A 1911 McLaughlin-Buick automobile that at one time chugged down the dirt lanes of Red Deer finally has a cozy place to call home at Sunnybrook Farm Museum.
The new Roseneath Garage was open to the public on Saturday to house artifacts donated to the museum.
The McLaughlin-Buick, donated in 2009 by Judi McIntosh-Robertson and family of Red Deer, was originally owned by her grandfather Julius McIntosh.
The car was purchased from Parke Motors, the first auto dealer in Red Deer, and is believed to be one of only two in existence in Canada.
“We finally have a home worthy of our 1911 McLaughlin-Buick automobile,” said museum executive director Ian Warwick on Saturday at the ceremony that attracted about 40 people.
The vintage auto has been in storage until now.
“We’re trying to tell the story of Central Alberta and the people who lived here.
“It’s certainly a piece of local history.
“It’s the same vehicle that was used by Sir Wilfrid Laurier in 1910 when he came and visited Red Deer.”
Julius McIntosh, a bricklayer by trade and descendant of John McIntosh who discovered the original McIntosh Apple, came to Red Deer in the early 1900s and literally built Red Deer.
His work included the McIntosh Tea House and many other historic brick buildings in the city.
McIntosh-Robertson said the last time she rode in her grandfather’s vehicle was during a parade in 1959 when she was about eight.
“I occasionally got to sit behind the wheel, but only under supervision because nobody touched that car,” McIntosh-Robertson who was snapping photos of her grandsons in the car’s front seat.
“My dad kept it in the basement.”
Since the car had been in her family for over 100 years, she donated it to Sunnybrook Farm Museum so it could be admired in Red Deer.
“Why hide it. Let everyone come and enjoy it and realize that was air conditioning,” she said with a smile about the roof-less automobile.
The McLaughlin-Buick is joined in the garage by a 1927 Chevrolet Coach automobile, donated by Gail Wilson, of Bentley and her son Darren Wilson, of Lacombe; and a 1927 Model TT Truck, donated by Dan Murdock and Audrey Egilsson of Sunshine Door/Doormasters Inc.
Warwick said they are all working artifacts.
“When it comes to a vehicle inside a museum, you have to keep it running. You’re fighting against deterioration over time so it’s good to run it once a year.”
Roseneath Garage, named after principal donor George Braitwaite’s family farm, is temperature controlled for displaying and storing artifacts on the south-side development of the museum property.
“We don’t envision this to be a Heritage Park like Calgary. But we wanted to celebrate farming and the farming community. So this is the first project, the garage,” Warwick said.
On Saturday, the museum also kicked off its 25th anniversary celebration so it has been collecting artifacts for years.
“We’re still looking for donations to fill out and tell the story. So we’re hoping building the garage will help. Maybe people have things that have a particular story to tell that have been in the family for generations and want to donate.”
The $130,000 garage is part of a $188,000 project that included the south parking area that will be completed this year. Among the donations was an $88,000 matching provincial grant, $25,000 from George Braitwaite, and many other donations including volunteer labour.
Warwick said the museum has seen a big increase in visits through its school program.
“Word has gotten out it’s a great program for kids to learn about pioneer life and science. So those programs are filled to capacity. Our day camp programs are popular as well.”
Lots of local families with young children visit the museum on a regular basis, just like a city park. Admission is by donation which makes it easier for families, he said.
“Ever since we built the playground a couple of years ago, the kids love coming here to see the baby animals. That’s a huge draw for little kids.”
Two new events were added the museum’s jam-packed schedule for its 25th year:
• June 16 - Fathers Day Country Fair - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a Fathers Day Country Breakfast, Cowboy Church Service and Farmers Market to finish off the week-long Lieutenant Governor’s Arts Awards Celebrations in Red Deer. Admission by donation.
• July 13 - Alberta Heritage Breeds Lawn Show - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., celebrating the Heritage Breeds Association of Alberta with a lawn show featuring chickens, turkeys and many other exotic live animals, and lots of kids activities. Admission by donation.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com