7197 Mississippi Street, MerriiUville, Indiana 46410
No reunion can endure year after year without having something
worthwhile to occupy the exhibitors and spectators. This show had
it and some to spare. My wife said to me about a month ahead of
time, ‘we should be sure to plan for the Pontiac Show.’ I
agreed happily.
We were met on the grounds by a group of congenial people at the
gate. After some discussion, we were told to look up Mr. Brinkman
to let him show us where to park. He not only showed us the spot,
but he helped us back into the space. He cared!
It promptly began to rain, but believe me it was good to be
there, rain or shine. This time was used to visit and just enjoy
the country. The rain dampened everything but our spirits. The
Horse Show was postponed until Monday. Instead of the Horse Show
that rainy evening, the folks gathered to hear a show put on my
volunteers on the grounds. These folks really could and did
entertain. I mention this especially since it was local talent
giving an impromptu performance to avoid disappointment for a great
many folks.
There were professional groups on other nites as programmed.
It would take many pages to list the attractions, not the least
of which was the extensive Flea Market. Many women would not have
come, had not the market been there. There were many items
reasonably priced for both men and women, to say nothing of the
many things for the younger set. I find that most successful shows
try to have something for everyone. Pontiac was no exception in my
opinion.
Now about the show of engines; Steam, Gasoline, Models, also the
machines which were driven by these engines.
A first class sawmill operated in a professional manner by
dedicated and capable Ray Dye from Deedsville, Indiana. I had
talked to Ray before this show and found him to be knowledgeable of
anything which bore a resemblance to a sawmill.
Threshing operations drew a large crowd and many people were
able to get their hands into the action.
Shingle sawing was enough load to make the engines talk – Or I
like to think of it as music.
The ‘Baker’ Fan was the king when it came to making the
steam engines puff. You could see tape recorders come from all
directions when the engines were doing their thing on the
‘Baker’ Fan. The sawmill also got its share of attention
when the sawyer would crowd it a little for the benefit of the tape
recorder fans. The Tape Recorder Fiend has not lived until he goes
to a steam show like the one at Pontiac.
Gasoline and steam engine models along with one hot air engine
model drew their share of the spectators.
An exhibition of spinning was given by Mrs. Ruth Geeting of
Sterling, Illinois. Mrs. Geeting really raised folks to loud
applause when she sang with the folks who volunteered to put on the
show in lieu of the society horse show which had to be
postponed.
Ollie and Mrs. Knepper were there selling their magazine
subscriptions. This to me is a necessary feature at a steam show.
By the way, Ollie knows steam and can be counted on to help and to
answer your questions. They also have a wealth of reprinted
literature on engines and related subjects. They have the largest
selection I have ever seen.
THE GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH of Pontiac furnished a food service
featuring real threshermen meals.
‘Herb’ Beckemeyer can be justly proud of the show put on
by he and his cooperative people. God willing, we’ll be there
next year and I know many more who will also!
