Alberta family auctioning off one of the largest private collections of horse-drawn carriages in North America
An Alberta family is honouring the life and legacy of their father this weekend by selling off a historical collection of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs dating as far back as the 1800s.
The late Lee Bowie of Penhold, Alta., began purchasing the unique units nearly 60 years ago in what’s become one of the largest and most incredible private collections in North America.
“He was the type of person that liked fixing things and he really enjoyed working with horses and dogs so the collection sort of started out as a hobby,” said Greg, the eldest son of Lee Bowie.
“It all started with a carriage he found out in southern Saskatchewan behind a barn and it grew from there.”
Lee Bowie passed away in January, aged 90, but he left behind 27 carriages and sleighs. The collection will now go up for auction online as part of the estate sale at his property in Penhold, located just 120 kilometres north of Calgary.
His daughter Kim says each carriage has a unique historical value and plenty of memories that go back to when she was a little girl.
“Four generations have enjoyed riding on the sleighs and buggies,” she said.
“Dad used to take mom for carriage rides in the evening in a buggy with the surrey on top and go down the country roads. All the neighbours would think he was a big romantic guy and he sort of was, but a tough cowboy too.”
Some of the most unique carriage include an original McLaughlin Cutter carriage. The company was at one point known as the largest manufacturer of horse-drawn buggies in the British Empire and eventually went into automobiles as part of General Motors Canada.
Greg says another of his personal favourites is the Newfoundland Taxi, built in 1890.
“There’s only a few of them left in the world, like maybe three and one of them is selling in this sale,” he said.
“At that time, they drove on the left side of the street so the sleigh or the taxi is open on the left side and the passengers sit sideways and the driver is at the back of the unit with the lines driving in front of the passengers.”
The public was invited Saturday to view the carriages in person at the Bowie Estate in Penhold, but the auction itself is taking bids online until June 21.
Robert Klatt with Prairie Auction Services says more than 2,000 people have registered to take part in the sale.
“It’s gathered a lot of attention from the U.S. northern states and across Canada even as far as Ontario and Quebec,” Klatt said.
“This is quite astounding to see and some people I’ve talked to woke up at 5 o’clock this morning just to come on down because there’s not too many opportunities like this.”
One of those individuals who woke up early is Miles Wowk, who made the three-hour drive from just east of Vegreville.
“A lot of these pieces are 100 or 120 years old so where do you go to find a piece that is that old? It’s a piece of history, you’re buying a piece of history and this is the way the west was settled."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.