International drillers sent many exotic gifts back to their families in Canada, but what John Growder sent his brother in 1906 may have been among the most unexpected - 25 water buffalo skulls, a bear skin, and some tea. Born in Enniskillen Township in 1871, Growder spent his youth working in the oil fields of Lambton County.

Like many men in his time, Growder decided to use the skills he developed working in the Lambton County oil fields to find employment as an International Driller. His career as an International Driller lasted for 32 years, drilling in India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Japan.

Growder was an avid collector bringing dozens of artefacts and curios back with him from his journeys overseas. With nearly 500 men from Lambton County working as International Drillers, it became common to see exotic foreign treasures when walking into one of the neighbourhood homes.

Where other men were content to return to Canada as soon as possible from the international oil fields, Growder returned home at the age of 60. But even retirement wasn’t a vacation. He spent his remaining years prospecting for oil in Northern Ontario.

For men like Growder, oil is in their veins.