Mr. Blaker is on the right, who promoted the gatherings and
became the first and only President of the National Threshers
Association, Inc. On the left is Mr. Merle Newkirk, Midland,
Michigan, who supplied the plaque. It was Merle who inspired the
group to erect such a monument. Mr. Dan S. Zehr (deceased Aug.
1959) of Pontiac, Illinois, who officiated at the organization, was
present and at this dedication he was one of the principal
speakers.
speakers.
President LeBoy W. Blaker made very appropriate remarks among
which he said, ‘There have been steam engine and threshing
‘Meets’ and ‘Bees’ longer than ours but they were
not organized.
This is the oldest organized Reunion.’ This undoubtedly will
be considered the most significant event in the Steam Engine World
this year of 1959.
