From the archives: The Kleinburg Binder Twine Festival

June 27, 2022 1:00 p.m.
City of Vaughan
​Learn more about the city’s history from the Vaughan Archives

From the traditional territories of the First Peoples of Turtle Island, to a farmland community, to a bustling city centre and everything in between – Vaughan's transformation is a story worth telling. As part of a monthly series, the City of Vaughan releases historical content from the Vaughan Archives, Office of the City Clerk. Citizens are encouraged to scroll through memory lane, learn about the city's past and explore the places, people and events that were pivotal to the development of the Vaughan we know today. This month, the City is highlighting the history of the Kleinburg Binder Twine Festival.

The Kleinburg Binder Twine Festival originated with farmers needing binder twine at harvest time to bind their sheaves of grain. Initially supplied by Charlie Shaw, the twine had to be distributed quickly to prevent mice from getting into the crop. In 1881, Charlie Shaw arrived at a more efficient solution – when the train with the twine arrived in Nashville, everyone from town would be present to greet it and take home their portion. Over time, the main street came alive with music and festivities to celebrate the arrival of the twine, a tradition that continued until his death in 1931.

Following Canada's centennial celebration in 1967, the Kleinburg Rotary Society, under President Vic Ryder, decided to hold a Shaw's Binder Twine Festival to try and recreate the enjoyment of the previous event. The idea was unanimously approved. Due to the involvement of several local organizations and citizens, including noted author Pierre Berton, the event was an overwhelming success.

The first Shaw's Binder Twine Festival was held on Sept. 9, 1967. A platform was built in front of the Shaw's old house, and Kleinburg's main street was closed off for the parade. Booths were set up on the Shaw property to sell food. During the festival, a complete program of events included bands, a pet parade, a parade of bicycles and doll carriages, a display of the newly formed fire brigade, an antique car rally, a homemade apple pie contest, a Centennial Costume parade with prizes, a magician and a street dance.

Many former residents were among the large crowd that attended the event. Patrons enjoyed a visit to the old hardware store that, in 1967, was run by the great-grandson of the late Charles Shaw,  Mr. and Mrs. Frank Shaw. The Shaw family was heavily involved in the celebration, with many wearing clothing from the 18th Century. In fact, the prize for the best girl's costume was won by Kathleen Shaw, granddaughter of Frank Shaw and the boy's costume prize was won by Wayne Kitchen of Schomberg, grandson of Mrs. Earl Shaw. During the festival, Frank Shaw displayed old-time merchandise in the store.

After realizing the success of the Binder Twine Festival, a decision was made to hold the event annually until 2020, when it was discontinued due to increasing costs and a lack of volunteers.

ABOUT VAUGHAN ARCHIVES
Established in 1988, the City of Vaughan Archives is home to more than 600 collections, consisting of both City records and cultural records about Vaughan from 1860 to the present day. Records include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • City business records with long-term legal and administrative value, such as Council meeting minutes, by-laws, assessment rolls, financial records, reports and official correspondence
  • church, community and school records
  • census records
  • historical photographs
  • land records
  • historical maps, plans and aerial photographs
  • newspapers
  • personal papers of past residents and founding families, such as diaries, family histories, journals and letters
  • records of local organizations both past and present

VIEW VAUGHAN'S ARCHIVES ONLINE!
As part of the City's COVID-19 response, Vaughan City Hall remains closed to the public – but the City's Archival Collection is on digital display for all to explore! The below galleries are now available in the City's online gallery on Flickr:
  • From Township to City: The Evolution of Vaughan
  • Featured Artists of Vaughan
  • Historical Families of Vaughan
  • Historical Figures: Lord Beaverbrook
  • Historical Photography
  • Recollections of Rural Vaughan
  • The Mary Wood Collection
  • The Way We Were: Representations of Vaughan's Past
  • Vaughan Working Environments
  • Vaughan Through the Ages: Medicine
  • Vaughan Through the Ages: Music
  • Vaughan Through the Ages: Sports and Recreation
  • Stories of Remembrance
  • Vaughan's Forgotten Heroes
  • Early Churches of Vaughan
  • Historical Schools of Vaughan

A personal Flickr account is not required to access the City's online gallery, which contains only a small selection of the full archives collection. If you are looking for a particular image, original file, primary source record or more, contact the Vaughan Archives by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing archives@vaughan.ca.

By managing and preserving both City and community records, the Enterprise Information Management Services team ensures that Vaughan's rich and varied history will continue to be available for future generations. Learn more at vaughan.ca/archives.

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