Central Massachusetts Steam, Gas and Machinery Association,
Inc., held its fifth annual ‘Yankee Enginuity in Action’
show on June 27, 28, 1981. The show was held at the Orange Airport
in Orange, Massachusetts.
The weatherman cooperated and gave us an almost perfect weekend
and early Friday afternoon the exhibitors started arriving. Camping
facilities were available directly across from the airport and
space was made available at the show for those wishing to stay with
their exhibits.
Early Saturday morning the crowds began arriving and before the
end of the show an estimated ten to 15 thousand people had a chance
to see the displays of over two hundred exhibitors.
One lungers of all types and sizes chugged along contentedly as
of old doing jobs of every description.
Antique cars were proudly displayed as were restored airplanes
and homemade airplanes that were provided by the Aero Club based at
Orange Airport.
Parachute jumping gave the crowd an extra thrill as did the
large flea market.
When noontime came, there were plenty of food concessions
available. A Swedish meatball dinner was provided by one of the
local churches along with other delicious foods provided by other
local groups
Our local Explorer Scout group was on hand to man a first aid
station. They also handled the parking of cars and directing of
traffic for which they did an excellent job.
During the weekend raffle tickets were sold on a one lung engine
and a homemade quilt. Winners were picked Sunday afternoon at the
conclusion of the show.
All who exhibited their engines (gas, steam) and tractors were
given a button, ribbon and plaque as a thank you for coming.
As always, the show was free to all attending.
