Who are we?

The Eastern Townships Antique Machinery Club is composed of collectors and other people interested in vintage machinery and other antiques common to rural life in the past.  Currently, there are some 70 Club members, mainly from the Eastern Townships, witch interests include not only farm and forestry equipment, tractors, stationary engines, toys, and models, but also tools and other objects used in the field, shop, and home.  Members own several hundred antique tractors ( some with over 40 ), more than 200 stationary engines, several dozen pieces of farm and other equipment, and thousands of tools and artifacts from the 19th century period, which marked the transition from a resource-based to an industrial and urban economy.

History

In 1992, a group of vintage tractor, engine, and antique enthusiasts met in the village of Ayers Cliff, Quebec, to discuss their common interests. This resulted in the formation of a club with a mission, constitution, and Board of Directors, and provided a forum where enthusiasts could meet regularly and share information. The Club organized its’ first exposition the next year in Compton, which is an Eastern Townships municipality rich in history. It proved an instant success. The Club hold its annual exposition every summer in August, still in Compton, the birthplace of Louis Saint Laurent, well-known Canadian Prime Minister in the 1950’s.

In 2000, volunteer members restored an industrial type of stationary engine, the National Engine, a machine of about ten tons with sufficient power (40 hp) to activate a traditional flourmill.  This marvelous machine is owned by the Club.

From September to April, interested members meet on the second Sunday of the month in the basement of the Waterville Town Hall. At the beginning of December, members and friends congregate at a local restaurant for brunch to celebrate Christmas. The Annual General Meeting is held in January.

05/2008