Harvest Home is Harvest Past
New Zealand Historic Places Trust
information release
25 March 2008
Vintage harvesting machines will be working in all their glory at the
Harvest Home. Visitors will be able to see and hear the equipment in full
operation. Today, opportunities are rare to relive the harvesting sights,
sounds and smells that were commonplace a century ago.
The North Otago Vintage Machinery Club will have members present who
will put this gear through its paces. During the day they will have their
'smoko' brought out by horse, as was done in the old days.
The Anderson Threshing Mill No 33 was built in Christchurch about one
hundred years ago and purchased new by David Clark for work in North Otago.
It was taken over by his son Don and operated right up to the end of World
War 2. Today, it is owned by David Clark, the grandson of the original
purchaser. The mill worked regularly at Totara Estate and it is exciting
to have it return for this event. Restored to full working order, the
Anderson Mill will be worth watching through the day.
A traction engine will be providing power to the mill, using a long drive
belt. A steam-powered traction engine may look impressive on the road,
but it can be magnificent when seen back home in its natural surroundings.
An Andrews and Beaven chaff cutter will be on hand to show visitors the
cutting of chaff 'old style'. There will be lots to learn.
To contrast the old with the new, some modern equipment will also be
on site. A seed-cleaning rig will be operated and arrangements are in
train to have a modern harvester parked nearby to offer the comparison
with today.
Four-legged friends feature at Harvest Home
The Totara Estate Harvest Home would never be the same without horses.
Once again, there are plans a-hoof to have pony rides for all who want
to try. Clydesdale horses are perennially popular and this year they will
be providing the motive power for buggy rides. As in previous years, Mr
Ian Gould will be coordinating a number of Clydesdale breeders to bring
a range of these beautiful horses back to Totara.
A pavilion will be used this year to house a selection of animals so
that people young and old can get up close. Who knows, you might even
find your future pet in one of these displays.
Victorian Domestic Goddess and Friends
Totara Estate will be converting its Granary into "Granny's Kitchen"
just for Harvest Home. This year a very popular demonstration will be
a performance by Marise Newbery and colleagues. If you have every wondered
how women managed their Victorian households before microwaves and electric
irons, you might find this helpful.
A Victorian Domestic Goddess will be busy with her entourage of servants
and maids. They will prepare food, clean the house, look over the remedies
and solve lots of problems in ways that will surprise and amuse. This
show is highly recommended by those who have enjoyed previous performances.
Marise has said that the demonstration is under constant improvement.
Totara Estate Manager, Ray Craig, claims that this show has generated
such interest amongst all his volunteers, he is worried he will lose them
during the time the feature is running.
Back Country Poet on Show
Harvest Home is all about culture. This year a rising back country poet
will be featured throughout the day. Mr Colin Patterson of Canterbury
will treat the crowd to live performances of his lifetime work. He will
use a range of props to bring his ballads to life. Of special note will
be his working dog, who is the subject of one of his popular poems.
Colin is a semi-retired farmer and last year had a number of his poems
published. He has since been on TV and radio. He has been invited to many
functions to perform his poems which follow popular rural and back-country
themes.
Colin composed most of his lyrics and poetry whilst out on his tractor,
but only wrote them down after being threatened with terminal cancer.
These days, with the cancer behind him, Colin is busy trying to get out
to all the functions he is invited to.
Colin will recite one of his lovely poems at the morning church service.
Later in the afternoon, Colin will entertain visitors with two half-hour
performances that are not to be missed. In between, he will be signing
copies of his books which will be on sale during the day.
Swaggers Proclaim Their Challenge
The Swaggers' Race to the top of the Brydone Monument and then back down
has been a custom for years. The Totara Swaggers are keen to see some
new blood to show the old timers how the new generation can move with
the times. The Totara Swaggers reckon they are just getting too old for
dashing up and down the countryside. So from now on they intend to take
charge and organise the racing instead.
There will be a number of races. One for youngsters, of course. Plus
there will be an allcomer's challenge. It will be a great event for those
who want a good warm up followed by a short steep rough climb with a mad
rush back to the bottom. As always, the prime event will be run for the
prestigious Criterion Cup for which all entrants must carry swagger accessories!
The Totara Swaggers will be happy to supply entrants with swags and sticks
prior to the race. If you want to be in for spot prizes or a championship,
be ready to register during the day.
Come in Costume
Harvest Home is an event which actively celebrates the past. Traditional
and Victorian garb is prominent. Most folk appear in some costume or other
and this contributes to the festival atmosphere of the day. Those who
attend in costume will be invited to join the promenade mid afternoon.
Prizes will be given for the most 'in character' ensemble(s).
Build a Scarecrow
Last year, the scarecrow building was a great success. Children are warmly
invited to bring their ready made scarecrow to be judged on the day. Scarecrows
can be built during the day. There will be lots of building material available
but to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that folk bring clothing
and oddments to give their scarecrows that winning look.
Catch the Bus
Take the hassle out of transporting the family to the Harvest Home celebrations
by using the Harvest Home bus service! It will travel through town.
Alan McLay has made his magnificent red double-decker bus available for
the day, driven by Mr Michael White.
The bus will depart from North End New World, stopping near MacDonalds
and KFC, the Council Buildings and South Hill New World. It will return
the same way. People waiting anywhere along the route can flag down the
bus as it passes. You shouldn't miss the bus - the distinctive bright
red colour will illuminate even a drab day.
Departs North End: 11.00 12.00 1.30
Last Buses ex Totara: 3.00 4.00
Fare $2 per person.
Rides from Totara will be announced during the day.
Heritage Team Event
Mixed teams of four persons will be asked to complete a range of little
challenges. This event will be rather tongue in cheek. Participants will
have to nail a shoe on a 'horse', milk a 'cow' plus more. Get your team
of four ready to enter on the day. This event is new to Totara this year
and it promises to be good fun.
For more information please contact:
Totara Estate Property Manager
Ray Craig
Phone 03 434 7169
Email: totaraestate@historic.org.nz
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