R.D. 1, Charleroi, Pa., Secretary
As surely as the third weekend in September appears, just as
surely do the hills and valleys around Burgettstown, Pa. echo with
sounds familiar to certain farming operations that are close to the
hearts of numerous steam engine enthusiasts from the tri-state
area. Between five and six thousand persons were welcomed to the
Steam Engine Ass’n., Inc. during the two-day show at the Dean
Fullerton farm on September 15 and 16. As is the usual custom,
ideal weather conditions prevailed.
Numerous entries, not previously seen in this area, together
with the customary amount of machinery regularly shown, and a
well-planned program of events, marked the occasion as one of the
best to be presented yet. There was something for everyone who
attended.
For the occasion, when steam is king, the traction engines on
exhibition included the Frick, Peerless, Farquhar, Keck-Gonnerman,
Case, Russell, Huber and Groton. All were in operation and took
their turn at performing the various chores assigned to them. The
crowds were enthralled by the appearance of the beautiful model of
a 65 Case shown by Thos. Hatcher and Sons, of New Concord, Ohio.
Hubert Spencer and Elmer Allshouse were on hand with their small
individually-made traction engines.
Perhaps the most growth occured in the old gas and oil tractor
field. These included Rumely Oil Pull, Avery, Hart Paar, IHC
(Mogul, Titan, Farmall Regular, Farmall 30), Minneapolis, Fordson,
Baker, Caterpillar and Heider. They came from as far away as Erie,
even a trailer load of three. They, too, took their turn on belt
jobs assigned to them. Twice daily, everything on wheels was
paraded around the large barnyard for everyone to see and to
photograph. This was indeed a most colorful sight. Daily
demonstrations of threshing-baling, sawing, the fan, feed grinding,
shingle making, ensilage cutting and clover hulling featured the
activities. These operations were repeated several times daily. An
abundance of grain made it possible to thresh and bale at frequent
intervals. This always is a popular part of the program. This time,
our horse-powered baler was operated by a beautiful team of mules
owned by Donald Noah, Scio, Ohio, and Charles Alrutz had his
attractive team of horses on the water wagon.
A rare entry, indeed, was the appearance of a beautifully
restored Size 3 Keystone Steam Well Driller, owned and shown
by Sam. R. Redd, Charleroi, Pa. It was in daily operation, making
the parade route the first day, and then set up and drilling the
remainder of the time. This was an outstanding part of the
exhibition.
Show manager, Nello Mungai had the grounds in good condition. An
attractive program had been arranged that provided a steady flow of
activities for the entire day. He was even drafted into the
announcing room and kept everyone informed as to what was going on
and where.
Several bus loads of pupils from adjoining schools were admitted
with the compliments of the management. This proved to be an
educational tour for them. The Port Authority of Pittsburgh, Pa.,
initiated the new idea of conducting organized tours from the city
and a hundred persons availed themselves of the opportunity to
witness farming operations as they were done many years ago. This
will likely become more popular with succeeding exhibitions.
The clam shell was used to put no. 1 sand in the bin at far
left. It used stationary boiler and 4 drum hoist engine.
The Ladies Auxiliary took care of many duties. They conducted a
successful bazaar, took subscriptions to The Iron-Men and Gas
Engine Magazines, and handled our registrations and memberships.
The American Red Cross Chapter from Washington, Pa., again provided
a field station. Gate and parking duties were managed by Southside
Volunteer Fire Dept. of Hookstown, Pa.
Bill Burris and his Green Valley Boys Band presented two stage
shows on Saturday and helped to conclude the show by playing for
the traditional square dance on Saturday night.
Plans are soon to be made for a similar event during the coming
year. The officers and directors are pleased with the reception our
shows have been receiving from the public.
Officers of the association are: President, Lester Lee, Cross
Creek, Pa.; Vice-President, Earl Hamilton, Lisbon, Ohio; Treasurer,
Evelyn Crow, and Secretary, Paul Crow, both of Charleroi, Pa. Board
of Directors are: Tracy Lewton, Hickory, Pa., Dean Redd, Charleroi,
Pa., V. M. Paul, Hickory, Pa., M.W. Kaste, McDonald, Pa., Dean
Fullerton, Burgettstown, Pa., David McDonald, Georgetown, Pa., A.V.
McKee, Washington, Pa., Nello Mungai, Hickory, Pa., Dell Weaver,
Canonsburg, Pa.
