President National Threshers Association, Inc. Alvordton,
Ohio
‘Rain, Rain, Go Away
Come Again, Some Other Day’
THIS CHILDISH Refrain might well have been chanted during the
first two days of our Reunion, as gentle but persistent rain fell
any noticeable extent, however and many commented that after 12
years of good weather, we were due for more than a shower some time
during the last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of June. Hurricane
Audrey was the culprit, but her wrath fortunately didn’t last
through Saturday, which dawned clear and bright. We have had large
crowds on other Saturdays, but none ever equalled the one of 1957,
when it was difficult to get through the crowds on the race track
during the parade, with the grandstand full to overflowing. When it
was decided to attempt the parade that afternoon, hoping the track
would be dried out sufficiently, it didn’t seem possible that
the floats and engines could be ready in so short a time. But they
were, and the parade finally got under way, in spite of many, many
obstacles. As usual, it was a high point of the Reunion.
The thirteenth Reunion was marked also by having the greatest
number of large engines in excellent condition that we have ever
had. The big Avery 40 as usual dominated the scene, and the people
who last year thought she was there, realized this year that her
sister, the Avery 20, looked small when lined up beside the
‘Big One’. The three engines brought by Homer Holp and his
sons John and Harold made a magnificent display, besides doing some
fine work. John’s 23-90 Baker looked and ran like new; although
the manufacturer claimed a maximum horse-power of only 99 hp. it
developed 115.6 hp. at normal speed and pressure. In fact, it is
impossible to mention all the others, each of which was outstanding
in its way.
We had the finest collection of small models under steam we have
ever had. The Trading Post did its greatest business; the Hobby
Lobby was much larger than any previous year, the Women’s
programs and teas were largely attended and enjoyed; we signed a
large number of new members-exact number not yet determined until
all registration slips are recorded; we had three overflowing
crowds to see the movies; our new TNT Snack Bar did a good
business; our new NTA and TNT flags were dedicated and flown for
the first time Saturday morning and highly praised; our religious
service Sunday morning, with sermon by Rev. Ritzman and duet by Mr.
and Mrs. Ivan Kramer, was well attended; in fact, there was no part
of the extensive program which was not a success, including the
financial part.
We wish to extend our thanks to all those who worked so
valiantly to make it a success. We also wish to reaffirm our policy
of NOT holding the Reunion on Sunday, which was done this year
solely as an emergency measure. We invite all to come next year to
the 14th annual NTA Reunion, to be Thursday, Friday, Saturday, June
26, 27, 28. Plans are already under way for some new features, to
make it the BEST REUNION YET!
The officers of NTA are in addition to Mr. Blaker: Forrest
Williamson, Vice-President, Latty, Ohio; Mrs. Leroy W. Blaker,
Secretary and Treasurer, Alvordton, Ohio; Rev. Elmer Ritzman,
Chaplain, Enola, Pa. Directors are Harold. Gay, Decatur, Ind.;
Wilbur Collins, Pontiac, Illinois; Chas. Harrison. Fredrick town,
Ohio; Morgan Hill, Linesville, Pa.; Louis David, Northville, Mich.;
Gilmar Johnson, Frederic, Wis.; W. M. Jones, Winchester, Ky.; Peter
Bucher, Fair-field, Iowa. Trustees are: Fred A. Blaker, Waldron,
Mich.; Homer Holp, Brookville, Ohio; Carlton Felger, Waldron,
Mich.
