Recalling Bygone Times

The South Lake County Agricultural Historical Society,
Inc.’s 13th annual Antique Power and Steam Show was held July
11, 12, 13, 1997, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point,
Indiana, one mile south of the old town square. By Thursday evening
a number of the exhibitors were already setup for the three day
event.

Equipment continued to roll in on Friday morning as Shanna
Schmelter, my niece, played the National Anthem for the opening
ceremonies.

This year’s special feature included our own Celebration of
150 years of the Massey-Harris equipment. Other activities and
exhibits included: threshing machines, two sawmills, shingle mill,
blacksmiths, corn Sheller, Ding-A-Ling Railroad, petting zoo, a
kiddie tractor pull, farm toy show, a Parade of Power, cars and
trucks, Farm Trading Post, pork chop dinner, and pies baked by the
ladies of the club are among the list of activities that took place
over the weekend.

Also on hand was the Falkenberg family’s Keck-Gonnerman and
Minneapolis; the Kester family’s portable Russell; Jim
Oxhender’s 17 HP George White, Konnie Kulper’s 23-90 A.D.
Baker. Among the scale engines were Arland Koopman with his scale
Avery and the Kester family scale J. I. Case engine that provided
power to the buzz saws and scale thresher.

Also, thanks to Dennis Cook and other engineers who took part in
running the engines over the weekend. Thanks go out to all
exhibitors and workers who helped in all areas of the show, before,
during and after. This year’s show was the most successful show
to date. The weekend event was well attended by members,
exhibitors, and visitors. Special thanks to Kenneth and Judy
Whiteside of Stem gas for their visit to the show we enjoyed
visiting with them.