OLD TIMER’S REUNION

Jack Johnson got the show off to a good start with the
sawmilling. Leslie Moon and his wife, Mirian, fired the boiler of
our Frick 9 x 10 Portable, and it did a fine job pulling the
sawmill. Most of the old folks just can’t believe it when they
see Mirian running a steam engine.

Then came the wheat threshing. Mr. J. S. Ferree, Sr., handled
this part of the show with the help of Fred Cox, George Groce,
Charles Allen, and others. Mr. Ferree used a Frick 6% x 9 double
cylinder traction engine and a big all steel Frick threshing
machine this year.

Donald Ferree, with the assistance of Wayne Reynolds, operated
the big 120 HP Peerless Traction engine which was acquired from Mr.
Ralph Lewin of Winchester, Va. It is a mighty fine machine.

We acquired a Keystone Skimmer Shovel from Mr. Dean Redd of
Charleroi, Pennsylvania and Dean and Mrs. Redd came down and
operated the shovel for us. This was a nice addition to our
show.

Billy Fields, assisted by several firemen, put down the tract
and got our Park Railway in operation this year. The children were
delighted, as were some of us big kids. When it is complete, we
will have approximately mile run all the way around the lake. A
gas-powered engine was used this year, but we also have a steam
engine which will be added after it is rebuilt.

Dan Brown and James Greason took turns as Master of Ceremonies,
and did a fine job keeping everybody informed of the
activities.

Porter Anderson and his family, with the assistance of Cecil
Westmorland, Divers Mabe, Wayne White, and several others, did an
excellent job feeding the crowd fried chicken, pinto beans, and
hush-puppies.

Odell Routh was in charge of the antique car exhibit and there
were approximately 85 mighty fine cars of all kinds, including a
steam car. Thanks to Odell and all his exhibitors.

We had the largest flea market ever and the ladies enjoyed
shopping. Bobby Frye was in charge and did a fine job. They had
something for everybody.

A team of sky divers jumped each day for us and put on a very
enjoyable show. The crowd was delighted.

B. Bryant Young from Dover, Delaware gave us a hand with the
traction engines, ad did David M. Fultz and Richard Rush. Mr.
McCollum of Colfax, North Carolina brought his Case traction
engine. There is nothing like the smell of wood burning in a boiler
and hot cylinder oil to make an engine man happy. We had 20 steam
engines of various sizes and kinds on display.

The wooded grove next to the lake was full of gas engines; some
grinding cornmeal, some pumping water, and some just looking
pretty.

Mr. Books was back this year with his nice horses and log cart.
We also had covered wagons, stage coaches, and other horse drawn
equipment.

The Garden Squares, led by Jack Bowman, did some fine square
dancing. They also had some help from the crowd.

Hal Younts built a stage and Grady Hockett gathered in some
musicians who played and sang. They made gospel, country, and
bluegrass music. A good time was had by all.

We had several crafts working this year, including hand-weaving,
a steam sewing machine making name tags, blacksmithing by Mr.
Marley and Adam Lamb. Adam also makes old time rifles and had some
on display.

We have purchased a steel building, 45′ x 200′ which
will soon be erected to be used as a museum. This will be a big
addition for our show. The next show will be July 8 and 9,
1978.