New Rockford, North Dakota 58356
Among all the articles, pictures, etc., in the last I.M.A. (Nov.
– Dec. 76) I find most interesting the ‘Notes From Across The
Puddle’ by J. Hodgeon. This is partly because I am a believer
in the economy of compounds, especially for steady work like
threshing. (Note Hodgeon’s reference to the economy of
them over the years and from observation of the many compounds that
were found in this wheat-growing state, indicating their
popularity. The Advance 26 & 35 HP tandem compound
straw-burners were very well liked, also the 30 HP cross-compound.
I threshed three short ‘runs’ with each of these three
engines. I am aware that many engine men do not agree with my
opinion of compounds, but every once in a while some older man will
tell me that he had operated them and liked them. I am not
belittling any of the other fine engines that were used, either
simple or compound.
From Hodgeon’s letter I calculate his age at 17 or 18; it is
good to see the young fellows taking over. Being a joint owner with
his father, I am sure is very good. How about a description and
maybe a drawing of the ‘single crank compound?’ I am sure
many men would like to see how this is connected.
The design and workmanship of the English engines is very
interesting. The cylinder casting is usually also the dome, steam
jacket, throttle, governor valve and other details. The footboard,
tank and bunker are very well constructed and finished.
A short report about our September 76 show. We were very
fortunate in having favorable weather and harvest well completed in
our area and most of the surrounding states and provinces. Our
attendance was the highest we have had for twelve years. There was
about 25 acres of good oats to thresh, logs to saw, shingle mill,
grist mill, teeter board etc. The gas engine display was bigger and
better.
After all the work of putting on the show, it is rewarding to
see engine men and other visitors from so many states and
provinces. We are finding more engine men to take over engines each
year, some older and a couple of young fellows. Several of the
Canadian engineers take over, also men from Montana, Minnesota and
other places. Four men from the Stephenson County Antique Engine
Club, Freeport, Illinois, were a big help and also a lot of fun. I
am sure a visit to their show will be interesting. I must mention
Harry Goodmansee of Dowling, Michigan and his friends. Harry is
probably more widely known at the shows all over the country than
any other man. He has been a regular here for many years, has made
many friends and I think he likes to get his hands on our 110 Case.
We are always very glad to see him.
I enclose a 1975 picture of my Advance 26 HP straw-burner. The
man on the ground is my very good friend, Don Milne. Mr. Milne is
the number one steam man at the Austin, Manitoba show. I think it
is a good picture of the Advance, Mr. Milne and the fireman, Mr.
Olson, somehow I managed to get in the picture myself.
