Sec. 263 W. George St., Yoe, Penna.
The eighth Annual Steam-O-Rama sponsored by the Early American
Steam Engine Society was held July 22, 23 and 24 at Stewartstown,
Pennsylvania.
We received many favorable comments, both oral and written, that
this was the best show society ever held. There were many very
interesting displays and exhibits, all depicting some of the
methods of farming and sawing of yesteryear.
There were 14 steam engines, 6 oil pulls and 12 gas tractors. In
‘Gasoline Alley’, there were approximately 115 gas engines,
every one in running order. The steam table under the supervision
of C. K. Longenderfer is creating more interest. This year a few
more brought their small steam models. Some of the models were run
by air.
The main attraction was the completed calliope by the Getz
brothers of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This past year, Mr. Noah Getz
installed a fuel oil burner and boiler on the truck bed and encased
it, similar to a van. The center part is open on both sides to
expose the calliope, in fact, it has the appearance of a stage.
Since the boiler and burner have been installed it can be used in
parades. It made its initial appearance in our steam engine parade,
therefore we had another ‘First’.
Another feature which created a lot of interest was Sam
Osborne’s blacksmith shop. Although there were no horses to be
shod, Sam was kept busy making miniature horse shoes for the
ladies.
LeRoy Ebersol’s steam kettle and boiler were used in making
the apple-butter. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Fake had charge of this
demonstration.
The Ladies’ Auxiliary, the ‘Enginettes’ played an
important role in the success of the show. They worked very
diligently in preparing and serving the meals. Mrs. Gene Nafe was
in charge of the kitchen.
Our daily events consisted of: Flag raising- The Star Spangled
Banner; Devotions by Mr. Verne Waltimyer; Calliope, Mrs. Lorena
Miller; Wheat threshing, C. E. Stambaugh in charge; Baling;
Saw-mill. E. C. Nafe; Shingle Mill, Ray Urey; Baker Fan; Miniature
Saw mill, Ted Gowl; 1900 Laundromat, Clyde Kauffman (water wheel,
pump, antique washer); Steam Engine parade; Gas Engine
demonstrations; Thurs. night, Country Music; Friday night, 4-H Club
Program; Saturday afternoon, Chief Charlie Little water and Antique
car parade; Saturday night, Stewartstown Band and William Clem of
Virginia showed slides of the National Threshers show in Ohio.
We were entertained intermittently by the boys from Mode-Art
Studio in Pittsburgh with the playing of their records of steam
engines, riverboats and steam locomotives.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hope of Virginia made several recordings of
the steam engines and calliope.
The 4-H Club had displays of their projects and sold cakes,
cookies and candy. The boys took care of parking the cars.
Magazine subscriptions to the Iron-Men Album and Western Engines
were sold by yours truly.
In conclusion, we wish to thank all those who participated in
this years show and also the following organizations: Mason-Dixon
Historical Society, Rough & Tumble Engineers, Maryland Steam
Historical Society, Williams Grove Steam Engine Association and
Shenandoah Valley Steam Engine Association.
