Noel, Missouri 64854
Steam engine shows have a large variety of steam engines,
threshers, old heavy type tractors, saw-mills and many other
ancient antiquated items of historical value, used by the early day
pioneer settlers, in their enterprising pursuit to eke out a living
and to build up our country into a great agricultural nation.
Some shows are very large, having many historical items on
display. Others are quite small, displaying only a few items. Of
all the shows that I have been privileged to attend, the Pioneer
Harvest Fiesta, steam engine show in Fort Scott, Kansas, a medium
sized show is outstanding for displaying a large variety of
interesting and unusual historical items. In addition, a visit to
Old Fort Scott, a national shrine, with its rare and unique
collection of ancient relics, and The National Cemetery, makes
these three attractions most interesting, outstanding and a
gratifying treat that every person should see.
Fort Scott, Kansas, with the Burbon County fair grounds ideally
located at the southwest corner of the city limits, has, and always
will, extend a friendly hand of welcome to all show visitors. It is
blessed with many tourist courts and fine eating places.
The Bourbon County Fair grounds, the home of the Pioneer Harvest
Fiesta, steam engine show, where the ancient meets the present, has
ample parking area immediately adjacent to the show grounds. Only a
few steps to walk. There are dining rooms for old time thresher-men
meals, lunch stands for sandwiches, cotton candy, cones and cold
drinks, and plenty free ice-water on the grounds. Also many places
for picnic lunches.
The board of directors of the Pioneer Harvest Fiesta are very
strict with all engine operators, demanding that they hold the
steam to three-fourths of the allowable pressure, to make theirs a
safe and sane show to attend. Careless and reckless operators are
instantly removed from an engine. Tug-O-War is outlawed. All
engines have been inspected.
The following items were on display, in the 1966 show. 12
original steam engines, 21 original old tractors, 14 threshers, 50
gasoline engines, 4 light plants, one 4 hole shelter, one shredder,
one Papec insilage cutter, one saw-mill, one baker type fan, one
bale-tie making machine, and many other small items. Plenty of
action at all times.
Note- the National Cemetery referred to in the article is one of
the original fourteen national cemeteries established by the United
States in the fall of 1862 and is designated National Cemetery No.
l.
There are now 1700 veterans from all American wars buried in
this cemetery. About twenty of these are graves of Indian Scouts
for the American forces. I had time only to cover a part of the
cemetery and found the following names- Stick-Out-Belly,
Set-Them-Up, Young Chicken and Deep-In-Water. Each of these four
stones carry the abbreviation Ind. Ter. (Indian Territory)
Most of the 1700 Veterans buried in this cemetery are from the
central and eastern states, and it is possible that many of these
are distant relatives of those regular attendants of today’s
shows.
The star was so beautiful, large and clear, That all the other
stars of the sky Became a white mist in the atmosphere.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow