The Rough and Tumble Engineers, of Kinzers, Pa., oldest
organization of its kind in the East, will mark its 35th
anniversary this summer with special recognition of Arthur S.
Young, who led in its formation.
R&T began as a ‘thresher men’s reunion’ in 1948
on the grounds of Young’s farm equipment sales establishment on
decided to keep getting together for an annual event, and later
formed the Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association.
Art Young is credited with saving many an antique engine from
the scrap heap, as well as convincing federal authorities not to
pull in the old iron for World War II scrap drives.
When Young kept the ancient steamers on his grounds, someone
spotted them from a train on the main line of the Pennsylvania
Railroad and reported them to the government. Officials descended
on Young to demand answers why was he keeping the engines from
being converted into wartime material?
He took them around his grounds, telling them how he had
supplied parts from these aged machines to keep wartime engines
running. He also noted that old angle irons from engines had been
taken to the Armstrong Cork Co. plant in Lancaster, to be put up
for hanging newly painted products to dry in the defense area of
the factory.
The ‘feds’ not only refrained from hammering down on
Young; they also went beyond writing him up and giving him a
citation for his effort in conservation, and in recycling old
machinery to aid the war effort.
That’s the way it’s recalled by his son Everett, who is
an active R&T member. You might say that his dad was a
diplomat.
Because Young saved the engines, they were available for
distribution later. From the 80 steam pieces on his grounds, many
were eventually purchased by collectors and today are in many parts
of the East, very important engines prized by owners and
organizations. Young’s foresight and insistence were
worthwhile.
Arthur S. Young with his Avery. Young was a good friend of Rev.
Elmer Ritzman, founder of /MA, and wrote a column for the magazine.
(courtesy Lancaster New Era)
One of his engines, an Avery, which he operated on the threshing
circuit, is today property of R&T, and the organization seeks
to restore it. The project was recommended by Otis Astle, who urged
that it be put back in running order. Because of deterioration of
the boiler, the state inspector would no longer give it approval,
forcing it into retirement.
Astle urged that the boiler be replaced with either a new one or
a remanufactured one, and that other repairs be made, and the
engine be painted so that it looks like new. Then it is to be
dedicated as a running memorial to Arthur S. Young.
As so often happens with the person who has a good idea, Astle
was made chairman of a committee to raise funds and so a campaign
is underway. Estimate of cost is $8,000. Thus far, over $1,200 has
been raised.
Guy B. Stauffer is president of R&T, which is planning big
doings for its 35th anniversary event in August, as one of the
oldest reunions in the nation. Young Memorial Fund gifts should be
sent to R&T, Box 9, Kinzers, Pa. 17535.