ARLO JURNEY
The founding Treasurer of Pioneer Acres
Arlo G. Jurney grew up on a large-acreage farm that his grandfather (W.H. Jurney), father, and two uncles started from raw prairie 6 miles north of Vulcan, Alberta. They had moved up from Missouri in the era between 1905 and 1910.
Arlo was born prematurely and wasn’t expected to survive. His grandmother optimistically took him home and cared for him. She kept him in a basket on the oven door of the kitchen stove. So he grew up with his grandparents.
The Jurneys used 40 HP Reeves engines for their large plow outfits to break a large portion of the native prairie in the area. They were also water well drillers who punched water wells for new farmers in their neighborhood. As smaller gas rigs took over in the 30’s the engines were parked and eventually disposed of.
When the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan began their ‘Pion-era’ tractor shows in the 1950’s, Arlo’s experience with steam enabled him to operate many of their machines.
Arlo eventually became a mechanic and worked for a Volkswagen dealership in Calgary. He and his first wife had one daughter.
As well as being a charter member of Pioneer Acres, Arlo was also a charter member of the J.I. Case Heritage Foundation. He was known for his willingness to help out and for his warm and friendly smile.
Arlo wrote articles for various antique equipment magazines. Here is an example of one such report contributed by Arlo Jurney.
ARLO passed away on November 4, 1990 at the age of 77.
In a tribute to Arlo Jurney and his passion for antique farming equipment, his sister, Mrs. Erma Erb of Santa Barbara, California, bequeathed the bulk of her estate to Pioneer Acres Plowmen & Threshermen’s Club of Alberta in 2012. This endowment has been invested by the Club and any gains that are earned help support the operation of the museum.
