November 9, 2001 Carving a Place in History

The carving and building of models of farm and logging equipment and other historical artifacts, brings pleasure to the modeller and insights to the observer. Most of the craftspeople who create these pieces would not think of themselves as folk artists, but many others do, seeing their work as beautiful "reflections of traditional culture" produced by people not trained as artists.

I have run across several gentlemen from the area who have done, or are doing, remarkable works that fulfil the criteria above. I'm sure there are many others who have preserved our heritage in a similar way, doing comparable or related work. I hope to recognize some of these people from other heritage areas, such as quilts, antique cars, steam engines, canoe building, etc., in future articles. Any suggestions are appreciated. The following have worked on farming and logging models.

James Bates, Burk's Falls I received a call from Burk's Falls in September suggesting that I see the display of models of logging equipment at the Burk's Falls Fall Fair. I went and met Jim Bates and his creative partner, his wife Betty, and saw a high quality display of the art and craft of modelling. Jim has been retired for ten years, and with the help of his wife has made dozens of models of every aspect of the lumber business. A fully operational sawmill that can cut small boards and models of all of the buildings in a lumber camp are unique features of their work.

While at the Fair, Stan Darling dropped by the Bates display and visited with me, the Bates, and Ina Trolove who was visiting the booth. Ina recently received the Order of the Red Cross, the highest award by that organization, for decades of volunteer work. Ina has a passion for history that goes back to her childhood at the Standard Chemical Company operation at Longford Mills, where her father was a manager. (See photo)

Jim worked at his grandfather Still's sawmill in Armour Township, and at the Standard Chemical Company in South River, before entering a long career in the hotel business. He never forgot his mill experience. About thirty of his models were on display across the end of the Burk's Falls arena, and were a real crowd pleaser. The Bates sell some of their work to folk art collectors and may be contacted at 1 (705) 382-2816.

Howard Jeffrey, South River "Bud" Jeffrey worked at Camp 10 of the Standard Chemical Company and later at their mill for a couple of summers in the late 1930s and early 1940s in South River. Bud, originally form Magnetawan, also had a brother and friends working there. He recalled working with teamster Art Loney, and enjoyed the horses in a way that is reflected in his work. After a long career with the department of highways, he turned to producing a number of models of logging and farming equipment, including a maple syrup operation (see photo). When I visited him in the summer of 2000, he had some remarkable pictures of his days at the Standard Chemical Company and showed me some of his models. Like other people mentioned here, he has a small workshop and spends many productive hours there.

Alvey Barfoot, Powassan Alvey Barfoot moved to Powassan in 1986 when he was 77 years old to be near his son, retired principal Art Barfoot. He passed away in 1992. He had done some production of farming and logging models over the years but was always active in other endeavours and did not concentrate on models until he came to Powassan.

On a trip to Quebec he saw woodcarvers there and was inspired to replace the dozens of ceramic and plastic horses in his models. He said he hoped to finish the job before he died. Working long hours every day, he finished them shortly before he died.

His family has samples of his work, as does the Powassan Historical Society. Numerous models can be seen in the museum during its open season, and provides an excellent opportunity for children of all ages to have a look at our heritage.

Bob Clarke, Callander Bob Clarke, who lives on Wasi Road west of Callander, donated several working models to the Callander Bay heritage museum and may be seen there in season. They are working models where all of the parts move like the originals, and no details have been missed. The museum also has several models of former Lake Nipissing boats that form a part of their current show on Lake Nipissing boats.

Conclusion As noted, there are many other heritage modellers throughout the north. For example, Peter Cianfriani, who is carving the huge Joe Mufferaw statue in Mattawa, had two carved horses pulling a log sleigh and had them on display at the Forestry Expo in Mattawa recently. Many modellers have given samples of their work to family, friends or museums. Some have produced them on commission. It should be noted that many other modellers specialize in other heritage items, such as trains, boats and planes, etc. All in all, a very worthwhile way to preserve history and share it with the rest of us.
 

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