1

As World War I came to a close, many companies were faced with a harsh reality. With Europe in shambles and in the beginning stages of rebuilding, Frost & Wood found its farm implements in lower demand from overseas clients.

In 1924, the Cockshutt Plow Company bought complete control of the Frost & Wood Company. The two companies ceased to operate as partners, and Frost & Wood was now known as "the Harvester Division of the Cockshutt Plow Company" in all literature.

2

The Frost & Wood Company, Harvester Division of the Cockshutt Plow Company
1926-1955
Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Fennell, Norman and Pearl

3

As drought took over the west, Frost & Wood was hit hard by the Depression. Perhaps a tribute to the company's relationship with the community, Frost & Wood continued to operate during these tough economical times.

The company did close down for a few months in 1924, and there were layoffs, but a complete shutdown would have resulted in disastrous effects for the town of Smiths Falls. The company felt a financial loss but the decision to stay open kept the town employed.

4

The Frost & Wood Mfg. Co., Smiths Falls, Ont.
2 September 1926
Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Bryant, Don

5

On June 17, 1939, the Town of Smiths Falls and the Frost & Wood Company celebrated the company's 100th anniversary.

The celebrations began with a parade through town, showcasing the finest products the company had to offer. Events like a softball game and a step dancing competition were organized while a live band played into the night to finish off the celebrations.

6

Centennial Celebrations
17 June 1939
Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
The Smiths Falls Public Library

7

In a small ceremony at Strathcona Park, President J.E. Ruby presented five employees with gold watches as a thank-you for their 50 years of service and loyalty.

Members of the Frost & Wood Company and the Cockshutt Plow Company also spoke to the crowd, but perhaps the most telling was the one given by the Mayor of Smiths Falls, J.J. Bradley. Bradley congratulated the company on its milestone and acknowledged the importance of the company in Smiths Falls.

"[Frost & Wood] had provided steady employment for four to five hundred men through the years, distributing millions of dollars to these employees in wages and in this way making it possible for many merchants and others to conduct profitable business in town Frost & Wood had played a major part in the growth and development of Smiths Falls from a tiny village to Lanark County's largest town." (The Record-News, June 22, 1939)

8

Cockshutt Tractors on Display
17 June 1939
Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Heritage House Museum

9

Crowds gathered along Beckwith and Elmsley Streets to watch the morning parade. Company officials rode in company cars, followed by 400 employees marching behind. Some employees drove Cockshutt-Frost & Wood machinery, while "attractive" female employees, known as the "farmettes" went along for the ride.

10

Frost & Wood Centennial Parade
17 June 1939
Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Heritage House Museum

11

In this silent video, Frost & Wood machinery and staff make their way along Beckwith Street during the company's centennial parade. Machines like cream separators, binders, disc harrows, and mowers are seen.

12

Frost & Wood Centennial Parade
17 June 1939
Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre

13

Though Frost & Wood did not manufacture tractors, Cockshutt tractors pulled some Frost & Wood machinery during the parade

14

Farm Machinery: Binders
17 June 1939
Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Heritage House Museum