Summary

Negative of Vern Eason holding his prize-winning farm smithy model. The model was entered into a competition organised by H.V McKay Massey Harris. It was held in 1954 during the 70th anniversary of the first successful trial of the Sunshine Harvester.

The models were judged according to accuracy of dimensions, construction, detail and appearance. The first prize was awarded to Mr Vern Eason at the Sunshine's 70th Anniversary Exhibition. Mr Eason was subsequently commissioned by H. V. McKay Massey Harris to produce four more models, each one to be given to branch offices in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland, with the remaining model to 'have a place of honour at Sunshine' (Sunshine Review, Sept 1954).

Six models were entered into the competition. V. Eason (Maintenance), P. Kruszynski (Painters), A. Reid (Fitters), A.W. Snaith (Transport Repair), J. Duggan (Builders), W.J. Pummeroy (Core). All of the entries were displayed as part of the 70th Anniversary Exhibition, 12-18th March 1954.

The H.V. McKay farm smithy was built at Drummartin, Victoria, by Hugh McKay and his brother John. It was in this smithy that the prototype of McKay's famous stripper harvester was assembled in 1884.

Part of a collection of photographs, negatives, moving film, artefacts, documents and trade literature belonging to the H. V. McKay Sunshine Collection. The McKay collection is regarded as one of the most significant industrial heritage collections in Australia. The collection relates to the agricultural manufacturing firm, the Sunshine Harvester Works. The Australian operations of this company were originally founded by Hugh V. McKay in the 1890s in Ballarat. Between 1906 and 1907, McKay moved production to Sunshine where the firm became one of the largest industrial businesses in Australia. Change in ownership is a recurring theme in the company's history. In 1930, it merged with Massey-Harris to become H.V McKay Massey Harris. In the mid-1950s, the company was absorbed by Canadian agricultural firm Massey-Ferguson. Production in Sunshine ceased in the mid-1980s, following almost 100 years of manufacturing agricultural equipment.

Description of Content

A man, Vern Eason, holding up a farm smithy model. Agricultural equipment is in the background. The man is wearing a jacket, sweater, tie, shirt and hat.

Physical Description

Black and white negative.

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