Secretary R. D. 1, Box 470 Charleroi, Pa. 15022
In building the rail fence, first I set a row of stakes on the
exact line. Then another stake 5 or 6 feet long with a projecting
slat 3 feet long was nailed near the bottom to this stake at right
angle. In laying the worm, this stake was always set in line with
the other stakes and the outer 3 foot projection showed us where to
put the joint for the next panel of fence.
For the next panel of fence, this stake with its triangular
brace was turned in the opposite direction, and moved forward for
the next panel. If the fence was to be permanent, generally a small
stake was put on each side in the corner and wired between rails to
the opposite stake.
A nine rail high fence was considered bull proof, but sometimes
if the cows and heifers on the other side of the fence looked
greener, the fence would not always hold them. P.S. We really
enjoyed your article, ‘A Praying Engineer’, that was
tops.
Persons from the tri-state area were afforded another unusual
and entertaining exhibition of events as they attended the annual
reunion at the Dean Fullerton Farm, Burgettstown, Pa. on September
16 and 17. Two days of delightful weather added to the enjoyable
occasion.
Daily events of threshing, baling, sawing, feed grinding, clover
hulling, shingle making and fan demonstrations brought back vivid
memories of living that were experienced fifty and more years ago,
when steam was the dominating source of power on the farm.
Our usual complement of traction engines on display was enhanced
by the appearance of several more ‘new’ ones. Fred McCoy
showed his 20 H.P. Kitten, C.R. Fullerton & Son. their newly
acquired 20 H.P. Farquhar, J. L. Cotter, his 20 H. P. Minneapolis
and Vincent McKee had his 12 H. P. Russell on hand for the
occasion. And our neighbor from Kensington, Ohio, Harry Rogers,
brought his 10 H. P. Groton to make this an outstanding display for
our show. These engines were all in daily operation. We also have
the Frick, Peerless, Huber, Advance-Rumely, Keck-Gonnerman, Aultman
& Taylor, Russell and Case on display each year.
The old gas tractor department, which has consisted of
Minneapolis, Oil Pull, IHC, Case, Massey-Harris really received a
shot in the arm when the Burgh 30-60 Oil Pull appeared, along with
Harold Schott’s beautiful Frick, and August Gehrke’s Avery.
This display is growing with each succeeding year. And these old
fellows took their turn on the belt.
Our good friends from Butler County came with several pieces of
equipment, including water wagon and tank, reaper and small
thresher, powered by gas engine.
L.H. (Dutch) Andrews performed admirably at the announcing
stand. Although not accustomed to our way of doing farm chores, he
soon learned and commanded the attention of everyone by his manner
of explaining the various operations that were taking place.
Manager Nello Mungai, with well-laid plans, kept the show moving
ahead on schedule and in fine order.
As an added thrill, Washington Sky Divers put on an exhibition
of high-altitude jumping and diving, and four men came down exactly
on target, even if they did alight in the nearby corn and alfalfa
field. Twice daily, all engines, tractors and horses participated
in a mammoth parade around the grounds, to the added enjoyment of
those present. An antique car parade was featured during the
Saturday afternoon activities. Bill Burris and his Green Valley
Boys Band presented two performances on Saturday and furnished the
music for the barn dance held on Saturday evening at the close of
the show.
As usual, the Ladies Auxiliary assisted by taking over the
bazaar, the registration duties, Album subscriptions and many other
tasks. Good food was furnished by the Hickory Chapter of Knights of
Pythias and the Cross Creek Community Grange, while the Hickory Boy
Scouts manned the pop stands. The gate and parking of cars was
handled by the Hickory Lions Club, who use their proceeds to
finance worthy community projects. The American Red Cross
maintained a field station and looked after a number of first aid
cases.
Plans will soon be under way for a bigger and better exhibition
for 1967. The officers and directors are pleased with the continued
support the association is receiving from the public.
Officers are as follows: Pres. Lester Lee; V-Pres. Earl
Hamilton; Sec. Paul Crow; Treas. Evelyn Crow. The following are
Directors: Dell Weaver, Glenn Fullerton, John Sell, Dean Fulerton,
David McDonald, Melvin Kaste, Frank Gormley and V. M. Paul.
