The following is an account of the 6th annual Ternings Steam and
Gas Engine Show. This show is held annually over the Labor Day
weekend in Valley Center, Kansas. Valley Center is located just 500
miles southwest of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, about 700 miles south of
Rollag, Minnesota, and 12 miles Northwest of Wichita, Kansas.
One could not exactly put a finger on it but there seemed to be
something distinctly different about this particular show compared
to all the others. At first glance, the total overall appearance
did not seem to be that much different from the shows of past
years. This year there were 19 full sized steam traction engines
scattered around the grounds with their ‘old masters’ at
the throttle. The Case wooden incline was standing in the middle of
the grounds looking as ominous as ever just waiting for its next
challenger. The wheat stack located at the east end of the ground
was considerably larger than that of other years just ask Gary or
Quentin Base, Joe Harper, Butch Olson, and countless others and
they will testify to the truth of that statement. We heard that the
town of Valley Center sold out of Ben Gay that particular
weekend!!! The gas engines had their own little corner of the
grounds and were putt-putting away at their own speed. All of the
craft and concession stands and the grist mill were busy selling
their wares.
A more detailed, in depth look seemed in order to give us the
answers we were seeking. Just what was different about this
show?
As was state done could readily see the ‘old masters’ at
the controls. Every show in the world has people who qualify for
the coveted title of ‘masters of the throttle’. But the
difference with the old masters at this show was that they were
giving much sought after advice to the younger generation. By
advice we mean much more than giving the order to bring more water
or coal. They fully realized that there is no way in the world
these young people could go to the local library and check out a
book and learn how to properly operate these engines. One must have
hands on experience and the old masters must be present to offer
advice. For many months prior to the show the young people were
expected to be around to receive proper instruction if they were to
be allowed to be an assistant or be in control of an engine during
the show. The engineers both young and old were issued
operator’s licenses only after they demonstrated their skills
with a particular engine.
Out to the south field went the 50 HP Case with Doug Base and
Aaron Terning at the controls. On the eight bottom plow stood Dan
Base, Frank Harper, and David Hutcherson. Perhaps you are thinking
that this is not such a noteworthy statement. However, when one
considers that the ages of all involved ranged from 12 to 16we do
think that is noteworthy. There were several fathers seen here and
there in the crowd, just in case a bit of advice was needed. As Jim
Thomas of Graford, Texas soon announced, these young people needed
no advice or assistance. They full well knew just what to do and
when to do it. They maneuvered this unit so smoothly many surely
thought there must be an old master hiding somewhere. Before the
show was over there were many people in agreement to the fact that
these boys were the ‘youngest old masters’ they had
seen.
The youngest engineer was Scott Burkhardt. He and younger
brother Seth, were seen going round and round the show on a
half-scale Case 65 model steam engine. Every few minutes Seth could
be seen heading towards the funnel cake wagon it soon made one
wonder if they were fueling their engine with funnel cakes!! One
look at Seth’s tummy and one knew that the engine was not
devouring them. Scott appeared as cool as a cucumber and in
control. His mother was busy giving guided tours of the show and
did not have much time to worry. The rumor was that she was just a
tiny bit nervous. Scott’s father was busy operating the new
Huberbut did keep a watchful eye on his number one son.
David Hutcherson was also operating a half-scale model Case. His
father, Dane, was keeping watch from the Aultman Taylor he was
operating. His mother, Sue and sister, Christine, were also
assisting with the show wherever needed. Several other half-scale
model Case engineers were close at hand in case assistance was
needed. They were Mr. Lorraine Peterson and his wife Nadine from
Pawnee Rock, Kansas, Mahlon Giffin of Sedgwick, Kansas, Jim Hijek
of Medford, Oklahoma, and Bill Koska and wife Lorraine who had
ventured from St. Cloud, Minnesota to be at the show. Mr. O. A.
Thomas and wife Dorothy from Farmington, Illinois, were displaying
their almost completed quarter-scale Case model. A safe bet would
be that next year this model will be in tip-top running condition.
Ed and Dian Routh of Miaze, Kansas were busy on their quarter scale
also. Bill Billings also with his brother Jack and his wife had
their Rumely and Peerless models in fine condition.
The Ron Harris Family of Hutchinson spent many days during the
summer months helping to prepare for the show. They also had
several tractors on display.
Meanwhile, back at the wheat mountain serious thought was being
given as to the most efficient method of converting the stack into
wheat in the truck and bales of straw. All seemed to be in
agreement and the call went out for Mr. ‘Avery’ Sullivan of
Wichita, Kansas and his assistant Hardy Wunch of Goddard, Kansas to
bring forth the mighty 120 Avery. At the same time a call went out
for Quentin Base to bring forth his beautifully restored Yellow
Fellow separator. There were many pieces of equipment at this show
that were real ‘show stoppers’. This Yellow Fellow was
certainly one which many people just stood and gazed at. This had
been a winter project for the family even Quentin’s wife Vivian
got in on the action. She was responsible for all the lettering.
When this team grew weary the Joe Harper family of Sedgwick, Kansas
pulled two other real show stoppers into position. The 20 HP
Russell steam engine and Nichols and Sheppard separator were a
source of constant picture taking. Joe had acquired this engine in
late December of 1982. It was truly difficult to understand just
how such a transformation could have taken place in such a short
time. The before and after results were truly amazing.
Much of the equipment at this show was owned, restored, and
operated by many younger people. In fact there were three more
separators. One of the owners of a matched pair of tractor and
separator was Dan Base. His was a C Case and a 1948 22 x 36 Case
separator. Brother Doug Base is the proud owner of a 1948 John
Deere ‘D’ and a 28′ John Deere separator. Frank Harper
owns a 1937 W-30 and a 1931 McCormick Deering separator. A love of
this type of equipment and the desire to keep alive a part of
history was very evident in the pride of ownership displayed by
these young people.
Dave Sebits of Hesston had his two sons with him as he operated
his 30 HP Case. They are dad’s constant companions and do know
much about the operation of the equipment.
This show is definitely not a show where the husband comes and
the wife stays at home. The great many husband and wife teams that
have been mentioned already attest to this fact. Several more we
saw in the gas engine department were Fred and Maxine Collins of
Chanute, Kansas, and Artie and Sally Middendorf of Humboldt,
Kansas. There is never a dull moment in the gas engine department
with these four around. Artie and Sally had their grandson Miles
with them for the first time. They were doing their best to
acquaint him with every aspect of the show. He also provided some
entertainment during the evening, which was most enjoyable.
The James Leake family of Muskogee, Oklahoma had much equipment
at the show again this year. A big thank-you goes out to them for
this.
John and Florence Forney of Bellwood, Nebraska came down to
operate some of the equipment. Some of their children also came. As
it turned out, it was their wedding anniversary and they made the
mistake of telling someone. So along about midnight there was a
shivaree for those who could stay awake that is. But they will not
soon forget it but took it all in good fun. Rumor was that they did
not bother to change into their sleeping clothes the rest of the
time just in case!!
Don and Margaret Blecha of Wichita, Kansas not only had their
20-70 Nichols and Sheppard engine but were also displaying their 16
HP Port Huron. This was a very special time for this entire family
as Uncle Frank and Aunt Vi had come from Loveland, Colorado to
assist with the Nichols and Sheppard. Uncle Frank had operated this
very engine about 50 years ago in Northern Kansas. The engine was
‘left to die’ so to speak until Don rescued it several
years ago from this fate and restored it. It was a real joy to see
this engine family together once again.
The Case wooden incline saw a new challenger this year. The
previous year had seen Tom Terning climb this ramp solo. This year
his 12 year old son, Aaron, was with him on one of the climbs. This
seems to be an event that one marvels at no matter how often one
may have seen it. Joe Mitchum again expertly kept the 40 HP Case in
exact readiness for the climb.
There were several very young participants at the show this
year. Two of Jack Johnson’s grandchildren were still babes in
arms. But they were there with grandpa and of course mom and dad to
take it all in. One other grandchild was a bit older and his
position was clear as he proudly rode around in his shiny red wagon
being pulled by grandpa or dad or anyone he could catch a ride
with. The Advance model engine seems to be the Johnson favorite.
Another family with their grandson was Larry and Ella Hedrick with
their Advance-Rumely model. Whenever
Tyson can go somewhere with grandpa and his engine, he is right
on top of the world. Larry’s son Dan, is also at ease with most
any engine he may encounter. These two families of fine model
enthusiasts are both from Arkansas City, Kansas.
An attraction which drew much attention were the horses. John
Hoogoboom of El Dorado, Kansas, was present each day with his fine
team and his stagecoach to offer rides. Bruce Cowan and son Tom had
their beautiful team of Belgians for people to admire. They pulled
the canon and casson each day for the flag raising event. Harold
Tonn and Winston Summer felt also brought their teams. It took two
teams to maneuver a new piece of equipment that was acquired this
past summer. It is called a header-barge. There are very few left
across the country and very few in the condition this particular
one is in. It took a short while to acquaint the teams with the
header but once they had a trial run they did beautifully.
The Elmer Schragg family of Goessel, Kansas had their homemade
ice cream factory in full operation. They had acquired some new
equipment and were better able to keep up with the constant demand
during the heat of the day.
When one combines mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, aunts,
uncles, grandchildren, and many, many fine friends, the result is a
magnificent family show. There is something here for everyone to
take part in. This was the feeling one had upon leaving the show
grounds and this seemed to be that ‘something’ that was
hard to put a finger on in the beginning.
So we encourage you to plan your 1984 Labor Day weekend to
include the 7th annual Terming Steam and Gas Engine Show. It is a
fun filled and friendly event you will not want to miss.
