R.R. #2, Box 178, Arcola, Illinois 61910
During the early ‘growing years of our children, Rick and
Pam, my husband, Fred, and I would take them to every steam show
within 250 miles of our home. We always found wholesome, good
family fun and enjoyment while making new friends both young and
old. Fred and I have always believed that the associations our
character. Now both Rick and Pam are grown and are of invaluable
assistance in the organization, planning and development of the
annual Douglas County Historical Steam Festival held at our home
near Arcola.
The Nolans do not get away to steam shows as often as we once
did before the enormous task of holding the annual Festival;
however, we did attend several shows this year. Our youngest,
Jennifer, is now five years old, and we spent a day in August at
the Skinner Farm Museum Steam and Gas Show near Perrysville,
Indiana. It was a delightful day and I would like to tell you about
some of the things Jennifer liked the best. The house such a big
spacious home. It was a temptation not to run through the rooms. It
was built in 1844 and was moved three miles to its present
location. A lot of hard work has gone into the home. The log cabins
were a real treat too. Stuffed animals (including a bear) and a
lady making a rug were just some of the things we saw. Outside, the
big steam engines were passed by (for today) while Jennifer took to
the many nice models at the show which she thought was ‘Just my
size, Mom!’ We stopped long enough to say ‘hi’ to our
friend, Joby Spencer, who was blacksmithing and then on to the ice
cream stand and to see an old friend, Wilma Byrd, who was helping
at the stand.
We stopped for a short time at the sawmill and then to the area
where the Civil War Enactment was being held. The group put on a
good show both educational and fun to watch. Jennifer and I took
some pictures and hope you will enjoy them. We are already planning
to go back next year. It is a real credit to Mr. and Mrs. Norman
Skinner and the other folks who help to put on such a fine event.
We appreciate it.