R.R. I, Box 107, Edwardsport, Indiana 47528
The White River Valley Antique Show had an honored guest at its
7th annual show last September. Doug Kutch of Odon,
Indiana, pulled up to the show with his new ‘toy,’ a 1910
Hart Parr 30-60 tractor. This rare tractor is one of only a few in
the United States. Everyone ran to help him unload and get a quick
inspection of ‘Old Reliable.’
Doug purchased it less than a month before in Michigan.
‘Does it run?’ was the main question, and with a smile Doug
said, ‘Well, of course!’ Old Reliable ran well and the
pulling sound it made, on the threshing machine was awesome. As the
three day event continued, Old Reliable was the center of
attention.
The antique and machinery show in Elnore, Indiana, is the
fastest growing in the area. This year’s attendance increased
to over 10,000.
A primary goal of the club is to educate the school children.
Fridays are always designated as Kid’s Day and all the
surrounding county schools are invited to bring pupils for a day of
learning. Average attendance for children on this day is over
3,000. Lye soap making is a favorite demonstration of the children.
Also on this day, all area nursing homes are invited as the
club’s guests for a day of remembrance.
The show has expanded from the fairgrounds to now include
another 40 acres. Expansion on the new ground will continue for
1992. A country street is being started and now in residence is a
blacksmith shop, farmstead, sorghum shack, bread making shop and a
nice rest area. There was wheat threshing, horse and tractor field
demonstrations, corn elevator, horses on treadmill threshing wheat
and many more demonstrations.
When a little R & R is needed, an enjoyable part of the day
can be riding the shuttle wagon over the grounds. A pleasant
resting activity is sitting in the bleachers watching the parade of
power on Saturday and Sunday. Listening to the announcer tell about
each unit is very educational and interesting. A lot of country and
gospel music is played daily. You can take advantage of the
enjoyable sounds and rest your weary feet.
The show offers more to eat than is imaginable, such as homemade
ice cream, root beer, apple butter and ham and beans. New this year
was potato chips being made in a big black pot. The steam engine
whistles blowing at noon are a reminder to eat. I still enjoy this
sound and the remembrances of when this was done at the threshing
dinners.
Shops of yesteryear were also interesting. There was everything
from the old general store to the hat shop, doll shop, toy shop,
pottery shop, and many more. This just gives you an idea of some of
the things to see. The craftsmen in these shops love having people
come in and visit with them and ask about their special
demonstrations.
In this same building was a large quilt display and a quilting
bee in session. The big rug loom was busy as the ladies showed me
their talent of rug making.
Next to this building is an enormous flea market.
What is that sound I hear? As I look straight ahead I could see
‘gasoline alley’. All the gas engines running made quite an
impression.
Buildings housing the toys, hand tools, horse carriages,’
and machinery kept many spectators interested. The Fun Farm
building was full to capacity with all types of animals. How long
has it been since you’ve seen chickens hatching, a bee hive, or
sheep being sheared?
Steam engines, gas engines, antique cars and trucks, and over
200 antique tractors were also on display. One building housed a
150 HP Page engine; the sound of its motor starting was music to my
ears. A novelty item was a homemade tractor a club member made
which was powered by a rare one cylinder Caterpillar engine.
The show for 1992 is on September 11,12,13,butif you can go on
Thursday afternoon you’ll enjoy seeing the wagon train coming
into the fairgrounds from Odon. This is a growing part of the show.
The horses and mules are kept here at the show and used in the
demonstrations. It is quite a sight to see.
Main attractions that excited me were the corn shucking contest
on Saturday, the antique tractor pull on Saturday night and the
Sunday morning church service.
Just remember September 11-13, if you want to see a spectacular
show. Old Reliable will be there to majestically welcome each and
everyone. The show is located in Elnora, Indiana, at the Daviess
County Fairgrounds. Call me at (812) 328-2359 for information.
