By Brent Boles, Postmedia Network
Wednesday, July 15, 2015 1:32:50 EDT PM
Members of the Golden Harps Steel Orchestra perform outside of Van Tuyl and Fairbank Hardware as the store celebrated its 150th anniversary last week. BRENT BOLES / THE TOPIC
The rhythmic rattle of steel drums echoed outside of Van Tuyl and Fairbank Hardware last week, as the store celebrated 150 years.
Older than Canada itself, the store has been passed down amongst four generations of the Fairbank family and some of that history was on display last week, as family members offered guided tours of the facility.
“A lot of people have never been in here,” said Pat McGee, whose husband is Charlie Fairbank, the fourth generation in the long family line of owners.
Anyone interested was treated to demonstrations and tours of the threading machine and drill press, said McGee and other historical items and artifacts were on display for people to browse.
Outside, lemonade and snacks offered refreshment from the warm summer sun.
While she had trouble pegging an estimate on the actual number of people who came out, she said that for reference they went through 10 cans of lemonade in the first hour alone.
Anyone who missed the anniversary can still drop in and see some of the artifacts.
“They’re up for the year.”
She also applauded the tunes of the Golden Harps Steel Band as they tapped away outside.
“We like them because it’s a steel band… steel bands have always used oil drums.”
Just in time for the anniversary, McGee said the store expanded the iconic roof display that has long been home to a metal horse drawn wagon.
“It’s… more of a scene now.”
Replies
Congrats Guys.
Which Golden harps is this is this ED PETERS band The harps from Brampton with RED painted Bases ?
That's London Golden Harps..