1406 New Jersey, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. And by Jane Macaulay,
Journalism student, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
66044
The Heart of America Steam Engine and Model Association Inc.
held its 18th annual reunion at McClouth, Kan., August 1, 2, and 3,
1975. Its popularity continues to increase. Attendance was up to
20,000.
McClouth is in eastern Kansas in rolling agricultural
countryside. A creek flows by the site, its banks lined with
cottonwoods. The trees were put to good use in the saw-milling
demonstrations that went on throughout the three days.
Seven large steam engines were on display, the oldest a 1917
Rumely owned by Harold Royer. George Matthews is busy repairing a
1905 Case engine that should be working in time for next year’s
show.
A Baker fan tested the power of these engines. Antique
separators were put to work twice daily on the field of swheat
planted alongside. There were six of these, two of them wooden and
dating back to the 1920’s.
There were 45 antique tractors, many of them with old metal
wheels; six wagons and pony teams; 22 trucks; 15 model steam
engines and 160 gasoline engines. All these could be seen together
in the parade, held at 1:30 p.m. each day.
The various displays were of associated interest to
engine-enthusiasts. These included traps, bridle bits and barbed
wire, suitably displayed in the state where it was invented.
In the big sheds that house some of the exhibits through the
winter, a flea-market was held and lots of antique merchandise
changed hands.
People showed interest in the old school house that has been
moved to the site to serve as an office. Weary spectators could sit
and rest at the old-fashioned desks.
There were many additional attractions. The Northeast Kansas
Pony Pulling Association held a contest on Friday afternoon with at
least 25 teams taking part. On Sunday afternoon there was a tractor
pulling contest. Airplane rides gave some spectators an aerial
view. There was music and dancing in the evenings, with a show of
traditional dances by Horton Indians.
Sunday morning the show stopped for a church service performed
by Rev. John Bower of the First Baptist Church of McClouth. The
first weekend in August is fixed for the 1976 show. We expect
another big success.
