Lewis family hosts annual Threshing Day event

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

NORTH DURHAM: This Sunday, July 21st, the Lewis Family invites the community to their annual Threshing Day event, at their farm, located at 21150 Highway 12. Starting at 1 p.m., visitors can witness historical threshing demonstrations and enjoy a classic truck show. Parking is available, via the lane off Scugog Concession 12.

Threshing, a method used to separate grain from stalks and husks, was a pivotal agricultural process before the advent of modern machinery. Historically, farmers relied on manual tools, like flails, or animal-powered threshing machines. The introduction of steam-powered threshers, in the 19th century, marked a significant advance forward, increasing efficiency and productivity. Today, combines have revolutionized the process, performing reaping, threshing, and winnowing all in one pass.

Karen Lewis, the event organizer, and a passionate advocate for preserving agricultural history, shared her thoughts on the importance of this event. "Threshing Day is a way for us to honour the hard work and ingenuity of our ancestors," she said. "It's amazing to think, how far we've come, in terms of technology and efficiency. However, it's equally important to remember and respect the roots of these advancements."

The demonstrations will provide a glimpse into the labour-intensive process which was once the cornerstone of grain production. Visitors will see antique threshing machines in action, operated by enthusiasts, dedicated to preserving this slice of farming heritage.

"Seeing these old machines working is not just a history lesson, but a testament to human innovation," Karen added. "We hope to inspire younger generations to appreciate the development of farming technology."

In addition to the threshing demonstrations, the event features a classic truck show, showcasing a variety of restored and preserved vehicles. This aspect of the event highlights the Lewis family's love for vintage machinery, extending beyond agricultural equipment to classic trucks.

The Lewis Family Threshing Day is more than an educational experience; it’s a celebration of community, history, and progress. Karen Lewis is extending a warm welcome to all, ensuring a day filled with learning, nostalgia, and fun. "We look forward to sharing this tradition with everyone," she said. "It's a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to connect with our agricultural past and see how far we've come."