STEAM-ERA 1965.

2 Village Green, Apt. 202, Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada

STEAM-ERA ‘Terrific Success’ estimated attendance at
over 35,000. Milton, Ontario, once again opened their fair grounds
for the Ontario Steam and Antique Preserver’s Association
STEAM-ERA 65, when around 35,000 streamed into the town over the
week-end to enjoy the sciences of yesteryear.

This was the largest show ever, and a success in every way, with
more people, equipment, and a real hey-day for the camera
enthusiasts.

There were 32 engines, all operative and almost restored to
original condition. They ranged in age from 1885 to 1920 and
included George White, John Goodison, Case, Sawyer-Massey, Americal
Abel, Norsworthy, Waterloo, Robert Bell, John Waterous and
Mac-Donald, plus a steam roller, steam shovel, and a steam operated
calliope that shrieked out tunes from a bevy of whistles. A large
saw mill was busy all through the show; threshing; large fans were
also set up on the grounds to test the strength of the ‘iron
monsters’, plus a teeter-totter.

There were 49 gas tractors; early gas engines, numbering 52 was
another big attraction; 30 antique cars and trucks, dating back to
1903, were also on display; Miscellaneous large equipment included
a drag-saw, corn box, six separators, pumps, saws, cutters,
democrat, sleigh, grain grinder, and two band organs. A blacksmith
shop was recreated, and a smithy was on duty showing visitors how
the shoes were made. P.L. Robertson Manufacturing entered an early
cut thread screw manufacturing machine that was operated throughout
the show. For the first time an old country ‘general store’
was built and housed a film bar and souvenirs.

One hall filled with agricultural antiques, was called ‘The
barn of Yesteryear’. Another exhibited models of equipment, and
in the third hall were smaller antique pieces and souvenirs.