All material for the next issue of the magazine (July-August)
should be in our office no later than May 1, 1973.
Are you beginning to smell the smoke? If you aren’t, just be
patient! It can’t be too much longer to wait for our
Reunions.
It is the second week of March as I write this. Our flowers have
bloom any day. It has been delightfully warm and pleasant here.
All these signs add anxiety to your anticipation for the coming
summer’s pleasures, I know.
Titus Brubaker of Lancaster, Pa. is recovering nicely from a
stroke he had this winter. Thought perhaps some of you fellows
didn’t know and would like to send him a card. May his progress
continue.
Mr. Gilbert Snyder of Barberton, Ohio wrote the following
suggestion to us. Thought I’d pass it on to you writers and
workers at the Reunions and you could take them for what
they’re worth ‘In the September-October 1972 issue there is
a whole page ad of a reunion (or show) at Akron Flats. Now, just
what state is that in? To the man on a vacation trip this could
mean a lot. Some time ago I found an ad in your classified section
that did not have the name of the state. This means well, need I
say more? Now, I don’t mean to be fussy and hope you will
accept this as constructive criticism and make a good magazine
better.
May I also suggest that a card be placed on each engine, steam
or gas, and tractor stating when they will be in operation. This
would be a great help to the guest. And, if it is not in condition
to operate, this should be stated on the card.’
Mrs. Leslie Sorrell from Route 1, Eldorado, Ohio 45321 recently
wrote about her subscribing to both of our magazines as a gift for
her son. ‘He’s enjoying them very much,’ she said.
‘They have so many interesting pictures and also lots of good
reading. My son is very much interested in steam shows and old farm
machinery. We have an old gasoline engine which he hopes to
restore. We are both collecting old post cards of old farm
tractors, old steam engines, other old farm machinery and old
harvesting scenes. We would like to hear from anyone else who has
this same hobby.’
A thoughtful 86 year old engineer subscriber, S. J. Arnold from
Orlando, Florida sent Anna Mae and me each a peach blossom. He said
it was 80 degrees that afternoon. They had not had a killing cold
front all winter. Their lawn and flowers were in full bloom.
Doesn’t it sound wonderful? Thanks, Mr. Arnold!
Mr. Harold R. Hart, Route 2, Boonville, Indiana 47601 would like
to know what year his Advance Thresher Company Model 12249 steam
engine was made. Can anyone help him?
Here are three more gentlemen’s notes telling us of getting
the magazine from when it first startedJ. Rex Haver, 643 Bellefonte
Avenue, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania 17745I have been a subscriber of
the Iron-Men Album since away back when it was the Farm Album. I
have all my copies and enjoy reading them very much.
Arthur L. Heiland, R. R. 1, Anna, Ohio 45302-I thought I would
write to let you know I have been a subscriber to your magazine
from the first copy up till now. I have all the magazines in my
files. I have always looked forward to getting the magazine and
have read and reread all of them as I like to read what is in the
magazine and to see what other steam men are doing or have done
during their lifetime.
Bruce McCourtney, Syracuse, Nebraska 68446I too have all the
copies from the beginning including the Farm Album, so you see, I
just can’t afford to miss any copies now. I have enjoyed every
one of them.
I had the pleasure of meeting the Rev. Elmer Ritzman at one of
Leroy Blaker’s shows at Alvordton, Ohio in the late 40s or
1950.
I am 66 years old and we have had steam engines in my family
long before I was born and ever since. I now have a 50 Case, a
16-48 Russell and a 2-ton model rear mount, single cylinder Gaar
Scott. They are all in A-l condition. My 12 year old grandson is
very handy with any of them. My grandson is Merk Penkava and is
half Czech and and Irish and half steam.
We use the little engine in parades quite a lot. He watches
these engines like a hawk the water gauge, the draft lid, oil pump,
grease cups, oil holes and everything.
In closing, I’d like to quote General Jimmy Doolittle which
I found in a Guide Post. ‘If a man leaves the earth a better
place than he found it, then his life has been worthwhile. It
doesn’t matter what form this service takes. You can build a
bridge, write a poem, or paint a picture.’
May I add, ”Enjoy someone else’s efforts and
appreciate a steam show or teach the principles of steam and its
values to others.’ My hubby also felt about life in just this
manner and so do I.
Keep up your steam, Fellows, for many years to come.
