Vintage exhibit on display at Gogebic County Fair

By JEAN NORDINE

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Ironwood - Upon entering the Exhibition Building at the Gogebic County Fairgrounds, fair-goers will be treated to a vintage display of 1800s farm equipment, complete with authentically dressed mannequins demonstrating how the equipment was put to use.

Kathy Bednar-Ghiardi said she "grew up with the fair" as her father, Andrew F. Bednar, was Gogebic County Extension director for 30 years, 1944-1974.

She said she has inherited her dad's love for the fair. Growing up she was in 4-H for sewing, baking and the Saddle Up Horse Club and she continues to be very involved in the fair as an exhibitor and volunteer.

This week she will be exhibiting in sewing, apples and antiques. Every year she also volunteers her time to help spruce up the grounds. Last year. she painted the grandstands and this year she has been working 50 hours a week painting the interior of the Exhibition Building.

Bednar-Ghiardi said she often heard people say "there's not much to see if exhibits are down in numbers." That reminded her of some words her father always said, "participate in any way possible." So this year she wants to offer fair-goers something new. Her new idea is to give people a glimpse of the past.

With the help of Mike and Cecilia Pisco, she created a vintage farm equipment display. The Piscos collect and restore a variety of old farm equipment and were willing to bring some to the fair.

On display is an 1800s vintage corn cutter restored by Mike Pisco. The cutter was made to be pulled by a horse. A metal bar surrounds the front of the horse to protect it from being hit from the corn stalks as the horse pulls the cutter through the rows of corn. The driver stands on the front of the corn cutter, while the cutting wings in the back slice one or more rows of corn stalks at a time.

The display also features a work horse to pull the cutter. It is made from plywood and covered in tanned deer hide and has a vintage leather bridle, collar and harness.

Also displayed is a restored 1890 Bemis Transplanter. The 14-foot transplanter is meant to be pulled by a horse. As the equipment is pulled, it digs a ditch. The driver sat on top of a water barrel that emptied water into the ditch. Two seats are behind the water barrel, where children would sit and drop small plants or small trees into the ditch.

Mannequins were created for the displays and as a remembrance to Andy Bednar, two pairs of his work boots were used.

Bednar-Ghiardi and the Piscos worked many months creating an authentic, interesting and educational display they say is sure to be a hit at the 2018 Gogebic County Fair.