SOOT IN THE FLUES

‘The eagle is about nine feet tall and the ball is about six
feet. I would say it is a large version of the Case Eagle or
‘Old Abe’. There was some good metal work done on it. Mr.
Poland reproduced the small Case Eagle in cement or fiber glass.
Any information you can give me about this will be greatly
appreciated. I would particularly like to know when it was first
made and how many?’

A letter of interest to all comes from GEORGE E. HOFFMAN,
9312-173A Street, Surrey, B.C., Canada V3S 5X7. 604-576-2556:
‘Enclosed’ are photos of a machine that I am researching
and will eventually write a complete story on. When the article is
completed, I will submit it to your magazine.

‘The history of this mammoth crawler reaches half-way around
the world. This incredible story will begin in England. It will
follow a trail by sailing ship around the cape of South America, up
the Pacific Coast to Skagway, Alaska and travel the famous narrow
gauge White Pass & Yukon Railroad to the Klondike gold
fields.

‘After a very short life hauling 100 ton loads of coal
through forty miles of back country to Dawson City, Yukon, the
trail leads to a remote inlet on Northern Vancouver Island. After
forty years of abandonment, it now has been moved and sits awaiting
a trip to our restoration shop.

‘This giant machine is probably the rarest piece of steam
equipment in North America today. It was custom-built and is one of
a kind. Its history reaches far and wide, being directly tied to
the development of the Holt crawler tractor in California,
production of the world’s first army tank, plus many other
interesting facts.

‘The above information will surely stimulate the memories
and imaginations of our old-time readers. Can anyone identify this
giant? How many horsepower? What year built? How many tons? What
kind of boiler? I would appreciate all correspondence on the
subject. Please write me!’ (Do get in touch with George if you
can add to the story and we’ll be looking for your finished
article, George.)

‘The photo showing the machine and wagon is a factory print.
The other was taken April 7, 1984 on Vancouver Island, British
Columbia.’

I thought you might like this poem that was in the Central North
Dakota Steam Threshers Show book 1974-1975. I’m sure many of
you sit a-dreaming at time sit is entitled:

THE DREAM OF AN OLD ENGINEER

I had a dream the other day, while sleeping in my chair,
About machines of other years, and steam engines everywhere.
It seemed I was invited to an old steam threshers meeting,
Where you meet your friends and each extends his hand in friendly
greeting.

They said some grand old engineers would have their engines
showing,
With lots of steam and on the beam, would have their whistles
blowing.
They said there would be engineers from almost every state
And engines, too, we’re telling you, the small, the big, the
great.

They said I’d see the big machines, lined up along the
streets,
And there would be a nice cook car, where I could buy some
eats.
They said I’d meet some cooks inside, and I would find they
are
A nicer bunch of cookies, than I’d find in any jar.

This lovely bunch would cook me lunch, or cook me chops and
steaks,
And make me glad I stopped in there to take my coffee break.
They said I’d see some models that were made by dad and
kids,
I would see these things around the grounds, and nothing would be
hid.

They said there ‘d be a big parade with engines by the
score,
And there would be a threshing bee that would last from one
’til four.
They said that after thirty years that I would get a chance,
To pull the throttle once again on a thirty horse Advance.

They said they’d have a compound Reeves and Rumely at their
place,
They would have a mighty Avery, and a great big J. I. Case.
They said the long old Peerless would be sitting on their
lot,
And next to it a Huber and a forty horse Gaar-Scott.

A Minneapolis I would see beside an old Farquhar,
And I would see a Birdsall and a fine old Aultman Star.
I’d see a big old Buffalo Pitts, a North West among the
others.
I’d see the Nichols & Shepard and a wonderful Wood
Brothers.

They said I would see a Stevens, that was hitched up to a
trailer.
And I’d see an old Keck-Gonnerman and a nice old Aultman
Taylor.
They said I’d see a Baker, all shined up nice and slick,
That I would see a Mogul, a Leader and a Frick.

They said I’d see a Scheidler, as it was next in line,
And I’d see the big Port Huron, the one that looks so
fine.
They said you bet there’s one more yet, and this will make you
hustle.
It bears the trademark of a bull, and is the old boss Russell.

I don’t know what they told me next, for I heard an awful
roaring,
But I know I jumped clear of my chair, for I’d woke myself up
snoring.
That is my dream of the day of steam, while sleeping in my
chair.
We were pushed aside by a mighty tide, and somehow it seems
unfair.

That steam was best for power, there never was a doubt.
It was the gas engine economy that brought the change about.
These combines and the diesels that I hear about so much,
I know an old steam engineer would never want to touch.

I know I’m old and my boilers cold,
No more will I have it steaming.
They can thresh the wheat, I’ll just sleep and eat.
They won’t stop me from dreaming.

Well, it’s been quite awhile since I’ve had a recipe in
the column if you like them, I’ll continue with them let me
know. Here’s one called Mississippi Mud
Cake:

2 cups sugar 1 cup shortening
1 cups flour 1/3 cup cocoa
4 eggs            3
tsp. vanilla
tsp. salt      1 cup chopped pecans

Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and beat. Sift flour, cocoa
and salt and add to mixture. Add vanilla and nuts. Pour into
greased pan and bake 40-45 minutes at 300 degrees. Spread
marshmallows on top of cake and melt in warm oven while cake is
warm.

Icing:
1 stick butter        1/3 cup
cocoa
1 box 10X sugar   cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla         1
cup chopped pecans

Sift sugar and cocoa mixture with melted butter. Add cream,
vanilla, and nuts. Spread on top of marsh-mallows. Let stand for a
couple of hours. Cut into squares.

‘I would like to know if any charts’, exist on the
Pickering fly-ball governor that will show what the flat wire
spring sets are,’ writes JACK E. BUTLER, 111 Meeks Terrace,
Thomaston, Georgia 30286 as he requests this letter in this column.
‘I have several old mill supply catalogs that show a parts list
for these governors but none of these catalogs tell about the
springs other than calling it a spring set. I need to know the
steel thickness, length, width and number of springs per set for
all size governors made by this company. I think this information
is very important to any person using these old governors. Thanks
for your help in this matter.’ (If you have the answer, please
write Jack as he is waiting.)

‘Enclosed is a Xerox copy of the first tank built in America
for World War I. It was called ‘The America’ and weighed 45
tons and was propelled by steam. I don’t know what they used
for fuel. I have no idea where the original picture came from.
Maybe someone out there would have more information. All letters
will be answered.’ This comes from WILLIAM FLOWERS, Box 322,
Route 2, Adena, Ohio 43901.

J. W. PAROLEK, 503 Denver, Schuyler Nebraska 68661 sends this
picture and note: ‘This is a % scale 60 HP Case that I made 35
years ago. I am now over 91 years old (or I would say young). Also
built three models, ? scale 40 Case. Return flue Avery scale. If
there is a dead engine in the show, I go doctor it have diploma
97%.’

A story to ponder As Ye Sow A wealthy man died and went to
heaven. During his interview with St. Peter a beautiful mansion was
pointed out to him. ‘That,’ said St. Peter, ‘is the
celestial home of your butler.’

‘Well,’ smiled the new arrival broadly, ‘if my
butler gets a place like that, I certainly look forward to seeing
what my new home will be like.’

‘You will live in that little hut,’ said St. Peter.

‘Me live in that hovel! It’s ridiculous!’ stormed
the rich man.

‘That is the best we can do for you,’ said St. Peter.
‘You must understand that we can only build your home up here
with the materials you sent on ahead when you were on earth.’
(We//springs of Wisdom Ralph L. Woods)

LYLE E. PROBERT, 707 S. Myrtle, Kimball, Nebraska 69145 writes:
‘Over 20 years ago I met a man here in Kimball who had built a
scale model 20 HP Case tractor. This man has long since died. I was
interested in knowing if anyone could tell me where to get plans or
blueprints for such a project. I am not particular as to the type
of plans as long as it is large enough to be driven in local
parades. Steam power is very fascinating and any way someone could
help would be most appreciated.’

Some information comes from MERL BARNES, 7013 Northview, Boise,
Idaho 83704, who tells us: ‘If anyone is needing some two inch
pitch roller chain, write to me and I will get it for you. The junk
yard here has quite a lot of it. It will cost fifteen cents per
pound plus $1.50 for cutting plus freight. It is in real good
condition, rusted some but not real tight. It weighs 6.61 pounds
per foot according to Morse catalog. I do not expect to make a
profit on this, just want to help my fellow collectors.’

I would like to mention that many times you folks will send
along some item of interest and a newspaper clipping picture. We
cannot print the story or the picture without written permission
from the paper. We must give them the credit. So do try and get the
permission before you send it. We appreciate these items, but that
is the rule we must follow.

‘I have been taking your good magazine for some years now,
so I’ll send a few lines on our work,’ writes KENNETH
NOLBY, Braham, Minnesota 55006.

‘My Dad and two uncles were in the logging and sawmill and
threshing business so we had steam engines for power. One was a
Reeves 20 HP double simple for years, but it was not big enough for
all the work, so they bought a Reeves 32-110 cross comp. We had a
lot of work for it with lumbering and threshing and also breaking
up land grubbing and grading roads.

The big engine is in the picture with engine and crew pointing
to the left. The separator is a 36-56 Minneapolis. From left the
crew are: Charlie Nolby, ‘boss’, Alfred Johnson, Kenneth
Nolby, Harry Borell, Carl Bergstrom, Bill Norling, Lester Nolby and
Gust Nelson and Ernest Bergstrom on tank.’ (Thanks for sending
these nice old pictures and the information we hope others will do
the same!)

Take a look at this picture thought you might enjoy it! This
came from BILLY M. BYRD, 369 S. Harrig Street, Madisonville,
Kentucky 42431. Says Billy: ‘It used to be on the rails, but
now its in my back yard!’ (How about that for a yard
ornament?)

Some little thought provokers to think about The diamond cannot
be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials. It
is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.
Your true religion is the life you live, not the creed you profess.
Live so your autograph will be wanted and not your
fingerprints.

And then PAUL R. BREISCH, 187 W. Ridge Pike, Royersford,
Pennsylvania 19468 sent this to me. STEAM THAT BLOWS THE WHISTLE
NEVER TURNS THE WHEEL. Bye bye get to as many reunions as you can
and fill up that memory bank.