WMSTR, Secretary Hawley, Minnesota 56549
Steamers line up for the annual boiler inspection. Gilmer Olson,
Twin Valley, Minnesota, explains some engine workings to his young
helpers.
Since the first Reunion held on October 2, 1954, Western
Minnesota Steam Threshers, of Rollag, Minnesota has come a long
passes by from the 3,000 people that attended the first show to the
20,000 that came to help us celebrate our 25th show.
The first show had a working display of 4 steam engines, 2
separators and several ‘model steamers.’ Today the number
of steam engines has grown to 20, along with many threshing
machines, countless gas tractors and engines, and a large miniature
land complete with a scale railroad. In fact, today’s parade of
engines, tractors and vintage cars lasts nearly two hours.
Future reunions continued to attract interested individuals who
brought with them gas engines, tractors, saw, shingle and lathe
mills, two large Corlis stationary engines and a steam forge
hammer. In 1977, a full size steam locomotive was purchased by the
association. Recently two box cars, a caboose and a coal car were
added to the ‘rolling stock.’
WMSTR soon began to run out of room for the constantly growing
number of exhibits. More land was needed for the railroad project
and for campground parking.
The show grounds cover over a 100 acres of hills and beautiful
woodland that exhibitors and visitors can enjoy. With 25 buildings,
one can visit two rustic log cabins, a museum, blacksmith shop,
print shop, flour mill, several food stands and much more.
Among the people who like to become involved were group of
ladies, most of them wives or daughters of our male members. They
organized a ladies’ activities group that exhibit old-time arts
such as spinning, weaving, soap making, and baking of ethnic
foods.
A success story? Yes, but it has meant a lot of hard work, a
strong feeling of devotion and self-sacrifice by many people. We
have known the sting of adversity during those years such as bad
weather, financial setbacks, and the sudden passing of one of our
key men, to name a few.
Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion, Inc., is a nonprofit
organization consisting of over 600 members from around the United
States who gather yearly on Labor Day weekend and combine their
efforts to present a working show. They have a common interest in
preserving our nation’s history through the operation and
restoration of antique farm equipment.
New projects are underway including the erection of a 2-story
upright stationary steam engine with a 12′ flywheel; the
continuation of the railroad project; and the restoration of an
85′ railroad executive car, all of which takes many hours of
volunteer labor.
With thoughts of the past and dreams for the future, WMSTR and
its members invite you to exhibit and enjoy a slice of our heritage
on Labor Day weekend. We look forward to another 25 years, after
all who doesn’t love a Golden Jubilee?
