‘Caution-Adults at Play’ read, the sign at our first
engine show under the name of ‘Old Engine Collectors of South
Jersey.’ Our collection includes gas, steam, and diesel
engines. This first show was held at the Atlantic County 4H Fair in
Egg Harbor, New Jersey.
Jim and Bill Guenther operated their 9 HP Fairbanks-Morse on the
cordwood sawing. Folks really enjoyed this exhibit.
Now if we gave trophies for the longest distance traveled to
exhibit in this show it would have gone to Mr. & Mrs. George
Mathews from Arkansas who displayed two very fine working model gas
engines. So glad that Mrs. Layton could join them in traveling to
the show. We appreciate them coming. Thank you!
During our event our engines drowned out the organ display which
was close by. Sorry Music Center-Better luck next year. Also, our
friend, Kenny Moore, had been smoking out quite a few displays
under the tent behind him. His Mietz and Weiss really sends off
some smoke.
A friend of Barry Watkins who is with the Helping Hand C.B. Club
was asked to bring his engine club friends to participate at the
Cumberland County Fairgrounds. This was a fund raising show for
Cerebral Palsy. The Fair director really enjoyed the engines and
invited us to come back for the County Fair next summer. We are all
looking forward to that.
Our third exhibit was at the ‘Chicken Coop and Antique
Shop’ in Absecon Highlands, New Jersey, operated by Ken Smith.
Dave Esch who works there has asked us to make this show an annual
affair. It was a brisk day on October 3, and the ladies served hot
coffee and soup along with sandwiches.
We would like to comment on a show that we attended. Some
members from our club decided to take a few engines, as well as
enjoy the First Delaware Valley Old Time Power and Equipment Show
at Washington Crossing, New Jersey. It was the best display of
engines we’ve seen in a while. We counted 141 engines there on
Sunday. Most every engine was in action. This is a show well worth
going to see. We will be there next year to help support this fine
meet. Our own club member, Joe Dunn, traveled about 1000 miles back
and forth hauling engines, equipment and even antique cars.
Wood sawing done by Jim Guenther and Barry Watkins, with our
famous ‘Mr. , Clean’ watching.
Barry Watkins trying to keep in tune with the organ at the music
center exhibit. Both sounded good.
Kenny Moore had to move his beautiful Mietz & Weiss. Just
too much smoke in the tents behind him.
Mr. Clean (Dave Esch) at work, trying to get his engines in fine
running shape.
Between shows we were quite busy with backyard picnics. They
were great! We plan to diet all winter so we can be ready for some
of the same great times next summer. I do want to mention now that
Hoppy Dougherty usually came along with his engine. Dave Esch was
always busy getting his engine to run just right, and of course, we
all noticed how greasy Dave gets. For this, another member, Wayne
Flitcraft from Woodstown named him ‘Mr. Clean.’ At least
Dave comes to our shows clean, but goes home just a little bit
different. Speaking of members, we can’t leave out Warren Avis
who wanted to steam corn with his boiler. And oh yes, our youngest
member is Walter Seitz, age 13, who tags along with his Maytag.
Now for the round-up meet which was held at Story Book Land in
Cardiff, New Jersey, on the 5th of November: besides our regular
engines we were honored by Tom Glork and John Pizzi who are new
members. They had two antique outboard motors, and a Maytag.
At this time we wish to thank all those who made our
get-togethers a lot of fun and fellowship. We met some really nice
folks this past year. Also, if there is anyone here in South Jersey
reading this who would like to join our fun, or would like us to
exhibit at your affiar, please contact Bill Guenther (609-641-9189)
or write R.D. 1, Box 579, Pleasantville, New Jersey 08232. Bill
will be glad to hear from you.
