Box 36 Geigertown, PA 19523
For the eighth year, the Hay Creek Valley Fall Festival was off
and running at Joanna Furnace near Morgantown, Pennsylvania, on
September 7,8, and 9th. Although steam was not the largest section
of the festival, it was adequately represented.
Showing his 1921, 9×10 dry bottom Frick engine was John Fleming
restored shingle mill owned by Earl Kieffer. John bought his
engine, which had been used to steam tobacco in Lancaster County,
in 1975. When it was purchased it needed extensive repairs and over
several years John gave the old Frick a lot of TLC.
Additionally on exhibit was a 1905 8×10 Frick wet bottom
portable. This engine, owned by D. J. Shirey of Geigertown, was
used to power the Hay Creek 1920 48′ pinion drive American
sawmill.
The third operating steam unit was an 1880 4×5 Orr and Sembower
upright which was donated to the Hay Creek Valley group by Mike
McClure and was used to buzz saw wood.
Adding to these Steam engines, over 200 hit-and-miss gas engines
were on display as well as numerous antique cars.
Additionally, Bob Geiger of Geigertown displayed his immaculate
operating model of a Case 65 HP traction engine.
The Fall Festival is held annually the first weekend after Labor
Day at Joanna Furnace just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike Morgantown
exit 22. For information about next year’s festival call
215-582-4938.
