Chairman Gas Engine & Tractor Show, UAW Local 662 2025
Hillcrest Drive Anderson, Indiana 46012
On Thursday, antique tractors and gas engines started arriving
at UAW Local 662, in Anderson, Indiana, so the participants would
be here in time for our biggest show yet, held June 1-3. From
Thursday until Sunday, the day the show closed, exhibitors had
engines, a toy tractor exhibit, the Anderson History Exhibit, and
model gas and steam engine exhibits. Also on hand were a gristmill
grinding corn, a 55 HP Anderson gas engine,; and ladies giving a
spinning wheel demonstration. Craft booth and flea market vendors
were displaying their goods, greatly adding to the festival.
Warren and Roberta Smith from Fillmore, New York won the
Traveler’s Trophy, traveling 1500 miles with their gas engines
and their 1930 Fordson tractor. Vaughn and Kathleen Franklin also
won a Traveler’s Trophy. Vaughn, representing UAW Local 1871
from Antwerp, Ohio, brought a 1940 John Deere H, and a 1945 John
Deere LA tractor. They traveled 110 miles to the show.
The People’s Choice Award for the tractors was presented to
Leon Keller from LaPorte, Indiana. Leon brought a 1937 CC Case
tractor. Pete Kubala of Louisville, Kentucky was the winner of the
People’s Choice Award for gas engines. Dick brought a 12 HP
Reid, and a scale Reid Model. The winner of the TV Raffle was Royce
Williams from Anderson, Indiana.
A Nostalgic Contest was held, and for the first time the ladies
also got into the act. The ‘quick start’ is when the driver
sits on the tractor seat, then jumps off and starts cranking the
tractor until it starts. Then the driver scurries to get back on
the seat, and then takes off. Kathy Gossage of New Castle, Indiana
can do this in two minutes and eight seconds. Just think, there
were no keys to lose!
In our ‘hurry-up’ world of today, a ‘slow race’
was held to see how long the driver could take to go between two
given points without the tractor completely stopping. John
Dependable, from Fountain City, Indiana, won this race with a 1938
Economy tractor.
For the second year in a row, Dick Sliger came all the way from
Cookeville, Tennessee, on his beautiful maroon motorcycle, pulling
a trailer with a 1 HP Stover engine. Dick creates an air of
excitement when he pulls in.
On Friday evening about 600 people were served at the Fish Fry
sponsored by Delco Remy’s Plant Ten Christmas Committee. Music
lovers were entertained by the Five Grand Band at an outdoor
concert. This was greatly enjoyed!
Saturday and Sunday, Delco Remy’s Plant 17’s Faith,
Hope, and Charity Committee provided the delicious food. The White
River Folk and Blue Grass Club entertained from 1-10 p.m. This is a
very popular event each year.
People from 14 states shared in the fun. To be sure you will
share in the fun-filled show, mark your calendar for May 31-June 2,
1991, next year’s show dates. This is where old friends and new
friends meet!
