Sec, Route 2, Federalsburg Maryland 21632
August 10th and 11th, 1968 was of no exceptional importance to
anyone except the Eastern Shore Thresher-men and their associates,
who had awaited this date for so long the date of their 8th annual
wheat threshing and steam show.
Since I’m secretary of the Eastern Shore Threshermen and
one-sided, I would like to break away from the customary procedures
of writing a show report and write from the spectators point of
view.
From left to right: 1896 8 HP Nichols & Shepard owned by
Pete Lovelace, Wye Mills, Md.; 8 x 10 Frick owned by Jim Layton,
Federalsburg, Md.; 7 x 10 double cylinder Frick owned by Lloyd
Pahlman, Easton, Md.; 8 x 10 Frick owned by Jim Layton; Rumely Oil
Pull, Model B, 25-45, owned by Pete Lovelace; 8 x 10, serial number
30519, the last Frick traction built, owned by Jim Layton; 50 hp
Case owned by Howard Davis of Glen Burnie, Md.; and a 9 x 10 Frick
owned by Howard Engle of Preston, Md.
I arrived at the showgrounds of the Eastern Shore Threshermen in
time for the official opening of their show. After our National
Anthem and flag raising, Mr. Ross Rhodes, Vice-President, offered a
prayer followed by the welcoming speech of Jim Layton, President
and host threshermen. The microphone was then turned over to Mr.
Charles Hope, Jr. of Arlington who did a bang up job for the
two-day show as master of ceremonies.
As I began my tour of the grounds, I first saw the steam-powered
sawmill operated by the Engle Brothers. Following this came the
shingle mill with Mr. Ben Trice, and then the Colonial Blacksmith
Shop with Mr. Sam Osborne.
At this time I saw the crowd moving towards the outfield; so I
joined them to see what the excitement was all about. There I saw
an old-fashion wheat threshing powered by a Frick traction
engine.
On the way back up the grounds, I encountered an engine on the
dynamometer, a device used to test the power of an engine. There
was also an engine on the Baker Fan, and many more engines and
tractors running about for the spectators.
To the left, old-time grain separators and a baler were on
display, followed by the antique cars.
I then went under the main building where many live-steam models
were in operation. Antique household articles and tools were also
on display.
I stopped for a moment to sign the register book before heading
for headquarters where I renewed my membership.
At 12:00 the noon whistles sounded which designated a shut down
for lunch hour. Down from headquarters I had a choice of many fine
foods including Delmarvelous fried chicken, which Mr. Paul Singer,
chief chef and bottle washer, was busy preparing.
After lunch I came back through the main building where I
noticed the ladies’ homemade articles on sale and the trading
post.
Out in the gas engine lot was the huge trailer of Mr. A. B.
Rosser’s that consisted of over 100 gas and steam engines. Also
on display were hundreds of gas engines and other exhibits. Further
back were the gas tractors which were fired up occasionally and run
about for the crowd.
Moving on across the grounds I noticed the team of oxen drinking
water, while the large windmill towered above them. Further around
were campers and trailers that overnight visitors brought along in
order not to miss a moment of this show. Then I saw the hydraulic
rams in operation.
After this I walked back to the main building where I noticed
the broom makers hard at work.
By this time it was 4:00 and the Grand Parade was forming.
Leading the parade was Jim Layton, President, on his 8 x 10 Frick
engine, Serial number 30519, the last Frick traction built. Next
came many large steam engines each stopping in front of the speaker
for their description. One of the most unusual sights of the parade
was ‘Oil Pull’ Pete Lovelace’s 25-45 Oil Pull tractor,
Model B, only one more of this type known in existence.
Saturday evening visitors were treated to something that no
other steam show has ever had a mock raccoon auction with Ross
Rhodes as auctioneer. (Off the record now the coon was a steal at
$5900.)
Breakfast was served at 7:00 Sunday morning followed by fire-up.
A sermon was delivered at 11:00 by Ross Rhodes followed by a prayer
by Rev. Ritzman of Enola, Pennsylvania.
After the official opening of the show, much of the same
old-fashion fun prevailed over the second day. Many exhibits,
demonstrations, good weather, fine food, and the general public
made both days a big success.
This organization has members from six states, and had visitors
from at least twelve. The crowd for both days was estimated over
12,000.
Of course the saddest part of any steam show comes during the
evening hours of the last day when the packing and cleaning up
begins, especially when your friends from other shows are saying
good-bye for another year.
The only thing good about the ending of a show is the memories
and the lasting friendships you have made. Of course, there’s
always the thoughts of next year when on August 8, 9, and 10 the
Eastern Shore Threshermen & Collectors Assoc, Inc. will once
again turn the clock back and relive the past.
Our Association held its 1968 show on July 26, 27 and 28th at
the Berryville Horse Show Grounds. Attendance was the best ever. It
was estimated that at least 5000 people attended over the three
days.
A dozen steam traction engines were shown this year. The
gasoline engine display was the biggest ever and one of the best
seen at any show in 1968. Also, there were numerous hand built
scale models, antique cars, gas tractors, etc.
The steam calliope built and owned by the Getz brothers of
Lancaster, Pennsylvania was a popular feature. This was a surprise
appearance on Sunday afternoon. Everyone enjoyed it very much and
so it will be at our show for two days this next summer.
Sam Osborne’s blacksmith shop attracted large crowds again.
He also brought along his 1893 ‘Single T’ Peerless 16 HP
traction engine for display.
The flea market was a new addition this year. All the vendors
were well pleased with the show and did a good business.
The ladies’ stand sold sunbonnets, dish towels and assorted
‘white elephants’ and novelties. Mrs. James Baker of
Hagerstown did much of the work involved here.
The Clarke County Puritan Club handled the concession stands.
Food was very good. The chicken barbecue dinners served both
Saturday and Sunday were delicious.
The late Frank McGuffin served as announcer for the various
events and parades. Little did we realize that he was attending his
last steam engine show before his illness and death this past
summer.
Vice President Maddox’s trailer served as the headquarters.
Mrs. Elmer Schaeffer was busy under the awning selling Iron-Men
Album subscriptions and all her novelties and books.
Young engineers are on their way! Jimmy Brandt was busy firing
his grand father’s engine and taking it around the grounds. Mr.
A. F. Brandt’s return flue Huber draws much attention at all
the shows. Jeff Giles can reach the throttle of his dad’s (Paul
Giles) Frick now. Tim-my and Wayne Godlove are getting on to
handling the Stickney engine – their dad takes care of this engine
every year. It was owned by the late Fred Stickney who started our
show in a field near his home about ten years ago. Sawmilling was
done on the Frick sawmill purchased by the club last year. The club
also bought a Frick stationary boiler for use with the models.
Church services were held for the first time this year with a
Berryville minister bringing the message.
New steam tables were built last winter by Dallas Williams of
Front Royal. The model enthusiasts were glad to have these set up
to show their displays.
Ted Gowl of Baltimore was present with his miniature sawmill
again. The Lancaster Bros, of Mt. Savage, Maryland brought their
size traction engine, which they built.
On Saturday night, a square dance was held with a local band
performing.
A rock crusher owned by our treasurer, Robert Reed, crushed
limestone rocks which were readily found in nearby fields.
Many more important exhibits were on hand. These were just a few
of the highlights.
The Club had their best show ever, financially and in terms of
exhibits and engines shown.
On November 1, members and friends gathered at the Stephenson
Methodist Church for their fall dinner meeting and election of
officers. About 80 persons were present. Many of our friends from
Pennsylvania and Maryland were down.
Paul Giles was presented with a plaque in appreciation for his
service as President in 1967 and 1968.
A film on the life of Henry Ford was shown. All the
‘old-timers’ enjoyed this one.
New officers elected for 1969 were: President, Ralph Maddox of
Delaplane, Virginia; Vice-president, Wayne Godlove of Winchester;
Secretary, Mrs. Paul Giles of Berryville; Treasurer, Robert Reed of
Winchester. Directors are: William Clark, Ralph Lewin, Charles F.
Jenkins, Dennis Williams, William Clem, Paul Giles, William Hall,
Elmer Schaeffer and Oscar Chapman.
The 1969 show will be held on July 25, 26 and 27th at
Berryville. Plans are underway for an even bigger and better show.
Come and see. Bring your exhibits. Come and help make 1969 our best
year yet. We need you and your support.