For the love of life before electricity

The way grandmaw used to, James Bosma attempts to start a 3hp Briggs & Stratton, circa 1956, washing machine engine. Bill Samuel photo

By Bill Samuel
Ameliasburg Museum hosted the 32nd annual Quinte Flywheel Vintage Gas Engine Association antique and historical show last weekend.
Quinte Flywheel is dedicated to preserving the internal combustion engine and related equipment used prior to electricity being widely adopted.
There were small household engines used to run washing machines, to larger engines used on the farm to pump water or grind oats, as well as tractors dating back to the ’30s and a couple handfuls of vintage cars. Many of the items have been lovingly restored and were in operation for the show.
“I love to restore these engines back to working order,” said Garry Montgomery, North Gower. “I’ve restored 30 engines since I retired in 1995.”
Garry has been coming to Ameliasburg since 1998.
James Bosma, Belleville has been coming to the show for 32 years, thanks in  large part to his father Owen who was

Garry Montgomery with a 1930 3hp International Famous Engine connected to an oat crusher. He has been a regular at Quinte Flywheel since 1998. Bill Samuel photo

instrumental in restoring the Goldie Corliss 18 foot flywheel housed at the museum.
“I’ve got engines in my blood, I guess,” said James Bosma. “Coming out here all these years.”