A 72-page paperback book full of information and pictures has
been published by the Wisconsin Steam Antique Engine Club and can
be obtained from the club at $5.75 a copy postpaid.
Prepared by Ed Western, the book is ‘a picture album of old
steam engines, gas tractors, gas engines, models, and antique farm
machinery shown by our members and exhibitors at our annual tractor
The book is a sentimental tribute, recalling the days of the
past and those who have gone on, and looking ahead.
We like the big photo on inside back cover, showing Glenn
Reckelberg firing his Dad’s 65 Case. The line above it says,
‘The Future Is In Good Hands’.
The front cover has an excellent photo of Gilbert
Steinbrecker’s 1880 12 HP Frick Eclipse portable steam engine
which powers the shingle mill at club shows.
The history relates that the club got off to a false start, then
was formally organized as it is today, in 1954 at Manitowoc. The
second paragraph contains a sentence that must be familiar to
members of many other clubs:
‘In the early years, bad weather at show time resulted in
operating losses that required a transfusion of hard cash by a
couple of faithful members to assure the club’s
survival.’
The club has survived that is abundantly evident.
An apology is made in the book for lack of good pictures from
early shows, and there is also the note that no written records are
available for the first years of operation. Other clubs can take
heed: nothing slips away like photos that are not taken, or minutes
that are not written.
To order a copy, write to Ed Western, Route 2, Box 127,
Kewaunee, WI 54216.
