R. R. 2, Republic, Missouri 65738.
The show was a ‘huffin’ and ‘poppin’ success,
made even more interesting by the influx of visiting E.D.G.E &
T.A. exhibitors.
Branch #16 of E.D.G.E. & T.A. hosted the 1977 National
meeting held at the Ozark showgrounds. The show was enhanced by
many out-of-state exhibits, while swaps and sales of old iron
really created excitement.
As ‘out-of-state folks,’ we voice heart-felt thanks to
our Ozark friends. Showers came, but the character of soil on the
grounds was such that a quick dry-up ensued.
Gene Owen of Springfield, Missouri had to miss the show, but in
true Ozark tradition, President Charley Stark put together a
cassette tape of exhibitor interviews and show sounds for Gene.
(Gene is one of the early organizers of the Ozark Reunion
group.)
West Coast visitors included: Louis Chapo, Jack Versteeg and
Harvey Hilands, (all officers of National E.D.G.E. & T.A.);
‘Ole Greasy Hardy,’ Messrs. John Sevart and Warren Phillips
also migrated from the far west to attend. Warren, from Visalia,
California was on the spot when Frankie Stark’s 20-40 oil pull
came un-crunk and he helped start it.
Models included running miniatures of gas engines, steam, hot
air and vacuum (flame-licker). This reunion is geared to care for
modelers and many folks bring their machine shop creations to
exhibit.
Power sources exhibited covered the range from wind-power
generators to giant steam traction, and grist mill, sawmill,
shingle mill, Baker fan, etc. provided interesting exhibits in
action.
