The final sentence in a chapter of steam engine tradition was
written on August 6, 1990 when Paul F. Crow of Charleroi, PA passed
to the great beyond. He was born December 12, 1905 in Fallowfield
Township, where he resided his entire life. He was a graduate of
California (PA) State Teachers College. In August 1927 he married
Evelyn Mae Mitchell Crow, who passed on in 1986. He is survived by
great grandchildren.
We of the steam engine fraternity remember his devotion and
enthusiasm for the traction engine. His motivation brought him into
contact with C.R. and M.D. Fullerton. These three men founded the
Tri State Historical Steam Engine Association which since 1957 has
hosted annual reunions, first at Burgettstown, then at Hookstown,
and now at Finleyville, all in Pennsylvania. Paul served as
Secretary of the Association from its inception until being named
Secretary Emeritus in 1986. This tradition of excellence continues
as Paul’s daughter, Frances, has succeeded her father as
secretary.
Paul’s father, David, was a thrasherman who used STEAM! Paul
remembered the annual visit of the boiler inspector to his
family’s farm. The engine owner was responsible for feeding and
lodging the inspector, then providing transportation to the next
engine. One of Paul’s earliest memories was of riding in a
buggy driven by his mother to transport the inspector to his next
job. Paul’s daughter remembers her father coming home from
teaching school, eating quickly and going to assist his father in
moving the rig to the next ‘set’.
Paul owned a 1916 18 x 50 J.I. Case traction engine and a 1935
J.I. Case stationary wire tie baler which he proudly exhibited each
year. The thick file of documents covering the purchase,
restoration, and maintenance of the engine through the years is
most fascinating, and more interesting than a year’s supply of
Reader’s Digest. Paul’s family is carrying on this
tradition. Each September, grandson Larry Whaley, and his sons
Chris and Paul, journey from Indiana to Pennsylvania to operate
Paul’s engine.
From 1963 until 1983 Paul headed a group of steam engine owners
and enthusiasts in presenting an exhibition of steam power and
antique equipment at the Canfield, Ohio Fair which attracts about
one million spectators each year.
‘We are steam engine people,’ was Paul’s explanation
when leaving a telephone message one evening. Sure enough, the man
called back in less than an hour. This simple statement was Paul
Crow’s philosophy. It meant honesty, integrity, hard work,
loyalty, and a strong religious belief.
If there is a harvest season in Heaven, Paul will be happy and
among friends.
Submitted by Craig F. Kern, 3373 Columbia Drive, Castle
Shannon, PA 15234.
