Leduc West Antique Society

THE IGNITOR NEWSLETTER

VOL.16 No. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 2005

"Living the Past for Future Generations"

Leduc West Antique Society Executive:                  www.leducwestantique.com

Volunteer Appreciation Nite

Saturday, Nov. 12th

at

Telford House in Leduc

4907 46 street (East end of Main Street in Leduc)

at 6:30pm

The doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Come out and join us for the final event of the year. The girls usually cook plenty of food. We would like to say thank you and show our appreciation for all the volunteer work you have done this year. If you wish to be involved in a different job for 2006, please let us know. Remember in February we elect a new executive. If you wish to be involved on the new executive let one of the executive members aware of your intentions.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - Walter Burak

A big thank you to all the volunteers and exhibitors that have made these past summer events very successful. The weather factor can make things difficult and stressful at times. This summer we had some interesting meetings with Alberta Museum & Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission.

In June the Park was one of 28 museums in the greater Edmonton region which was part of the Community Museum Site Program. Two staff members from Museum Alberta provided on-site advisory services outlining suggestions for improvement and providing information and strategies in improving our museum site. The site report has not been received to this date. Museum Alberta has a new program titled Museum Affirmation Program that is effective July 2006 in which museums must every 5 years submit an application that will be adjudicated to have the association membership meet the approved definition of a museum.

This past May to September, Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission (AGLC) conducted an Eligibility Review of LWAS about the society's group programs reviewing how we follow Alberta's Charitable Gaming Policies. This was a very extensive review that required we submit executive meeting minutes and financial statements for the past two years plus answer 24 questions on current objectives & activities provided to the public. When any organization hold's bingo's & casino events the funds must provide significant benefit to the community. We have just received notification that LWAS meets eligibility for gaming licensing under the heading Historical Resource. Our mandate is to develop and operate public facilities for the purpose of providing access to historical resources through education & information programs. The Regulatory Division of AGLC reviewed our groups record of programs or service delivery to ensure it provides a community benefit. The arrangements that we have with our 3rd Party Policy groups like:

1. Blacksmith Guild
2. Edmonton Power Historical Society
3. Shukalek Building
4. Lucky Strike Building

are all acceptable to Gaming Policies. The Inspector was very impressed with our endeavours at the Park and suggested we should develop more relationships similar to these groups. This is something we will try to develop for the future utilization of the Park. We hope to see as many of you as possible at the Volunteer Appreciation Night at the Telford House in Leduc on November 12th.

Food for Thought

Jenkins lived alone in the country-side with only his pet dog, Grady, for company. One day Grady died of old age, and Jenkins went to his church and told the clergyman: "My dog, Grady, is dead. Could you hold a service for the poor creature?" "I'm afraid not," the clergyman replied. "We can't have services for an animal in the church. But there's a new denomination down the lane, and there's no telling what they believe. Maybe they'll do something." Jenkins said, "Thank you, I'll go right away. By the way, do you think $5000.00 is enough to donate for the service?" "Good heavens, man!!" the clergyman exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell me the dog was of our faith?"

EVENT CO-ORDINATOR'S REPORT - Marg Burak

In spite of our beautiful Alberta weather with all the rain and cold temperatures we had three successful major events at the park. Our attendance was down; but, financially we came out ok. I am always amazed at how people pull together at the last minute to make things happen. At the summer show due to the renovations made in the engine building, the vendors were coming in the back door to set up & still we were hauling things out the front door. It seems there are so many things that are always left to the end. It gets very frustrating at times. The biggest concern is the lack of volunteers. I know we are all getting up in years; but, there are still a number of good years many of you could still put in. It just takes a little effort on your part. Then there are the other volunteers that put in many more hours than are expected. Our hats off to you!!! Also thank you to the members that have their children and grandchildren involved. We really appreciate this as this is the next generation that will be taking over the society. It is so wonderful to see them participate.

Our vendors were down considerably; but, we just do not have a place for them and many of them do not want to be outdoors. I don't foresee in the future another building that could be used for the vendors- so I guess we'll just have to make up the lost revenue some other way. Thanks to our generous sponsors we were able to raise $8,000.00. They were Ertman Miller, Leduc Co-op, Schneider's Building Supplies, D-Line Construction, Roda Deaco Valve, the UFA, Bill Smith & Wayne Foresberg. We also are fortunate that the petting zoo prices have stayed the same for the past several years. Also, there are no expenses involved with the horse events.

We had a good showing of exhibitors. Even though Dave & Julie were unable to be at the show their replacements were friends of theirs. They did an awesome job. Thanks Paul & all your helpers. Did you get to see the new booth at the north gate? Dave & his crew built it before they went on holidays. Marilyn put the finishing touches with a super paint job. I apologize to the car exhibitors that parked in the water. We'll just have to move you to higher ground. More trees have been planted just north & west so maybe that will be a better place.

The handicap vehicle parking will be moved in front of the station next year to provide easier access to the Park. The handicap campers will still remain in the camping area near several bus stops.

Hopefully, many of you got to see the new displays around the site. The newly renovated engine building received quite a number of compliments. The replica brick wall to resemble the old Rossdale plant in Edmonton is a real show piece. Edmonton Power Historical Foundation has been a real asset to the society. Not only with their displays; but, also with the many hours of volunteer labour and the financial donations to make this all happen. I would have liked a rocket ride- but, I was afraid if I went in they wouldn't be able to pull me out. I'm looking forward to seeing what will be on the agenda for next year. The hammer display of tools in the Founder's building along with the printing press displays are an excellent addition to our artifact display.

I'm sure many of you visited the beautiful displays Bill put in the station museum. I can't wait until next year when he moves the displays from the 'Junk Box' over to the station museum. It seems there is always something new to look forward too.

Our Country Harvest on September 10th was as usual RAIN & more RAIN!!!! However, the tractor pulls did go on. It's a good thing we have a solid parking lot. Unfortunately we were unable to do any harvesting activities. The girl's cinnamon buns helped to keep our insides warm.

ALBERTA TRACTOR PULL CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS

Thanks to all the guys that came out for the pull !!! Congratulations to Howard !!! Since it was the feature for the year, it's nice to see all those Case winners. Thanks to Len Nichol for an excellent job of announcing again at both events. Also a special thank you to his family for the recording of the event. Next year the feature is John Deere. I wonder how many will be John Deere winners. It's never to late to rev up those engines. The Country Harvest next year is on September 16th. Hopefully the weather just might co-operate.

PARK NEWS - Marg Burak

A lot of improvements have taken place at the park in 2005. I hope many of you got to see the beautiful flower gardens by the station. In two years they should be well established. Thanks to Extra Foods in Leduc for the good discount prices on the flowers. Also Canadian Tire gave us some really good deals. Thanks to all the members and friends who donated plants. We could use more lily bulbs, peonies, or dahlias. Keep us in mind for next spring. Annette has a good eye for knowing which flowers go where. We were able to have flowers blooming right from April to the present. I would like to thank all those who helped with the weeding and pruning. Right now it's a big job; but, it should get easier as the flowers fill out.

The flower garden by the Founder's building started blooming in August. It was quite nice for the Country Harvest. Even after the frost there are still many blooming. I hope there are enough seeds for it to re-seed earlier next year.

I completed the planting finally around the Lucky Strike building. With the help of the Community Workers there are now Evans Cherry trees, Virginia Creepers, Concord grapes, a variety of spices like marjoram, thyme, sage, oregano, curry, etc to some beautiful perennial plants and shrubs as well.

Also the area around the gazebo received a much needed face lift. Rose bushes. Snowball lilacs, and Sweet Williams will be the predominant flowers around it.

Wally moved in 61 trees this spring from our farm, such as poplar, shubert, green ash, elm, oak, etc which were planted at various areas around the park. This fall we moved 37 spruce from the north side around the Park. This enables Bill to now mow around the spruce on the north side as they were too close together. So we now have several areas where benches can be placed and there will be shade as you move around the Park. Bill Seidel watered them in good before the show and Bill Smith has been out this past while giving them all a good drink before the snow comes. Thanks to Nick Stadnyk for making some benches. These will be welcomed by the Park visitors.

The north road and Vintage Iron street are now finished with gravel; however, because of the number of vehicles driving on it, it looks pretty messed up. However, one good thing came out of it, I guess it got packed firmer. Now a good grading should bring it back. Grass was planted in the two low areas that were built up. It came up very nicely, except one area is still too low. There has to be some improvement made on the drainage system. It's too bad the whole west side and the middle weren't a good foot higher then we wouldn't have a problem.

We were fortunate to receive another exciting donation this fall. We will be setting up a 50' windmill, 75 years old, just west of the Shukalek building. It may get moved yet this fall, otherwise we'll have to wait until spring. Trees and grass have already been planted in the area.

George has the crop cut, the bundles put away, and the stubbles worked up. The fall rye has been seeded already for next year and is growing very nicely.

The log house has a chimney now. So we'll be able to keep it nice and cosy.

2005 RAFFLE

Thanks to all the members that sold tickets. Only 3 books were misplaced this year. We raised a total of $9,880.00. Mike Dobko sold 94 books + 14 tickets. That's awesome Mike !!!! Out of that money $2,200.00 is spent for the prizes, licence, and printing.At the Appreciation Nite Meeting we will once again vote as to whether or not you want a raffle next year. The amount of money made on a raffle is excellent; however, more tickets must be sold by the membership. There are too many members that indicate they no longer want to sell tickets. I strongly suggest we do not have a raffle for 2006 unless Mike is willing to sell most of the tickets again or each member must purchase or sell a book of tickets. Since many of you can not do much volunteer work at the Park do you think a $40.00 donation is asking too much??? Make your intentions known at the meeting.

KOLLECTOR'S CORNER Bill Smith

We had another successful year again in acquiring some great things for the society. Several of these artifacts have been put on display like the hammer collection from the Estate of Heather Pester in the Founder's Building to the 1946 Chev Maple Leaf 3 ton truck donated by George Mucha. What great exhibits we are acquiring thanks to the members and non-members who want these artifacts entrusted to LWAS to preserve and display.

However, in this column I am going to stray from the antique side of things and talk about another subject. It may sound like a broken record; but, it is necessary to keep reminding members of how dangerous it is to incorporate horses into our annual shows. It so happens a terrible accident happened in an area in Saskatchewan near our farm. I received permission from the Editor of the Shellbrook Chronicle to print the article.

Secondly on August 19, 2005 Westlock had a terrible horse accident at their Fair Parade. As the parade was winding its way through the down town suddenly a team of horses pulling a buggy got spooked and ran into a crowd on the sidewalk. One horse ended up taking out a window in a restaurant which was closed causing $1200.00 damage. Three people were taken by ambulance to the local hospital. The one horse had its head and legs through the restaurant window and had to be stitched up by the local Veterinarian.

It takes so little to spook even an old plow nag. A car horn, an airplane over head, or some kids think it is smart to throw a firecracker under a horse. Can you just see the lawsuits coming from these tragedies? I know some people thought I was a real SOB for speaking out about horses at our show. I hope once more this proves our stand at Leduc West.

With fall upon us and winter around the corner we can only give our thanks for a pretty good year. I hope to see you at our November get together. It is always nice to see old friends and remember strangers are only friends we have yet to meet.

IN MEMORIAM

It is with great sadness that I have to announce the passing of two great guys who have contributed a lot to the society.

Ed Lutz
Ed passed away on May 13, 2005. Ed was one of the society's founding members. He was very active in the former days with helping to clear the land. I can still see him at work with his backhoe digging out brush and stumps. He was very proud of his Sawyer Massey which he eventually donated to the society. This tractor was his second girl friend. He used to tease Helen that he was going to visit "Kate" for the day. Ed took every opportunity to have a ride on Kate. His tractor will always be special to LWAS. Perry Widdifield, his son Jay & friend Kurt take good care of it.

Bernie Girodat
Bernie passed away on September 25, 2005. Bernie was a Case man. He helped in many ways to get a good showing of Case to the show this summer. In February I mentioned to Bernie that I needed pictures for the poster which would get printed in April. There was no hurry. The next morning Bernie was at the site with pictures. Bernie loved the flower garden by the station. He always had a compliment for the different flowers as they bloomed. One day at lunch I mention that if he ever went to a farm auction to bring me some rims to contain some flowers. The next morning here comes Bernie. He handed me a bill. I asked what it was for. He just said - either you pay it or write a tax receipt for $75.00. I looked out and here he had a truck load of rims that he took off tractors & cars that morning at the wrecking yard. Bernie helped right up to the end. In June Wally needed the ground worked so he could plant the grass. Bernie, who was known at the Park for his wide turns, offered to work it. I just happened to be near when I see Bernie coming barrelling down the field, right straight through the trees & shrubs we had just planted. I ran over to look and you know he never touched a leaf on the shrubs. I quickly tied red ribbon on them. At lunch time Bernie says, "You didn't think I was going to run them over, did you?"

I found this little joke the other day. I changed the names; but, I thought you might like it. "One of our members George, was seeding the field while his friend, Bernie, followed with the harrows. Looking up, George saw his friend had hit a fence. He stopped and waited for his friend, but before he could say anything, Bernie dryly stated, "Looks like we need to do some fencing, too."

If I didn't have lunch ready on time he would come in & say, "Woman, your slipping again". Last year Bernie donated three tractors to the society. He wished he was 10 years younger so he could build the scales for weighing the tractors. He was a wonderful, kind-hearted, good natured, considerate person & he will be missed dearly. However, I won't miss that load noisy diesel coming down the parking lot.

God Looked Around His Garden
God looked around His garden
and found an empty space;
He then looked down upon this earth
and saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
and lifted you to rest;
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain,
He knew you might never
get well upon this earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough
and the hills were hard to climb,
so He closed your weary eyelids
and whispered, "Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you never went alone,
for part of us went with you
the day God called you home.

This was taken from Bernie's memorial service card; however, I felt it was fitting, as well, for a number of other members that have passed on.

MEMBERSHIP If you haven't paid you're 2005 dues, the year is coming to a close. Please send your payment as soon as possible. A number of yearly members switched over to lifetime. A note of caution - there are still a number of lifetime members who have not included their wife or partner as a lifetime member. It only costs an additional $50.00 to include her. Remember if you should pass on your membership becomes null and void. It is not passed on to the next of kin.