Written By David Gomez
The sights and sounds of an earlier era of agriculture returned to the grounds of the Backus-Page House Museum over the weekend (September 5 & 6), as the Family Farm Festival brought historic machinery, livestock, music and local history together.
This annual event offered visitors a chance to see equipment that once played an important role on farms across Southwestern Ontario. Vintage tractors and other agricultural machinery were displayed throughout the museum grounds, while demonstrations gave visitors a closer look at how farm work was carried out before modern equipment became commonplace.
Among the attractions was a working steam engine, which drew attention as clouds of steam and smoke rose above the grounds during demonstrations. A threshing machine was also on display, providing an example of the equipment once used to separate grain.
The agricultural theme extended beyond machinery. Chickens and roosters were among the animals exhibited during the weekend, while the historic buildings and rural setting of the museum provided a backdrop for visitors exploring the site.
Live entertainment was also part of the festival, with local singer Nate Pearson performing outdoors on Sunday. Families and visitors moved between the displays and demonstrations throughout the grounds, combining an afternoon outing with an opportunity to learn more about the region’s agricultural past.
The Glencoe & District Historical Society was also present at the festival, with members based in the agricultural museum to meet visitors, promote local history and offer books for sale.
One of the books available was The History of the Glencoe Fair, 1848–2026, written by local historian Harold Carruthers. The publication arrives as the Glencoe Agricultural Society prepares to mark the 150th anniversary of the Glencoe Fair in 2026. The fair itself will take place on September 25 and 26.
Before then, the Historical Society and the Glencoe Agricultural Society will formally celebrate the publication with a book launch on Wednesday, September 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Archives building in Glencoe.
The weekend at Backus-Page provided a link between those upcoming celebrations and the broader agricultural history they commemorate, bringing equipment, stories and traditions from generations of rural life into one setting.
