Century Farm celebration
- Details
- Published on Thursday, August 14, 2014
By Jessie Bell
Rivers Banner
On Friday, Aug 8 more than 50 relatives and neighbours of Gordon Hammond gathered in his spacious and well-maintained farmyard in the Tarbolton district (southeast of Bradwardine). Inside a separate building from the house were displays of family pictures and framed Manitoba Centennial Farm awards. Issued in 2014, the land at SW 8-11-22W, RM of Daly, has been farmed by the Hammond family for more than 100 years.
Named on one award were Richard Hammond (1914), George Hammond (1932), Evangeline Hammond (1972), Gordon Hammond (1973) and Derwyn Hammond (1998). A century farm gate sign was issued by the province for NE 7-11-22W to the Hammond family, naming Gordon, Derwyn and the latter’s wife Mona and their daughter Lily. Descendants of George Mawer/Richard Hammond were named on a third award, for land established in 1906 and owned by those families ever since. Gordon’s mother was a Mawer and was born on the farm which Gordon calls home: NE 7-11-22W. Listed on this award from Manitoba Historical Society are Gordon’s grandfather and uncle George Mawer (1906) and Calvin Mawer (1949), George Hammond (1954), Gordon Hammond (1956) Gordon and Elizabeth “Beth” Hammond (1998) and Gordon Hammond (2011, Beth passed away in 2010).
The highlight of the afternoon was the starting of a huge 1912 International Harvestor Co. Mogul steel-wheeled tractor which was purchased in 1914 by brothers Tom and George Hammond, sons of John Hammond (Gordon’s grandfather). It is painted bright red and kept in top working order by Gordon. The huge machine was started by means of a wide belt used as a pulley to a much smaller 1949 John Deere Model R tractor, bought by Gordon in 1965. The first bang from the Mogul alerted everyone to leave their lawn chairs to see the monster move.
Gordon and his son Derwyn drove it around a circular driveway, followed by the little John Deere. Also in the parade was a 1932 Caterpillar tractor which had been bought new by George Hammond, and a 1947 small red Case tractor which Gordon won in a raffle in 2004. This unit had been restored by its original owner, Bill Elder, and his son who donated it to Oak Lake hockey raffle. All the antiques circled the farm yard several times for all to see.
Parked in the yard was a restored 1915 Ford car, with original licence No. 6586, and a current one for highway use. Its owner was John Innes of Waskada, who had renewed the unit with bronze trim and a fancy light near the rear bumper. This car now has an automatic drive and is often seen in parades far and wide. A few guests were fortunate enough to have a ride around the yard in this quiet and smooth-running vehicle.
Assisting with the afternoon supper served outdoors were Derwyn, Mona and Lily, and long-time friends Brian and Leanne English. The huge barbecued meat patties were humorously described by one as being from a Black Angus.
Showing of the antique farm machinery was intended to be held on the June 28 weekend but was cancelled due to a steady downpour of rain. The only successful event held then was a well-attended supper in Brandon in honour of Gordon’s 80th birthday.
