Manitoba’s Early Farmers

Tucked between the cities of Morden and Winkler of rural Manitoba is a museum that preserves a particular aspect of Manitoba’s agricultural history.

The Pembina Threshermen’s Museum houses memorabilia, machinery, and buildings of Manitoba’s early pioneers. It was located on a farmer’s field from 1963-1968 when it opened at its current location.

But for Jake Buhler – the Pembina Threshermen’s Museum’s vice president, most of the day-to-day work revolves around the upkeep of the garden and the general store. Out of passion for the organization, Buhler retired from his career early to spend his days working at the museum.

“It think it’s worth remembering,” says Buhler. “It interests a lot of people how some started here. It’s hard to say why it’s so important, some do think it is, but I do. We have some items that younger people haven’t ever seen or have an idea of how these things work.”

According to Buhler, many immigrants during the 19th century came to Manitoba for freedom of religion or were farmers themselves. The museum captures that moment in time, with many events and features throughout the spring and summer to highlight the lifestyle, houses, and tools farmers would have used to work the land.

One of the main attractions at the museum is the Mainstreet strip, with buildings ranging from 1878 to the 1960s. However, another exciting component is the collection of over 100 antique tractors, which still run today. Many of those tractors are featured in a parade during the museum’s Heritage Day and Reunion Days.

Buhler, a collector in his own right, has helped contribute to the museum’s extensive collection of early relics and items.

“I brought about a hundred oil lamps here,” he says.
In addition to the oil lamps on display, there’s an art gallery, a theatre, a blacksmith shop and much, much more.

Between the various exhibits and museum events that run throughout the year, there is plenty to see at the Pembina Threshermen’s Museum.

– Ryan Funk, U Multicultural