Common Sense

Common Sense

Peter McArthur

Being reminded by my own common sense that I should share knowledge of the “STUPPA” with my many Ukrainian friends located throughout the Vegreville Trading Area; where some of the elder citizens will have some understanding of the “STUPPA”. First, I must explain to the younger generation who might wonder about the truth of this article; please ask some of your elder citizens for their own story around the “STUPPA”; some I’m sure will surprise you!

My experience with a “STUPPA” came only as I listened to a conversation; one of a great many; around the kitchen table as my father shared stories with old-timers over a beer. These stories were like a magnet to my ever so keen ears; whenever good old-time stories were being told; in this case what caught my mind was the claim that: “not akernel was lost”. This statement caught my attention and was placed in my memory, as an awesome fact.

It was not until about fifty years later; that I came across an item at auction that I visually believed was indeed one of these early Ukrainian Made items for separating the kernels from the heads without the loss of a single kernel. This marvelous means of separating the chaff and kernel; so incredibly well, was the Ukrainian best way to utilize every kernel of seed; after arriving in a new country with but a handful of seed for planting.

Of course it was most advantageous to make a “STUPPA”; for the threshing out of that first crop. The “STUPPA” was the threshing means of saving every kernel as the heads were dropped into the bored out center of the “STUPPA” to be gently pounded with a smooth ended log; which would separate the Kernels from the chaff; being carried out a few heads at a time; while each kernel was so precious for the next seasons seeding.

At that auction; while I was bidding on the “STUPPA”; my uncle Henry advised me that in fact I was bidding against a man who he said was a millionaire; to that I just said; “I don’t care; but let me see if he really wants it?” I purchased the “STUPPA” about twentyfive years ago and proudly showed the Grade Four Class from the school; visiting our Seniors Center; how it works. Today the only practical use for the “STUPPA” is the educational value; as no other method of threshing a crop matches the efficiency of the “STUPPA”; in regard to saving every kernel of seed for the next crop year.

Common sense dictated that my “STUPPA”; now perhaps one of a kind; as it was hand-made, by some early Ukrainian Settler, would be my guess; it must be in a good museum and preserved for future generations; providing a little education to younger generations who would find it difficult today to imagine coming into the Canadian West with only a snuff box full of seed to plant your first crop and with a little common sense the “STUPPA” was every bit as important as the Snuff Box of Seed.

I donated my “STUPPA” to the fine Museum at Tofield, Alberta; where the curator has asked and received my permission to loan it to the Ukrainian Village for a one month period last year; as it now appears to be a one-of-akind historical item; which can be seen at the Tofield Museum.

Articles written by Peter McArthur based on historical knowledge gleaned over many years.