One of the things that Prince Edward Island is known for is growing potatoes, and so it is not surprising that there is a Potato Museum on the island, in the village of O’Leary, dedicated to the spud. The potato is certainly one of my favourite vegetables, and so I went to check out the Canadian museum of its namesake.
I hopped out of my rental car in the pouring rain and scurried to enter the museum. There is a 14-foot-high potato to greet you as you enter. There are two sections of the museum: there is the actual Potato Museum and there is a small section of the history of the village of O’Leary. I went to see the O’Leary village museum first. An Irish settler named Michael O’Leary who created the Main Street from his property to the main road was the namesake of this village.
Most of this part of the museum were old 20th century artifacts; from old electronics and furniture to old medical equipment, including an iron lung which I do not think I have ever seen in person before. This felt a little bit reminiscent to visiting The Canadian Museum of Immigration in Halifax last year.
It is time to explore the Potato Museum proper, which according to the museum, is the largest collection of potato-related farm machinery, agricultural, and community artifacts. The start of the museum had some hand tools that farmers would use to till the soil for growing, as well as pictures of the use of oxen to till the soil for the farmers.
One thing to note is that there are hundreds (if not thousands) of types of potatoes grown around the world, including some that are native to Prince Edward Island. I only knew about the Russet and the Yukon Gold potato, but I did not know there was so much more.
One exhibit that stuck out to me were the types of pests and diseases that could affect a potato, and each affliction was in its own little coffin, so you could see first-hand how these pests and diseases would look on a potato. It was grim looking at these different afflictions, and I think I nearly vomited seeing some of these diseases.
At the back of the museum was a big barn full of tractors and other farm equipment. It is crazy how gigantic some of these agricultural vehicles were. Some of these vehicles had long conveyors on them to sort the potatoes.
There were also various antique wagons and carriages on display, as well as a carriage shop where workers would build carriages that I assume that horses would pull.
Finally, there were some classic tractors to see. I am not much of a tractor person, but these were some fine tractors for a farm to use.
There was also an on-site restaurant with a few potato-inspired dishes as well as some classics like French Fries. The restaurant was full, and I was also going to get lunch in Summerside, so I passed on dining at the restaurant.
I am not much of an agriculture person, but since Prince Edward Island is a place known for growing potatoes, I had the obligation to visit the museum, and I am glad I did. I learned some things like how many types of potatoes are there, and recoiling at the visuals of diseased potatoes. If you happen to be driving around on the west side of Prince Edward Island, take the detour and visit the Potato Museum.
More pictures below:
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