 | The idea for the Elgin Historical Show idea came about in 1978 to showcase old-fashioned threshing and antique farm equipment. It was first discussed by founder Don Williams and Don Pickersgill who was General Superintendent of the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. From the beginning, the show was a co-operative venture of the Kettle Valley Pioneers with the KCCA, and hosted on the Dan Patterson Conservation Area property. The show celebrated its 35th anniversary this past weekend with lots of living history including steam threshing, antique vehicles, tractors and steamers. |
The Dan Patterson site was once the homestead and farm of Alexander and Catharine Patterson who settled here in 1834. Their son Alexander inherited the farm, followed by his son Daniel. When Daniel died in 1968, his neice inherited the property. She donated the log cabin to the North Yarmouth and
District Historical Association in 1971. The Association had the cabin rebuilt and dedicated in 1982
District Historical Association in 1971. The Association had the cabin rebuilt and dedicated in 1982
The Ferguson water tower is a replica of the structure erected on the farm of David and Margaret Ferguson in 1910. It was replicated by Fanshawe instructor Dave Williamson and his students in 1986, designed with a booth in the bottom for tickets or food.
The McCallum windmill was donated from the farm of Mrs. Mahlon McCallum and restored to its original condition by members and friends of the Yarmouth & District Historical Association.
The Kettle Creek Valley Pioneers who organize the Elgin Historical Show are the longest standing community partner of the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority.
The McCallum windmill was donated from the farm of Mrs. Mahlon McCallum and restored to its original condition by members and friends of the Yarmouth & District Historical Association.
The Kettle Creek Valley Pioneers who organize the Elgin Historical Show are the longest standing community partner of the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority.
Above: scenes from Sunday at the show; a London family was returning from past visits to see the show (slide 6); Bill and Pat Mudge from St. Thomas (slide 12); Stephanie volunteered to help out in the water tower concession booth (slide 10)
Source of cabin, water tower and windmill information: "Projects of the North Yarmouth & Distict Historical Association". (The Association was merged in 2008 with Elgin Historical Society.)
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