Interpreted (since he can’t talk yet) by his Poppy Gus
Simms 25 North Front Street Mountaintop, Pennsylvania 18707
I wave bye-bye to my mommy and daddy as I take my place, in my
baby seat, between Poppy (Gus) and Grammy (Pat) in the front of our
pick up truck. I get a feeling of excitement as I look forward to
my first show this season.
I visited several shows last season, but admit I don’t
remember much, except flywheels and a lot of popping and banging
noises. I was only eight months old. 1 really like flywheels a lot.
The bigger the better.
I really got interested in engines this winter, when I would
visit Pop’s workshop while he worked on his generators. So many
tools, so many engines, so much to push, pull, twist and turn. So
much grease! What fun!
After what seems an eternity, we arrive at the show. I can
hardly contain myself, but thoughtfully help with the tasks of
setting the tent over the trailer and getting the camp set up.
After the chores we relax over a little breakfast.
Now comes the part I’ve waited for for so long. Pop helps me
unload my engine, my ‘first’ engine. It’s a Montgomery
Ward ‘Hummer’ (so I’m told). Pop bought it for me this
spring. I was a little afraid of it at first, but now I like the
steady putt-putt noise it makes. I confidently get the gas can and
top off the fuel tank. Then make a few adjustments with my
screwdriver. Now let’s see if it will start. I try the kick
pedal, but I’m still not heavy enough to turn the engine. How
embarrassing! Pop comes to my rescue and with a few kicks, has it
putt-putting nicely. I grin, and happily listen to it as a few
people stop to look and listen. I’m so proud! I decide to shut
it down and try to start it again. After placing my screwdriver in
my Pop’s hand, I guide his hand to short out the spark plug.
I’ve tried this by myself, but Pop stops me and says I’ll
get shocked. I try the kick pedal again and this time with the help
of Pop’s hand, it starts on the first kick. Now I’m really
proud, as I point my engine out to passers-by. Well, all this
kicking and putting makes me feel tired, so I tug Grammy’s pant
leg to tell her I need my bottle and a short nap.
No problem sleeping with all these wonderful engine sounds and
smells to lull me. I wake up refreshed and ready for action. We
take a long walk through the engines, tractors and flea market. I
wind up with a green toy tractor and an ice cream. Pretty neat!
Returning to the camp, we all play around for a while. I decide,
since they are cool and not running, to check out the generators on
Pop’s trailer as I often do. Push the flywheel on the Fairbanks
back and forth a few times, ‘compression’s good on this
one, Pop.’ Now let’s try the Stover diesel. Even with
Pop’s help I have trouble to even budge this one, but it’s
fun to try. Gauges, levers and switches all pass inspection, so I
get down and ride my quad over to visit the neighbor kids. I’m
having so much fun.
The day flies by so quickly. We eat dinner and sit down to chew
the fat for a while (my Pop is really good at this). Then we go to
listen to the band for a while. By now I’m tired again and need
another bottle and maybe a long nap this time. It seems Gram and
Pop must need a nap, too, as they climb into the bunk. I snuggle in
between them and happily recall the day’s activities. I can
hardly keep my eyes open well, why fight it, tomorrow will be even
more exciting than today!
