When downsizing in 2011, Dad was concerned that his toolbox find a good home. He had already donated his machinist's lathe to Red River College, and decided that a perfect home for his toolbox would be the Western Canada Aviation Musum. Their restoration teams would know the tools and could certainly make proper use of them.
The museum agreed. In fact, Shirley Render, their Executive Director, was delighted with the idea, and wrote about the donation in the Winter 2011 issue of their newsletter, Altitude, and included photos of Dad and his toolbox. Her text reads as follows:
Another day brought an e-mail from Stephanie Fraser, daughter of Murray Fraser, a loyal member of the museum. Stephanie wrote on behalf of her father: "Dad has a long history in the aircraft industry, having started his training during WWII, followed by a successful 34-year career at Bristol Aerospace. At 92 years of age, he is now downsizing and would like his cherished machinist's toolbox to go to the museum."
Her note continues: "The toolbox was entirely hand-made by Dad in 1946, back on his father's farm. It is made of aircraft aluminum alloy and measures 30" wide by 16-1/2" high by 12" deep. The toolbox has 12 drawers of varying depths, each lined with green felt. The top hinges open for storage of large items, and a separate panel fits across the front to secure the drawers and accommodate a padlock.
"The training he received in the RCAF gave Dad the skills to build it, and it was a resume in itself. This toolbox helped him land a post-war job at Bristol Aerospace (MacDonald Bros.), when they weren't really hiring. But the firm was impressed with his work (including an aluminum tractor cab he built) and glowing references from his instructors, and they had the good sense to hire him!
"Dad would be so pleased if the museum would accept his toolbox as a donation. It certainly served Dad well, and I expect it would be welcomed by your crews. Included are several of Dad's prized machinist's tools that are still in immaculate condition."
The toolbox is handcrafted to carefully protect the tools and instruments inside. There was a time when machinists and craftsmen in most trades were expected to acquire their own tools and equipment. This gift from Murray Fraser epitomizes that era and, at the same time, is a unique example of a craftsman who took great pride in his equipment. Fraser's toolbox and its contents have found a good home at our museum.It was a win-win solution.
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| Dad poses with the afterburner of a J85-15 jet engine at the Western Canada Aviation Museum, his natural habitat. |
