15700 Santini Road, Burtonsville, Maryland 20730
It is once again that I find joy in reporting another show at
the Shenandoah Valley Steam and Gas Engine Show. Our weather, crowd
and displays could not have been better; in fact in my 10 years of
participation in the show I do not recall better of any of the
three. Despite bad weather visiting some of the other shows before
sunny weather with day time sunshine bringing 80 to low 90 degree
temperatures and low humidity, no, not even any snow was reported.
The crowds were the largest ever, which I think is a sign that our
show is earning a better reputation and more popularity each year.
We had a lot of additional equipment on display this year, although
no new makes of steam traction engines were observed by me. The
largest additions were in the gas tractor and engine section, along
with some homemade steam traction engines and portables.
The flea market section was much larger this year, by far. Our
gang, as anticipated lost most of its camping building to them, but
not enough to cost us our sleep. Our village blacksmith was present
and busy as usual, as was our small foundry busy making castings
for use in restorations as well as for sale as souvenirs. A broom
maker was also with us, along with many other such exhibits. Our
membership and registration booths were busy as usual, with all of
the help they could get being pressed into service. This was
especially true at the admission gate, where those on duty
did an admirable job despite being short on parking lot help this
year. We hope to be able to help the crowded conditions on the
display grounds another year by some adjustment in the exhibitor
and truck parking, and some camping changes.
The large steam traction engine display this year consisted of
Frick, Geiser, Case, Aultman-Taylor, Farquher, and Russell. I hope
I have listed them all. In Frick and Geiser, we had both single and
double cylinder versions. This does not count the many models, some
made from portables and others from scratch.
Mr. Gowl provided the power for our small rock crusher with his
small version of a Frick. Our Vice-president, Paul Giles powered
the sawmill with his double cylinder Frick, with Frank Anderson as
sawyer, as usual. Bill Sprouse used his Case on the thresher this
year, while other engines took their turns at other chores. Joe
Newton once again handled the shingle mill with his rare 10 hp.
bevel gear Aultman-Taylor, while Ralph Lewin with his Z Z Geiser,
along with all the rest took their turns and put on a show for one
and all. Yes, from 10 to 30 hp. we had an engine for any job.
Our gas tractor display was very large with many types
displayed, from ‘Cookie’ Cornett and his 4 wheel drive
Massey Harris down to a one wheel garden tractor. Some of the
others were Fordson, McCormick-Deering, Quincy, Waterloo Boy, John
Deere, International, among many others. The total of makes of
small gas engines are too numerous to attempt to list.
Mr. & Mrs. Schaefer were also present with their
subscription, book, and novelty stand, doing business and meeting
old friends as usual. We also had the steam calliope there Sunday
afternoon. Our train ride for the Kids (from diapers to gray hair),
the model display, handcraft and helicopter attractions were also
quite popular.
I have left one of our most popular and new attractions until
last to describe. This was our horse pull contest and exhibit,
which followed our Saturday parade. Unfortunately this took place
under circumstances so that I was unable to observe it and get
pictures, much to my sorrow. Of the several thousand who saw it all
of the comment I heard was the same. It was 100% ‘If you are
going to have that next year I will be here to see it.’ Yes, if
we possibly can, we will have it next year! This is our newest
attraction and promises to be extremely popular. We were not able
to get out sufficient publicity on this attraction, as we were not
sure until about a week before show time. We hope for more advance
notice and better publicity next year.
In addition to our regular show we have been trying to cooperate
with farm and agriculture displays throughout the area. We have put
on antique farm equipment displays for several this year. We even
plan to sponsor a bowling team this year. We believe this helps
attract people to our show by keeping our name known year
round.
I know that I have left out many attractions and events, but I
can not leave out a mention of the fine job done by Mr. Wayne God
love, our President; Mr. Paul Giles, our vice-president; his
daughter Linda, our secretary; and Mrs. Ralph Levin, our treasurer.
I must also thank the members of the board, committeemen, and all
of the workers. Thanks a lot, one and all.
We hope to see you next year, same time, same place, the Horse
Show grounds, Rt. 7, one mile west of Berryville Va. The dates are
the last full weekend in July, the 24th, 25th and 26th, 1976.