This is a September, 1909 picture of Mr. W. F. Hovertter’s
outfit. 8×10 F rick engine and a C 1-30×46 Peerless thresher. We
present this picture for two main reasons First, this is a very
good picture of a very good outfit. Second, because of Mr. W. F.
Hoveretter, Walnut Bottom, Pennsylvania. He has been an outstanding
man in the Thresher World all his life. He is standing next to the
Listen to his record He went with the Frick Company, Waynesboro,
Pennsylvania, December 10th, 1910 as salesman and Branch Manager.
While working for Frick Company, he threshed in seven different
States and also threshed in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas. In 1941
he resigned from Frick Company, to accept President and Manager of
The Pennsylvania Threshermen and Farmers Mutual Casualty Insurance
Company of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He retired January 1, 1957 and
is now living at his home in Walnut Bottom. One of his neighbors
reported to me that he is one grand, good man. We wish and pray for
him many happy years of retired life. Elmer
A steam locomotive began operation last month in Western New
York, and East Aurorans have been journeying to Boulder Park to
ride behind it. The train runs on new track only 14 inches wide,
and is supposedly intended for the children, but nostalgic parents
have been passengers as well. Engine 49 is the only steam amusement
park engine in miles, and adults who remember when every park had
its little steamer agree that diesel or gasoline power just
can’t compete for interest.
The locomotive, almost new, was built in 1949. It was used a
single season before outgrown and a larger locomotive substituted.
The inspector who checked the engine found it in excellent
condition. The 2,200 feet of track parallels a shady creek, and a
700-foot extension is contemplated. The open cars from Crystal
Beach are mounted on roller bearing trucks. The whistle echoes all
over the park, attracting riders from more conventional rides.
Boulder Park is about 45 minutes from East Aurora, over uncrowned
highways. Route 20-A east to north on Route 77 is the most
convenient. The miniature train operates afternoon and evening
except Mondays. Two some-time railroaders, John M. Prophet III, and
Samuel E. Herrington, are the owners. Other railroaders take a
busman’s holiday to help. The men agree that diesels may be
easier in the work-a-day world, but for their days off and for
vacations they want to run steam.
This picture was taken October 1912. My father, Ben Harsch, is
standing in front of the filled grain wagon. My uncle, August, is
standing in the empty bundle wagon, and a lifelong friend, Stan
Wiycoushi, separator man. Both my father and uncle have now passed
on. This outfit is a 29 Aultman Taylor thresher and a one cylinder
25 hp. Titan tractor, must have been new that fall. This make of
tractor interests me very much, as it was a three generation
tractor. My grandfather bought one new at about the same time that
my father did. I bought one of them, used, in 1934. I had no use
for it, just bought it because I liked it. However, soon after we
left that part of the country and both these old Titans were junked
in the last war. I would sure like to have one of these tractors,
but I do not know of any left in our part of the country. I would
travel a long way to see one now. I sure would be glad to hear from
any one who has one of these tractors. (There is one of these at
the Arthur S. Young Company, Kinzers, Pa. At least that would be a
long way to travel to see it. Elmer)
