| No. 2 | September 2007 |
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A team of antique machinery enthusiasts in the Hamilton area has spent two
years restoring an engine that once powered Tuplin.s saw mill and grist
mill in the community of Indian River, near Kensington, PEI.
Discovered by chance, and almost completely buried in the ground near the site where the mill once stood, just getting the engine back above ground took several days. When someone made the comment that it should be possible to get the engine running, Michael Delaney, James Carruthers and Peter Harrell took up the challenge. Along the way, they have been assisted by Myron Taylor, Bill Heffell, Bloyce Holmes, Val Kyte and others. Michael and James pointed out that all the restoration work has been done on the Island, and commented that there are very skilled and talented craftsmen who can be called on for assistance. The engine is 12 horse power, made by Goold Shapley & Muir and cast in Brantford Ontario, and is shown in the adjoining photo. It is estimated that it was buried in the ground for at least 30 years and probably nearly 50 years. The restoration process has been extensive; for example, to free up the piston involved the use of both heat and dry ice and a lot of applied force. While the restoration project hasn.t yet reached the point where the engine can be fired up, that day is probably not too far away. The engine will be on display at the Hamilton Heritage Day, which will be held on Saturday September 15 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the area near the Hamilton Hall |
Michael Delaney (l) and James Carruthers with the antique Goold Shapley & Muir engine they and others are restoring on Route 104. The day is billed as having "Something for Everyone", and the schedule includes ploughing, disking, harrowing and sowing demonstrations with horse power and vintage tractor power, antique mill demonstrations and other activities. Antique farm equipment including a Hall Manufacturing Ltd grain thrasher, a Massey Harris binder, horse-drawn pieces such as a seed drill, disks and hay mower and other equipment will be on display. For further information, contact Michael Delaney at 836-8929. There is a twoonie admission to all events, and the downpour date is Sunday, September 16. The Agricultural Heritage Newsletter is an informal newsletter published electrically with the assistance of The Community Foundation of Prince Edward Island and edited by Charley Coles, Don Glendenning, and Tom Hall. Feel free to forward it to a friend. To be added to or removed from the mailing list, or to suggest ideas for future newsletters, please contact charlescoles@eastlink.ca |