494 Twp Rd. 232 Sullivan, Ohio 44880
Two very nice days, September 18-19, 1993 saw lots of action at
the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington, Ohio.
About 125 gas engines, from tiny units, to large oil field
engines were on display. Most were running, and making the kind of
music we all enjoy. Numerous units were belted to pumps, saws,
fans, etc. If all the hours of restoration time used on these
engines were totaled up, it would be a large figure. Most
spectators do not realize the amount of time spent in restoring
engines, but that is what we enjoy, so it should not be considered
work. Many engines looked as if they were brand new and their
owners displayed them with pride. One example was a 1 HP Fairbanks
belted to a water pump mounted on a well constructed cart. It was
restored by Collin Coshway of Fairview Park, Ohio.
About 20 antique cars and trucks plus 44 model steam engines
were shown and most were running at the steam table. Many other
odds and ends of interest were on display.
42 garden tractors, 121 farm tractors, some crawlers, were
displayed. Most makes were represented, and some were very rare
ones. An example was a 1919 Avery, 8-16, two cylinder tractor owned
by Rick Horning of Gallion, Ohio. He stated that this one was the
smallest unit made by Avery at that time. He purchased the 8-16 one
week before the show, in Ontario, Canada. The old critter ran very
well, and was a crowd pleaser in the parade.
16 steam traction engines, one roller, two portables, and six
scale model engines performed throughout the show on the
power-eater, fan, dynamometer, thresher, baler, shingle mill, and
sawmill. Gas tractors also did their stuff on these tools. Enough
logs were obtained to keep the sawmill running steady for both
days, the only shutdown was the file saw and during the parade.
A buzz saw powered by an IHC Model M 6 HP engine was used to saw
the slabs from the sawmill. These then were burned in the steam
engines. On Saturday afternoon a large parade was run in front of
the grandstand for the enjoyment of the spectators. I think the
exhibitors driving in the parade had just as much fun showing their
old iron.
On Sunday afternoon, an exhibitors-only tractor pull was run.
Everyone had a good time, and are anxiously awaiting the pull next
year.
A very large flea market was going strong both days, so everyone
had a chance to find that hard to find part. Lots of very good food
was available on the grounds, from a sandwich, to a full meal. No
one should have gone away hungry. Many thanks to all who exhibited,
helped run the show, and cleaned up afterwards. Also thanks to the
flea market folks, and food vendors, and last but not least thanks
to all who attended as spectators.
Hope to see you all next year on September 17-18, 1994, at
Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington, Ohio.
