The Stumptown Steam Threshers Association held their twelfth
annual show at their show grounds September 7th and 8th of 1974.
The grounds are located 1-1/4 miles west of New Athens, Ohio.
A cool, foggy Saturday morning caused the smoke from the 11
steam engines to hug the ground. The sun came out about noon and
continued to shine the rest of the day.
On display were scale models and several engines. Also gas and
oil pull tractors, and old fashioned threshing machines of
different makes. On both days the sawmill, Baker fans, shingle
mill, threshing machines, and a straw baler could be seen. Corn
meal grinding on a stone burr mill, from hand picked corn of
excellent quality, was shown both days.
There were flea markets everywhere, eating stands and several
other concessions to curb the hunger of young and old. The
Ladies’ Auxiliary also had a flea market in addition to a bake
sale, rummage sale, and bazaar.
On Saturday afternoon we were glad to see our President, Charles
Harrison, who had been ill, able to attend the show to see the
crowning of Mrs. Elsie Sells of Lisbon, Ohio as Queen of 1974. And
the presentation of the Thresherman Of The Year Award to Mr.
Raymond Laizure of Cadiz, Ohio.
The Ladies Auxiliary sponsored both of the above events. Also
they auctioned off a crazy quilt on Saturday night and raffled off
a red, white, and blue afgan on Sunday.
At four o’clock each day there was a parade of steam
engines, tractors, and antique autos. After the parade on Saturday
a whistle blow was held. Even though you held your ears the sound
of the whistles were loud; but enjoyable.
At 7:30, right before the Fiddler’s Contest, a group of
young girls did the Can-Can. Their costumes were very colorful and
the dance was enjoyed by all. These girls were under the direction
of Mrs. Virginia Keyser.
After the dance the Fiddler’s Contest got underway with its
toe -tapping music. This contest was under the direction of Raymond
Laizure.
Sunday morning, the second day of the show, was cool until the
sun came out to shine the rest of the day. Mr. Marion Rogers took
charge of the church services and had a very good sermon. Reverend
Winford Burkhead was in charge of the music which everyone
enjoyed.
Our visitors on both days came from as far away as Iowa, Texas,
Florida, and a young student from Cairo, Egypt who was visiting the
United States.
Several committees work together to make our show both enjoyable
and successful. We hope to see all your smiling faces at our 1975
show which will be held September 5th and 6th.
Officers are: Charles Harrison, President, of Scio, Ohio;
Raymond Laizure, Vice President, Cadiz, Ohio; Lester Toole,
Secretary, Cadiz, Ohio; Melba Toole, Treasurer, Cadiz, Ohio.
