R.R. 3, Boonville, Missouri 65233
The MRVSEA held their 15 annual show at the Youth Fairgrounds
along 1-70 at Boonville, Missouri the 8, 9, 10 of September 1978.
Our show is always held the weekend after Labor Day.
The exhibits consisted of seven large steam engines, two Keck
Gonnermans, one Peerless, two Jumbos, one double cylinder Reeves,
Threshing is done with a 1938 McCormick Deering separator. Other
activities that involve the steam engines are the proxy brake for
the horsepower test, a steam engine race, lumber sawing, the baker
fans, and rock crushing. There is never a moment when a steam
engine cannot be found doing one thing or another. Along with the
large steam engines is a large collection of scale model steam
engines of all makes.
There is a large display of gas engines, the largest of which is
a 75 HP St. Mary’s diesel that came from Eureka, Missouri where
it was used to make ice. Built in the 1920s it has a 14′ bore,
20′ stroke and weighs 26,000 pounds. The cap off of the
connecting rod weighs 84 pounds. This is an engine everyone should
see. There are around 300 gas engines on display, many of which
come from neighboring states.
Our show also has a large display of horse drawn machinery and
antique tractor machinery. Other displays consist of antique hand
tools, spark plug collection, barb wire collections and license
plate collections. One interesting display is of furniture made of
old farm implements. There is also a display of antique clocks and
various antiques.
Do not leave our show empty handed! Apple cider is sold by the
cup and the gallon. There is also molasses made before your eyes
and plenty of apple butter for everyone. A few local gardeners sell
melons by the truck load.
Our show is fashioned for the whole family. For the kids there
is a miniature train. Rides on the train are only 10 and well worth
ittwo rounds which is approximately equal to a mile. For the women
there is rug making, wool spinning, macram, and picture painting.
There are several ladies who bring handicrafts which they make and
sell. One lady sells magazine subscriptions to this and several
magazines.
Our show had two snow cone stands and the local PTA takes care
of our large concession stand. Also a local chapter of the Knights
of Columbus serves barbequed pork, beef, and chicken dinners
Saturday and Sunday. Last year our show got to use some new
facilities installed on the grounds. The new restrooms have showers
for people who stay on the grounds and we also have a 62 x 70
closed-in show building. If you have an exhibit and would like to
show it at our show, write to me and I’ll reserve you a place.
If you have things to sell, write to me and I’ll tell you the
terms and reserve you a place.
There is a display of old cars and trucks. There is also a large
number of antique motorcycles. There is a daily parade of tractors,
cars, trucks, and engines. After the parade on Sunday there is an
antique auction. Last year the biggest piece of equipment sold was
a 25 HP Bauer gas engine. There is one blacksmith on duty all the
time. Church services are held at 9:00 A.M. Sunday on the
grounds.
You can camp on the grounds and all exhibitors are invited. Last
year the weather was beautiful. We would like to thank everyone who
brings exhibits to our show and we hope to see you again. The
visitors and the exhibitors made our show a success.
Plans are already underway for next year’s show. Next year
to our schedule of events we added an antique tractor pull. Next
year we will miss two exhibitors, Elze Meckley of Paris, Missouri
and Robert Little of North Kansas City, Missouri. Both brought
large collections of gas engines.