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HASTINGS COUNTY MUSEUM OF AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE Back in 1986, at the International Plowing Match held here in Stirling, a group of interested individuals came up with the idea of a museum, to be located in the Stirling/Hastings County area. So, the idea was born! Site selection was a very big part of the begin­ ning process, and took considerable time. Finally, an agreement was reached with the Agri­ cultural Society, which owns and operates the Stir­ ling Fair. After site selection, and numerous other hurdles were overcome, in 1997, our first building was erected. The first building which is now the main reception area, was raised with no money in the bank, and a loan guaranteed by six members of the museum board. By the time the building was finished, it was all paid for. Construction on the next 100 feet was started and completed the following year. The next 65 feet and the washrooms were built at a later date. The estimated cost of the 100-foot addition was $65,000, but it actually cost $32,000, thanks to the generosity of vol­ unteers and donations tion of the farm tractor. It's a very impressive display, which is brought to us by the Tractor Club; over 60 folks are active members. Walking through the tractor building, we arrive at the Harvest building, housing numerous pieces of equipment for the purpose of "harvest." On display are several antique threshing machines, generously donated by area farmers, and other one-of-a-kind treasures. The Tillage building display is sponsored by the Hastings County Plowmen's Association, which each year brings the annual Farm Show and Plowing Match to Hastings County. In this display, the viewer is walking through a very impressive array of early tillage equipment, along with a rock display showing the various soil and rock types found in the Hastings County area. The western most end of this building is yet to be completed, with numerous artifacts waiting to be proudly displayed. From the Tillage building, we move onto our newest endeavour, housed in the Hastings County Heritage Centre. This is what we fondly call "Streetscape." This depicts a 1930s-1940s era town, complete with a blacksmith's shop, a carpenter's shop, a har­ ness shop, a shoe store, a filling station and garage, a print shop, a bank, a doctor's office, a barber shop, a feed store, a ladies wear, a jewellery shop, a men's wear, a hotel, a drug store, a general store, and the fire department. Although not fully completed, we think most people will agree this is our most ambitious project. When fully complete, Streetscape will also house a non-denominational church, and the long-range plans are for Streetscape to generate revenue in the form of rentals for weddings, parties and other special events. Further to our long-range plans, a convention centre and further display areas are planned to adjoin to the existing reception area at the first of your tour. Through the generosity of individuals and corporate from the surrounding area. Growth from point has been phe­ nomenal, and we now boast six buildings, for a total of over 28,000 square feet of display that space. The first building houses the main recep­ tion area, plus a theatre, washroom facilities, and a very extensive display of the dairy in­ dustry. It starts with the barn, and goes through the cheese factories, butler factory, honey display, apple display and the Dairy Princess display. Other displays include the Dutch auction clock, the cheese hoops, a four-room home, and a restaurant. Our Steam Engine building houses a 100-year-old steam engine, plus a large stationary diesel engine used to power a grist mill; there are also numerous other steam, gasoline, and diesel engines. It is an in­ complete display, with more artifacts to be included. The Antique Tractor building houses over 60 an­ tique tractors, and takes the visitor through the evolu- An old-fashioned plough dominates this scene in the tillage building at the Hastings County Museum Of Agricultural Heritage. Providing commentary are (l) Jim Haggerty and (r) Harry Danford. photo courtesy Richard Turtle 143