SOOT IN THE FLUES

The Farm Album was the name that founder Elmer Ritzman
used for his publication when he began his enterprise in 1946. Rev.
Ritzman was a well known, indeed a beloved collector, as well as a
preacher. When Elmer died on May 5, 1971, Anna Mae Branyan wrote
about him:

To know what you want to do with your life is a wonderful thing
Elmer had his convictions. He knew he wanted to be a preacher, he
knew he loved people; and he knew he loved steam. And he did some
thing about it! He became a preacher and administered to many
people throughout his lifetime. He gathered innumerable friends
throughout his ministry and from just being ‘Elmer.’

Anna Mae Branyan began her first SOOT IN THE FLUES column in the
March/April 1953 issue of IMA, after starting work for the magazine
in September 1952. Here is how she described her selection of the
name of her column, which we now carry on in her memory:

I chose the title for the column ‘Soot in the Flues’ for
anything I’d try to say concerning the workings of this
wonderful steam hobby would just be like cloggin’ the flues
with soot. However, if you’re patient with me, I might get the
hang of the vocabulary and educate my self in this field I do think
I’ll enjoy it.

And enjoy it, she did. Until her sudden death last summer, Anna
Mae was a busy and cherished member of the IMA staff.
Since 1973, Gerald Lestz has been publisher of IMA. Gerry
was a longtime newspaper reporter and publisher of Baer’s
Agricultural Almanac, who purchased the magazine from Earlene
Ritzman at the urging of some engine collecting friends. Gerry
still comes into the office every day at age 81, but most of the
chores of getting the magazine to print have been taken over by
others in the office. Linda Sharron and Gail Knauer are now the two
who keep up with the typesetting, laying out and editing of your
articles. Happy Birthday, IMA!

Our first letter this month comes from: DAVID BEACH, 919 Chest
nut Street, Roaring Springs, Pennsylvania 16673: ‘I have wanted
to write to the Soot column for over a year and now I only have
regrets since I heard of Anna Mae’s passing. But her spirit
lives on as does one’s romance with the era of steam that had
passed us years ago.

‘I am 28 years old and I was first introduced to steam by my
father, Rex Beach, around age six or seven. He was always making
model engines for me, and a boiler to fire up so that I could
experience that silent power! He always overbuilt his creations and
used approved safety valves, plumbing and gauges. Around age nine
or ten, my grandfather Lester Beach purchased a 9 x 10 Frick, 1926
engine. It had a nearly perfect boiler when bought, but needed much
T. L. C. elsewhere. He worked on it several years and ended up with
a beautiful showpiece that was inspected to factory working
pressure. This engine now belongs to the Goldsmith family of the
Grease, Steam, and Rust Association in McConnellsburg,
Pennsylvania. It looks as proud as ever with a recent
re-restoration. I would like to thank the Goldsmiths for taking
such fine care of that Frick! Had I not been in college at the time
of sale, I may have taken more interest in the engine’s
fate.

‘Now, I am looking forward to the ’95 show season and
the opportunity to show my recently purchased Peer less. Our local
show is the Southern Cove Power Reunion, held the third weekend in
September, in New Enterprise, Pennsylvania, each year. The show has
grown so much in four years that we are looking for more land to
expand! We have over 75 gas tractors of all makes show up, as well
as dozens of gas engines, several thrashers, rock crushers, Baker
fan demonstrations, corn shelling, a cedar shingle mill, and even a
steam powered water well drill that can strike at any time and soak
the curious onlookers! As show chairman, I believe in the
importance of presenting a show that is organized and takes full
advantage of exhibiting every possible piece of machinery for each
person that comes through the gate.

‘My grandfather taught me every thing he knew about steam as
I grew up and went to shows with him. I drove that Frick through
the Martinsburg parade, Centre Hall, Kinzers, and Williams Grove
parades. All the while, his experienced and watchful eye keeping
track of the operations. He continues to instruct me with my Z-1
and I think it is important to educate others of younger
generations at our shows with demonstrations and by answering
questions.

‘The antique enthusiast who wants to let others know
‘how much he knows’ or likes to critique his peers
condescendingly has no place in my book. Allow people to ask
‘silly questions’ or make harmless mistakes in figuring
something out, because the answer they get may determine whether
they will become involved, or even support our hobby. I won’t
ever stop learning, and I respect an experienced mind. A positive
outlook will allow our steam engines and antiques to run
generations into the future. I look forward to our fall show and
invite all readers to stop by and see the traction engines powering
the sawmill and to go for a hayride on Saturday evening!’

LLOYD A. MERCHANT, 4310 Smith Road, Dimondale, Michigan 48821
writes: ‘A few months ago I read there may be only six
Greyhound steam engines left. My father gave me a picture he had
for about 70 years. He said his sister took the picture near their
Kalkaska County farm in northern Michigan. This Greyhound has a
jacket, a little smoke coming out of the stack, and a man standing
at the rear. These, being rare, I thought someone might like to see
it in the magazine.’

We hope to hear from more of you next month!

Steamcerely,Gail and Linda