HISTORY OF HAYING IN THE 30'S CANCER SUPPORT SOCIETY by Edgar Corbiere

I was driving to St. Paul one day, and met a convoy of 6 beautiful covered wagon being pulled by horses with flashy harnesses, something to be proud of.  For some reason it sparked a vision of what it would be like using horse drawn equipment to make hay.  I approached the wagoners thinking that we could have a fun weekend, making hay like in the 30's.  But after reconsidering, I thought, why not do it for cancer victims undergoing treatment..  They all agreed and thought it was a great idea. This was in 1999.

Then equipment came into the picture, machinery that had been put away for many years now needed repairs to make them functional.  Now, where do we make hay?  I contacted the County Fieldman, we checked a few spots but none to my liking.  So I approached a local farmer that had a hayfield that was very handy and convenient.  I made a deal with him and borrowed his hayfield for making hay.  We also introduced road construction of the past. Our first year was to me, very successful. $3500 was raised.  12 victims of cancer were the recipient of our efforts and pleasure. 

In 2001, I then approached the County for an 80 acre parcel, and they agreed.  A lease was drawn up  as long as we wish to make use for this cause, at no cost.  A board was formed with President, Secretary, Treasurer and 5 Directors. Now came the time that we registered our Society, and it was christened “Haying in the 30's Cancer Support Society”.  We could now issue valid receipts for tax purposes.

We needed some sort of shelter. A frame structure was erected and covered with a large tarp, which we still used, and is very handy for serving food. etc. A lake camp kitchen was given to us by the County and a cement pad for our tent was also added. A well was dug for our use.

More attractions were introduced, cropping for a fall harvesting, threshing machine, binding and stooking, etc.  The plow-disc harrows were other forms of viewing that was brought about.  A hay press, hay elevator, and stook elevator.  Some highlight includes sawmill, shingle mill, wood splitter, well boring,.  A large petting zoo is also on display and managed by youngsters and parents.  Other features include  pony merry-go round, horseshoing, sheep sheering, oxen in harness. A pig roast is grilled in our ground pit and served to please our growing attendance. We have live entertainment for 2 days constantly, a Saturday night hoe-down, and a Sunday inter-faith service.

The ladies play a big part in making our event a great success.  Looking and taking care of the food department, raffles and donation receipts. 

We have no admission fee and no camping fee.  We do not charge for the food.  We do not sell anything.  You cannot buy anything.  We have nothing to sell.  All is on a straight donation basis.  There is a Donation Center, and all we ask is your support towards a worthy cause. (Cancer).

Of all the monies we receive of your donations, is then paid back to cancer victims at a 100% payout.  As we hear of people diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatments, we help in a financial way.  Helping out with cost of transportation, logging, fuel cost, etc.

We are all volunteers.  We ask nothing in return.  Our operation moneys do not come from the donation box.  We operate on a very meager source of income.  We applied for a couple of small grants, of which we were successful of obtaining, plus membership.  Our goal is to help less fortunate with finance. We will not cure no one but rather aid at a difficult time.

To this day, we have now helped 2000 plus cancer victims.

Thanks to the public’s generous donations.  You have made this a event a continuing success. Good health and thank you.