there is a Turtle collectors club and it seems there are several hundred items related to this slow moving creature from radios to pop-up toasters, two turtles with bellies together and in the middle is the toaster.

Lamp collectors are a strange breed as they really specialize. You have two big fields, coal oil or electricity. Coal oil falls into many groups from whale oil lamps to Aladdin which introduced new models and collars almost every year for decades. Last year in the USA I ran into a collector who specialized in Skating hand held little coal lanterns used in a by gone era, again 100's. Bulleye pattern lamps are highly collectible; but, again they came in various sizes and two colors, clear glass, and the highly desired green glass.

Sport items are really coming into vogue now, wooden skates, wooden golf clubs, etc. I just attended the Red Deer Annual Antique and Collectible Show. Golf clubs were ranging in price from $55.00 to $95.00 depending on the number, now throw in another $125.00 for a 1921 canvas gold bag and you got a $600.00 set of old golf clubs. Fish hooks and lures are really rising in price, especially now that legislation is either in or about to come in that the barb has to be filed off your hooks. God help you if the warden should catch you using a barbed hook. It is the same old same old Big Brother Government knows what is best for you.

One lesson I learned, and I am a slow learner, is that you are much wiser to invest in the more scarce, highly priced item of your choice in collecting. The big ticket items appreciate in value about ten times the common run of the mill item in the same category, over say a 20 year span. I am not holding my breath; but, one day some dam fool is going to start collecting mosquito netting. I am sure there are many gauges of this, plus colours. You know what they say :you don't have to be crazy to be a collector; but, it sure helps. HAPPY HUNTING !!!!!"

In Memorium

It is with our deepest sympathy that we have to announce the passing of another one of our members. Lawrence Lachman passed away on February 3, 2004 at the age of 62 years. Lawrence had an accountant practice in Breton for many years. He grew up on a farm in the Hay Lakes area. Lawrence wasn't a member for long; but, he had a great love for antiques. He attended several shows. He was very impressed with what we were doing at the Park as it reminded him of his childhood. I am sorry I never got to know Lawrence; however, I hope his wife Edith will continue to visit with us at our future events at the Park.

RAFFLE

The tickets were coming in quite steadily; however, it has come to a stand still. I hope the members that still have tickets sell them soon and return the book and money. PLEASE don't forget about them or lose them. I already committed the money towards the engine building upgrading and I would hate to have to go into the other bank account for the shortfall. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

MEMBERSHIP

Brenda is getting the membership back on track with her new computer. If you hear of anyone that should be receiving their newsletter, but isn't, please have them give Brenda a call at 986- 1146. Keep recruiting new members. The projects are piling up. Also if you are a yearly member send the dues in early. Don't wait until the year is over. If you're a member and your wife isn't, why not give that to her for a birthday or anniversary present.

REMINDERS

Hope to see you all at the EVENTS !!!!!!!