MOOSE JAW — The grand opening of Hart’s Garage was one of the highlights at the Sukanen Ship Museum threshing bee held Sept. 7 and 8.
The garage building was funded by long-time member and former board member Lorne Hart, whose career was operating an automotive business.
“We keep expanding. We’re probably one of the only museums left in Saskatchewan that is expanding,” said president Gord Ross.
“The reason for that is our volunteer base.
“Today as a result of one of our long-time members — Lorne Hart — we’re opening this building. Lorne has been a collector and a restorer his whole life. He supported the museum all these years in physical labour and mental labour.’’
On the board of directors for years ‘“he helped us keep the museum running,” Ross said.
“He saw the museum was a place worth investing in.
“Because of his donation, this new 50x120 foot building is going to be dedicated for all the cars in the museum.”
Hart thanked the museum for accepting the $120,000 donation.
“It’s a memorial to my wife Lorraine.”
A sign on the front says Hart and his daughters Norma Fontaine and Laura Lee Hart dedicated the building to her.
“Dedicating this building to her means a lot to Dad, my sister and me,’’ said Fontaine. “She volunteered here when she could.
“Keep supporting this museum. It’s an amazing place that our children and grandchildren and their grandchildren all need to experience.”
Another new exhibit is the Peterman business from Darmody displayed in a steel bin. Darmody is 60 kilometres northwest of Moose Jaw.
Models of the general store and garage run by Milt and Phyliss Peterman for 40 years are supplemented with photos and period memorabilia.
The Petermans bought the store in 1948, living in the rear and using the second storey as a community hall.
The business included a Massey-Harris dealership and later an Allis-Chalmers farm machine dealership, a Chrysler sub-dealership and a bulk fuel operation.
Like many Saskatchewan towns, closure of the elevator and the school spelled doom. The business closed in 1968.
Darmody “never had more than 40 people,” said Howard Peterman, son of the owners.
In the blacksmith shop Aird Rusitch demonstrated the trade, taking time to put a new rivet on one woman’s purse strap.
Rob Bruce gave a talk on how steam power works to run a tractor and how consistent steam power is.
He also described how the tractor at the threshing bee was dug out of a river bank and restored.
“If you need parts you can’t go downtown and buy them. You gotta make them yourself,’’ Bruce explained.
Visitors came from all over Saskatchewan and Alberta and seemed impressed.
One couple camping on site came from Jasper, Alta. where fire destroyed their house.
The retired RCMP officer and his wife have decided to travel extensively with their RV.
Don Okerstrom won the 50-40 of $497.50 Saturday. Chris Svab won the $362.50 on Sunday
About 2,000 persons attended.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
