Barber-Greene Model 879 asphalt spreader

Pictured here in 1951 is a Barber-Greene Model 879 asphalt spreader in action on the main street of Sarnia, Ontario, under the watchful eye of many a local sidewalk superintendent. Area contractor, Stonehouse & Sons Ltd. was completing a reconstruction project laying down the top asphalt.

The Barber-Greene Model 879 paver, initially developed in the 1930s, underwent many revisions with the Model 879 B being introduced in the mid-1950s commanding a purchase price of $13,500!

Powered by a Hercules four-cylinder gas engine rated at 45 kW, the paver boasted an 80 tonne-per-hour asphalt placement supplied by single axle dump trucks.

With a heated screed, crown control, hydraulics to lift the screed and the ability to handle extensions to pave up to 4.27 metres in width, it was considered state-of-the-art through the 1960s. Eventually acquired by Caterpillar, the Barber-Greene name was synonymous with asphalt equipment innovation in roadbuilding.

The Historical Construction Equipment Association (HCEA) Canada’s 2025 events include Wheels & Tracks in June and the Last Blast in October. Both events are held the Simcoe County Museum near Barrie. To see more than 60 pieces of vintage construction equipment in action, be sure to attend. HCEA Canada is a proud Heritage Partner of the Simcoe County Museum. Visit hceacanada.org for more information.