The view of the Nichols & Shepard when we opened the door of
the building Carl s son-in-law Tom Scott (left) and Brian Olson
(right).
The Mehmke Museum, near Great Falls, Montana, has added engines
to what was already an outstanding collection. Carl Mehmke is
proceeding in the tradition set by his late father, Walter, who
Carl is busy with farming, and consequently cannot devote as
much time to the exhibits as he would like, but his interest is
strong nevertheless.
He has recently acquired a Nichols & Sheppard 20/70, which
makes an excellent addition to the line of steamers which is
visible as you enter the grounds. There are now 20 of them.
The museum also has 40 gas tractors. Carl has brought in
Caterpillars, which he likes. He has a 10, a 15, a 20, a 30, a 22
and a 60.
When Margaret and I visited the Mehmkes in the late summer of
1982, they were enjoying memories of a visit to England and Europe.
They attended two rallies in England; visited the railroad museum
in York, England, and also spent time in Germany and Sweden.
Carl was able to engage in ‘Caterpillar talk’ with a
fellow collector, Arthur Hinch, whom the Mehmkes stayed with for a
week in Stamford. Hinch is a farmer, and had visited the Mehmkes
the year before.
Hinch has an old plowing engine. The Mehmkes saw an exhibition
of plow engines in action. Ray White, whom they also visited, has
two of these.
The Mehmke museum, which is near the town of Belt, Mont., has
both outdoor and indoor exhibits. The steam engine names include
Case, Reeves, Aultman-Taylor, Avery, Minneapolis and Garr-Scott.
There are also stationary gas engines, old wagons, and all sorts of
other items to interest our readers.
