Rushville’s Pioneer Engineers Club of Indiana had a
beautiful year for our steam show. The weatherman cooperated
perfectly and we had a large crowd all three days.
Jerry Moorman kept the sawmill running almost constantly with
one steam engine after the other for his power. Lawrence Porter
threshed wheat twice each day with his Gaar Scott outfit. This is
been working for two years to get the separator so he would have a
complete outfit. He now has the Gaar Scott engine and separator and
this is a very nice looking display for our club.
Bill Stahl and Denis Schrank crushed stone and made a roadbed
and along would come the steam roller to roll it down. This
demonstration was well received by the crowd.
Many engines were belted up to the Baker fans and they kept the
engines barking all day which added atmosphere to the show with
lots of black smoke coming from the smokestacks.
The parade was led each day with the Russell steam engine, owned
by Bob Hughes, of Bloomington, Indiana. This engine is 99 years
old, built in 1892, and there is quite a story about getting this
engine put together again. Bob had to find parts in other states
and wait until he could get them for one reason or another to put
it all together but now it is a beautiful engine, all restored and
ready for show.
The Cross-Motor Case tractor, owned by James Kelly of
Zionsville, Indiana, led the tractor section of the parade and this
tractor adds much to our show. There were over 100 tractors this
year and these were used for the Antique Tractor Pull for Friday
evening. Marion Liggett and his brother handled the tractor pull
and it was enjoyed by all with everyone wanting to do it again next
year.
Saturday evening was the annual Fiddlers’ Contest and
entertainment by two different bands was enjoyed by a large
crowd.
The steam calliope of Clovis Watkins was there along with a
blacksmith demonstration, cornmeal grinder, model steam engines,
several gas engines lined up against the hill, the broom maker on
top of the hill, and a large field of flea markets. Our announcer,
Don Brewer and his son Scott added to the show’s success. All
went home tired by happy!
Submitted by Mrs. Wm. M. Ross, Secy., PO Box #44, Paragon,
IN 46166
