R.D.1, Box 116 Wassaic, New York 12592
What do daffodils, robins and engine shows all have in common?
All are sure signs of spring-at least in this ‘neck of the
woods’. The Century Museum Village & Collector’s
Association gave spring a good boost forward on May 17-18 with its
11th annual Antique Engine & Machinery Exposition, held near
Stanfordville, New York in beautiful, historic Dutchess County.
Over 2500 spectators and 125 exhibitors migrated to the event from
miles around to enjoy antique engines, tractors, autos,
motorcycles, railroad section cars, fresh popcorn and the country
music of well known artist Gill Rogers. Tractor owners were an
especially busy lot as they pitted man and machine against gravity
on the newly constructed tractor ‘teeter-totter’. The
‘T-T’, designed and built by club members, is an 8′ x
18′ platform, set atop an oak beam providing an 8′ fulcrum.
Each contestant endeavored to balance his tractor on the platform
in the minimum amount of time. And that was harder than it looked,
especially for tractors with long iron lugs. Club President Jim
Boice, Sr. had an additional handicap in balancing his Titan 10-20;
every time he approached equilibrium, the water in the cooling tank
would ‘slosh’ and upset the balance. Grand winner was Jake
Bates of Hudson, New York on his restored Cletrac who balanced that
rig in an incredible 8 seconds! If you readers think you can beat
that, consider the challenge issued for next spring’s show. We
intend to discover the well-balanced individuals in our area!
And while challenges are being issued, if you think your tractor
runs real slow, and I mean real S-L-O-W, then our tractor slow race
may be your ‘cup of tea’.
As the tractor boys did their ‘thing’, George Brower and
son, Jeff, served their ‘umpteenth’ box of popcorn from
their Cretors popcorn wagon. And down the line, Milt Stickles
earned up his drag saw with Asa Beckwith’s 4 HP Myrick Eclipse
hot tube engine. (How many hot tube engines did you see in
operation at shows during the last year?)
Meanwhile, down in the ‘lower forty’, Lee W.
Pedersen’s Petters putted resonantly while Lee displayed his
engine wares. And in a quieter corner of the field, Sue Trotta
demonstrated the art of spinning, while here and there, little
conclaves of engine enthusiasts spun yarns of a different sort.
However, the most hot air was produced by the father and son teams
of Jim Boice, Sr. and Jr. and Archie and John Campbell; lest I get
in too much trouble with these four gentlemen, I should explain
that their 5′ and 8′ Rider-Ericcson hot air engines were
the source of their hot air.
The Empire Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Association again
conducted their annual meet in conjunction with the exposition, and
their displays certainly provided a unique dimension not found at
many shows. Similarly, the Poughkeepsie Chapter of the Antique Auto
Club of America graced our showgrounds with a number of gleaming
old time chariots.
Space limitations prevent more than a passing mention of vintage
lawnmowers, working steam, gas and hot air models, wooden casting
patterns, old time power tools in action and dozens of engines
chugging in joyous cacophony. Each exhibitor made a vital
contribution to the success of the show even though their exhibit
may not have been mentioned in this report. We hope to see them all
again next May 16-17.
And a final word to you collectors who have never attended our
show. Our show grounds are just a ‘hop, skip and a jump’
from many points in New England, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. -Hope
to see you next May!
