The Stratman Steam and Gas Engine Show was held September 24,
and 25, 1977 with two nice days. There was a nice display of
antique cars, gas engines, full size and scale model steam engines
and tractors. The antique car section was mostly Model A’s and
Hudsons with a few other makes presenting a nice variety.
The gas section was showing pumping water, cutting off logs,
generators and other things that gas engines were used for in their
day.
The big Minnie powered the thresher both days and a tractor was
used to bale the straw.
The scale model steam engines powered the scale model lumber saw
and shingle saw.
There was a nice group of swap booths. One Was the old type of
popcorn machines. There was a very large display of spark plugs
that drew a lot of comments.
John had his large all metal building that he designed and built
himself out of tubing pipes and flat roll sheet iron. It housed the
eating stand, some displays and swap booths. The big thing in the
metal building was John’s 125 HP Corliss type engine running
for the first time inside since he has owned it. Steam was supplied
from a boiler outside.
John plans to hook-up some more stationary type engines to the
steam line next year so you see he is planning for 1978 so watch
for announcements.
