328 W. Chestnut, Freeport, Illinois 61032.
The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club held
its Third Annual Show at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds July 29,
30 1972. The show is drawing much acclaim for its activity and
diversity. Not only are steamers and gas engines displayed, but
much horse drawn equipment is also shown. The big commercial
There is a complete old time country store, doll collections, old
greeting cards, license plates, sale bills and advertising posters
going back 100 yrs., blacksmith tools, lanterns, old radios, and
small steam models. So, while the men are watching the threshing,
the women can spend hours looking at displays of interest to
them.
The trademark of the show is activity. It starts at 9 AM with
steamers and tractors on the fan. The fan has a tachometer so
different tractors can be compared. At 10 the sawmill gets into
action. At 11 threshing is done with 3 machines. Also at 11, there
is a display of shredding, crushing rock, grinding flour, baling
straw, sawing barrel staves, and horses powering an old wooden
elevator and buzz saw. At 1:30 the big parade rolls in front of the
covered grandstand. After the parade, all of the morning’s
activity is repeated. So, if one is going to see the whole show in
one day, he will have to keep moving.
The steamers in action included a 20 HP Minneapolis, 18 HP
Advance Rumely, 40 and 50 HP Case, 25 HP Russel, and a 19 HP Keck
Gonnerman. There was a very good line of tractors, over 60 in all,
including: 40-80 Avery, 30-60 Aultman-Taylor, 30-60 Oil Pull, 30-60
Keck, 20-40 Case, and a 20-42 Nichols-Shepard. There were also over
100 gas engines of every kind, size, and description. Since
Freeport was the home of the Stover Co., the show has a special
display of many of the engines and other products made by’ this
company.
Plans are already under way for next year’s show, and the
club members have been buying more equipment. Being restored are a
24 HP. Minneapolis steamer with extra heavy gearing and wheels, a
18-36 Pioneer tractor, the only one known to be in this area, and a
12-25 two cylinder Case, one of only six known to be in existence.
Next year the club plans its first 3 day show. There will be
special activities on Friday, such as an antique tractor pull and
steam and gas slow races. So, come to next year’s show July 27,
28, and 29 1973 at the fastest growing shows in the country.