Pictured from left to right: Carson Hill, VITEO President, John Minogue, previous engine owner and initiative namesake, winner’s dad Dan Hewitt, and winner Daisy Hewitt. Courtesy Photo
NAVAN — Vintage Iron has taken a significant step toward engaging the next generation in rural heritage preservation with the launch of its first-ever youth initiative. Aimed at encouraging young people between the ages of 12 and 24 to learn about, conserve, and promote artifacts from early rural life in Eastern Ontario, the program has already celebrated its inaugural winner.
The club purchased a 1½ H.P. McCormick Deering Model M stationary engine from longtime member and community supporter John Minogue during his June auction sale. The engine was then offered to youth applicants who submitted essays outlining their interest in protecting and restoring rural artifacts. Submissions were reviewed, and on Nov. 10 a winner was selected.
On Nov. 16, Vintage Iron formally presented the engine to 13-year-old Daisy Hewitt of Almonte, whose thoughtful and detailed application impressed the committee. The presentation took place at the shop of club member Glen Edward in Navan, where members of the Vintage Iron executive joined Daisy, her family, and the Minogue family for the special occasion.
In her submission, Daisy outlined a step-by-step plan for restoring the century-old engine, with guidance from her father Dan, a machinist. She intends to document the entire restoration through photographs and written notes, later sharing her work with her Scouts group, her 4-H clubs, and the Vintage Iron membership.
Despite her young age, Daisy already has an impressive background in hands-on rural and mechanical activities. She has assisted in restoring a vintage snowmobile, participated in multiple 4-H clubs – including a sheep club – and showed at three local fairs this year. She has also driven an antique tractor in the Carp Fair parade.
Vintage Iron members expressed their confidence that the historic engine has been placed in capable hands. They praised Daisy’s enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and commitment to preserving rural heritage, noting that she embodies the spirit of the new youth initiative.
Daisy was reminded to follow all safety precautions while working on the engine, under her father’s supervision. The club looks forward to seeing the completed restoration and anticipates the engine being proudly displayed at future events.
With this first youth initiative, Vintage Iron hopes to inspire more young people to take an interest in the machinery, traditions, and stories that built rural Eastern Ontario – a legacy they are eager to see carried into the future.
