There was certainly no excuse for anyone being bored at last weekend’s Chapple Day festivities. Between warm, blue skies and the usual variety of family activities, there was enough going on to keep everyone happy.
On Friday night, there was the traditional bonfire at the Both farm north of Barwick and a pancake breakfast to start off Saturday. Meanwhile, back at the Both farm, there was something a little different this year. In addition to tours of the pioneer homestead and blacksmith’s shop, this year there was a tractor pull, featuring some classic and antique tractors.
The pull was run in the traditional way, as opposed to the modern format. Today, tractor pulls involve a sledge, on which a weight is gradually moved forward with an electric winch to increase the drag as the tractor attempts to haul it down the track. The traditional method involves a fixed weight, but as the tractor moves down the path, people jump on the sledge in front of the weight as it passes them.
This proved to be quite a challenge to both driver and machine to keep the wheels turning and the load moving forward. In the end, Gerald Carr of Barwick proved to be the class of the field in the heavyweight division and the only one to make a full pull once the load was increased for the pull-off. Rod Carter finished second.
But it was in the classic and antique category that things got interesting. Here, Betty Salchert and her 1947 Massey Harris reigned supreme, while Randy Both in another Massey Harris settled for second. Wayne Salchert and his John Deere were third.
But the machine that stole the show (and nearly the event) was Charlie Morken’s 1920 Rumely oil burner, that came within a whisker of taking the championship. Equipped with steel wheels and generating only 20 horsepower, the Rumely was within 20 feet of a full pull when it stalled and died.
“It jumped out of gear on me,” explained Morken.
Another new feature this year was a “weddin’” on a stage at the farm, featuring characters from Chapple’s past. Dorothy Cornette (Heather Oltsher) faced the daunting task of choosing among no less than six amorous suitors vying for her hand. This serious business was interrupted by hoots of laughter and loads of advice (much of it unsolicited) from the crowd, before Cornette settled for Rex Smart (George Oltsher)—a local bachelor, who later moved away from the district.
“He was the best-dressed of them all,” said Cornette in an exclusive interview yesterday. “I know he didn’t have a team of horses, but he had that Whippet (car) and it had a wonderful back seat.”
Meanwhile, back at the waterfront, there were pontoon boat and horse-drawn wagon rides on both Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday’s feature event was once again the canoe races. This year there was a field of seven entries vying for the trophy and enough prize money to make it interesting. The father-son team of David Harrington and Max Roszkowski from Bemidji, Mn. successfully defended their title from last year.
Another highlight from Sunday was the classic car exhibit. First place went to Terry Gouliquer and his 1969 Camero RS, while Neil Flatt’s 1937 Buick took second place. Wayne Salchert’s 1955 Pontiac two-door hardtop was third.
There was also a poker rally and poker challenge. Wayne and Betty Salchert (Team #14) took first place in the poker rally, while Bob Dimit and Terry Lee (Team #7) were second and The Flying Finns (Team #4) were third.
In the poker challenge, Will and Kathy Derksen (Team #5) were first, while the Salcherts took second and Wayne and Neil Flatt (Team #9) settled for third.
Chapple Day officials reported over 320 people attended the Saturday breakfast and Sunday brunch, while over 425 attended the Saturday banquet and concert. It is estimated at least 600 people attended some of the activities over both days.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
