1996 Homestead Power Show AT HIGHLAND, ILLINOIS

Three ‘new’ steam engines were present for the 1996
show: Andy Craig’s 20-70 HP Nichols and Shepard, Bill
Jansen’s 24 HP Minneapolis and Bill’s model of a Nichols
and Shepard double rear mount.

Most people would not think of the smaller Midwestern shows as
‘plowing shows’ but this show is an exception, as a lot of
plowing was done with steam. The plowing conditions were excellent,
and quite a show was put on by the 24 HP Minneapolis and the 20-70
Nichols and Shepard.

The featured tractor of the show was Oliver and the large
gathering of Oliver and Hart Parr tractors was well received by the
show visitors. The show also had a fine display of various other
makes of tractors and gas engines.

The sawmill skids were filled with good saw logs, the sawmill
and crew were busy for all three show days. A variety of steam
engines and engineers were tested out at the mill. Rock crushing,
shingle making and threshing were performed at the show with good
results.

Visiting steam engineers at the show were from the states of
Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois. On Saturday evening of
the show these engineers gathered together to enjoy a good meal and
share some steam camaraderie. Joe Graziana, who served as informal
host of this event, was presented with articles to help him in the
steam hobby and was given the title ‘Professor A.
Graziana.’

John Ford, Bill Jansen, Rick Apple and Paulette Apple at the
‘Highland Steam Banquet.’ John and Rick, who hail from
Tennessee, sport ‘hillbilly’ felt hats and
‘moonshine’ jugs thoughtfully provided by the host.

Next year’s show will again be the second weekend after
Labor Day, and promises to be even better as a newly restored
Minneapolis steam engine should make its first appearance at the
show. Perhaps Joe Graziana can be persuaded to bring one of his
Harrison ‘Jumbo’ steam engines.