613 Hawthorne Street Centralia, Missouri 65240-1711
The fresh, cool air of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was
pungent with the odor of smoke as engineers built up steam for the
beginning of the 17th annual show of the U. P. Steam and Gas Engine
Association, September 5, 6, & 7 at the U. P. State Fairgrounds
in Escanaba, Michigan.
While the four huge steam traction engines caught the eye of
those driving by on U.S. 2-41, there were many other displays
including antique tractors and gas engines, as well as other
antique farm equipment.
Activities in the Steam and Gas Engine Village included wood
carving, candle making, spinning and weaving, quilting, and basket
making. While walking by the many shops one could watch
blacksmithing, or buy the best homemade bread you ever tasted, as
well as other snacks calculated to excite your palate.
Everyone’s favorite activity was watching the 1865 steam
powered sawmill turn logs into lumber, although the 1902 shingle
mill kicking out those freshly cut shingles was an awesome
sight.
The old circus calliope filled the air with music of yesteryear
to set the mood for folks walking through the village, visiting the
Agricultural and Logging Museum or the large model railroad
display, or browsing through the shops.
On the activities field the four huge steam traction engines
rolled back and forth while the threshing machines extruded their
golden grain into the back of a 1936 Ford truck. Maintaining the
field was no problem with the Adams Motor grader mounted on an IHC
10-20 chassis.
Other features of the show on Sunday included a
nondenominational church service, a pony pull, and our first annual
Old Fiddlers Jamboree.
Horse drawn wagon rides were available, and who could resist
looking for a bargain at the large flea market.
Plan now to attend the 1993 show to be held Labor Day weekend,
September 4, 5, and 6. We will be looking for you!
