R.R. 2, Arcola, Illinois 61910
As the show date drew closer for the 28th Annual Central States
Threshermen’s Reunion and Horse Show, the weather was on the
minds of many who were planning to attend. Rainy weather the last
years had affected the size of the crowd-exhibitors, mothers and
children were tired of returning to their campers and/or motel
engines and gas tractors were ready for a work-out this year and
beautiful weather for all FIVE days of the Reunion allowed the
equipment to move freely over the grounds. Over 12,000 visitors
attended the Reunion this year with 32 states and two foreign
countries represented.
Pontiac is a unique show, with something for everyone…young
and old-men, women and children. The large flea market, the
building with homemade items, crafts, spinning and weaving are just
a few of the attractions when one needs a variety from the prony
brake, sawmill, threshing and other steam related activities. And
who has ever gone to Pontiac and not had a good and satisfying
meal! Churches in the area take turns preparing the delicious
home-cooked meals and in addition there are a variety of stands for
sandwiches, drinks, etc. The sawmill owned by Olaf Jacobson of
Pontiac and operated by Ray Dye of Deedsville, Indiana is a main
attraction as well as the shingle mill operated by Major Bragg of
At wood, Illinois, the Prony Brake, under the capable supervision
of Sylvester Fosdick of Fairbury, Illinois, and there is always a
crowd when the threshing begins. Wilbur Jolley of Tuscola, Illinois
is in charge of threshing and always gives the threshing machine a
good workout! Pontiac also has a blacksmith. Mr. G. B. Mann of
Benson, Illinois is in charge and has been blacksmithing for over
50 years. When the ‘ring of the hammer’ begins, Mr. Mann
has a huge crowd watching his craftsmanship. Craftsmanship at the
Pontiac show is also evident in the many models which are scaled
down to perfection-Case, Baker, Nichols and Shepard, just to name a
few. One of the highlights of this year’s show was the crowning
of Fred and Emma Haszler of Tonica, Illinois as King and Queen of
the Show. Mr. and Mrs. Hazier have been active in the Pontiac Show
from the first Reunion to the present time. It was a touching
occasion. Another highlight came when Sam Haley of Dwight, Illinois
interrupted Herb Beckemeyer, President of the show and acting M.C.,
during the Sunday parade, to acknowledge all the hard and dedicated
work Herb has done. A long and standing ovation from the crowd and
participants followed. Herb has done a fine job; and thank
goodness, he has consented to be President again next year.
But the Pontiac Show is more to people who attend year after
year than ‘just another show.’ Pontiac is seeing old
friends-making new friends-experienced engineers teaching and
helping the yound (and inexperienced) engineers. It is a show where
engineers from other areas and states can come and operate an
engine for a few moments or a few hours-saw lumber, participate in
the daily parade and just have a good time! Constant activity-a
trademark of Pontiac.
There is an old saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand
words.’ The pictures here represent the spirit of the 1976
show-and a must for your calendar for the 1977 show on Labor Day
weekend.
