34 South Main Street Navarre, Ohio 44662
Although Friday was the first day of our 25th annual power show,
the planning for it began well over a year ago. One of the special
projects was to compile a silver anniversary book commemorating our
25 years. The end result was a beautiful 8′ x 11′ 72 page
book with our famous Russell pictured on the front cover, and
color. Special thanks to secretary Joe Harrison, vice president
John Steele, and his wife Paula Steele for spearheading the
effort.
Getting back to Friday morning, our opening ceremony began with
a prayer from chaplain Floyd White, and concluded with Dover mayor
Guy Smith reading a proclamation declaring August 19, 20 & 21
as ‘Silver Anniversary of Antique Power Show.’ A light rain
off and on during the day dampened activites slightly. At 11:00 AM
Bud and Gerrie Lillie were honored as Thresher man and Queen of the
show. Late afternoon saw the sun come out, and activities resumed
full swing. At 7:00 PM our 13th annual antique tractor pull was
held with 185 tractors, crawlers, and steam engines pulling.
It was cloudy Saturday morning and sunny in the afternoon with
pleasant temperatures in the high 70’s. At 11:15 AM a ceremony
was held honoring charter members, lifetime members, and former
officers of our organization. The sawmill, grist mill, shingle
mill, Baker fans, threshers, baler, John McDowell’s power
eater, and Steiner’s dynomometer were just some of the
equipment in operation throughout the day. Slow engine and block
races were held at 6:00 PM. Saturday’s evening entertainment
was on old time fiddlers’ contest.
At 9:00 AM Sunday we enjoyed Reverend Russel Hoy’s sermon at
our church service. After church all activities were under way
until our grand parade at 3:00 PM. The parade began with antique
automobiles, which were followed by steam engines and, last but not
least, gas tractors.
Throughout the weekend the Ladies’ Auxiliary held a sale of
craft items made and donated by its members. Raffle tickets were
sold for a quilt made by the ladies. Souvenir clocks, plates, and
cups were also for sale. The souvenir cup had Frank Shutt on his
1924 12-20 Rumely Oil Pull. Clyde Whitmore and his 21-75 Baker
traction engine were on the plate. Color photo badges featured
Frank Shutt on his Rumely Oil Pull towing Francis Young on his 6 HP
Russell portable steam engine. The operators and equipment have
been at all 25 of our shows.
The specially featured engines of the year were Clyde
Whitmore’s 21-75 Baker traction engine and Junior
Christian’s 110 HP Case traction engine. Clyde and his Baker
have been at all 25 shows, while Junior’s Case made its second
appearance.
A good time was had by all, and we are eagerly anticipating our
next 25 years!
