452 County Road 33 Bluff ton, Ohio 45817
Once more the sounds of days gone by echoed through the Old Mill
Stream Fairgrounds in Findlay, Ohio for four days, July 31 though
August 3.
The sounds of sawmilling, tractor pulls, threshing, and hit and
miss engines were everywhere. We had the type of weather for the
week that could only have been special-ordered.
There were ten steamers on display, with each taking their turn
at the sawmill, thresher, and Baker fan. The smell and sounds of
the steamers hinted at the memories of work and power and a by gone
way of life that it’s a shame we cannot all experience. The
wail of the whistles were a reminder that we shouldn’t
underestimate their abilities to work, if they were to once more be
called upon to pull the load, or work the fields, and retake their
place as the king of power in the fields of America.
There were 360 gas tractors of a wide variety of brands (with an
emphasis on Ohio built equipment), putting on a fine show while
working under the load of the pulling sled and the shingle and
sawmill. The parade of equipment on Saturday gave all the tractors
and steamers the chance to show off their colors.
Some folks and their tractors entertained spectators with a
tractor square dance. It’s called just like any square dance,
only the tractors were the focus of attention. What a sight, seeing
the tractors moving in unison to the direction of the caller.
It’s also a testimonial to the folks who are behind the wheel
and their abilities to maneuver the machines in such a manner.
The engine area was just bulging at the seams with over 545
engines on display shelling and grinding corn, pumping water,
crushing pop cans. This year’s feature engine was Briggs &
Stratton, with many rare and unusual models on display. One trailer
alone held 35 engines. With new quartz halogen lights, the engine
area was lit up like day and spectators stayed to visit and admire
the iron art of the past, long after dark had settled on other
areas of the show. There were many neat and unusual items to be
found for sale in the exhibit area. It’s encouraging to bring
along a little something to sell from your display area, or take to
the Trading Post and consign.
And the ladies were not forgotten either, with one large
building dedicated to the display, demonstration, and sales of all
kinds of crafts. Classes were even going on for those who wanted to
try their hand at making anything that caught their interest. There
was a quilt and other items raffled off, too. And then, outside
there were the largest number of flea markets in the Hancock County
area. Everything from tools and jewelry to music and antiques were
being offered for sale. You could spend a day on just the
markets.
The Van Buren FFA put on a toy show and sale with every kind of
toy tractor and piece of equipment available offered for sale or
viewing. The toys make a wonderful item, to use in the house or
shop, to bring color into and liven up your life. Thanks for the
wonderful addition to our show, guys!
And talk about food! There was so much to sample it wasn’t
possible to try it all in the four days of the show. Everything
from cotton candy to lemonade, and homemade ice cream made in the
old style churns driven by old gas engines. Full breakfasts and
meals were also being served. All the fair-type foods were
available, as well.
All four days of the show there was a variety of musical
entertainment pro vided for everyone to enjoy. Kiddie pulls and
kiddie trains kept the youngsters out of trouble. And, if you
didn’t want to walk all the way from one side of the park to
the other, the shuttles were on the go being pulled by antique
tractors and teams of horses.
Next year’s show feature will be Massey-Harris tractors and
engines and all related equipment. Mark your Steam and Gas Show
Directory, plan to attend and enjoy the week. The 1998 show date is
July 30-31 and August 1-2.
All those involved in organizing and operating the show wish to
thank everyone who makes the continued existence of this event
possible. Without everyone’s cooperation, hard work and
dedication to the hobby, we couldn’t have the fun we all
enjoy.
