The Douglas County Historical Steam and Gas Show located in the
heart of the Old Order Amish Settlement, two miles west of Arcola,
Illinois, provided hundreds of spectators the type of historical
and educational show that they had expected.
Unique in its historical farm setting, the show, in its fourth
year, features the continuing restoration of the 1873 Jacob R.
shingle making, blacksmithing, baling, threshing, several gas
engines, 10 large traction steam engines, gas tractors, steam
models, quality controlled antique/arts/crafts/show-sale. New to
the show this year were rail splitting, model steam boating,
additional steam engines and DePaul University filming the show for
educational purposes for the State of Illinois. Despite the
carryover from the Texas heat wave, out-of-state spectators
traveled long distances to view not only the recreation of the
past, but to view the actual surrounding area itself that has never
changed from the early threshing days.
The 1981 show is scheduled for July 17, 18, and 19 and will be
featuring more exhibits, potato plowing and draft horses.
The Douglas County show is held two miles west of Arcola,
Illinois, and stresses educational and historical events as you can
see from this series.