69 Dawn Avenue, Piano, Illinois 60545
This year was the home coming again for the Sandwich engine and
all other Sandwich Manufacturing Company machinery at their
birthplace, Sandwich, Illinois. The 23rd annual Sandwich Early Day
Engine Club Show was the scene of this event on June 25 & 26,
1994. This is approximately one-half mile west of the actual site
where they were built. The Sandwich Company dates back to the 1860s
and up to about 1930 with the engines being built around the 1915
to 1930 era. After that, New Idea took over the company and ceased
making the Sandwich in favor of their own. There is a lot of
history to be told here but not at this time however. Leading off
the display was the Robert Miller and Sons’ complete line of
Sandwich engines from the Cub to the 10 HP. All models were on
original carts and meticulously restored, painted and striped to
better than brand new standards. This project has been in progress
for many years. Bob was our Grand Marshall this year and is one of
our most loyal and helpful members.
Next to Bob’s 10 HP was Jim May’s exact one-fifth scale
model of the 10 HP. Jim designed and built the patterns to make the
castings, had them poured, then machined and built the first
working model. He sold some castings to other people and several
very well done examples were also present and running nicely. What
a sight to see!
Another exceptional Sandwich exhibit was Roger Peterson’s
hay press (circa 1924) complete with a 6 HP Sandwich engine mounted
on it. It is the largest one Sandwich made (17 x 22 inch bale).
Restoration was finally completed in 1992. It runs perfectly and we
were very lucky to have it at the show.
Several Sandwich Early Day Engine Club members have beautifully
restored Sandwich engines, all of which were present and running
like new. Others came in from a large surrounding area and out of
state. It was a very good show of support for the Sandwich
Company.
As for the rest of the show, exhibits of all brands were present
in growing numbers. Parades, tractor pull, slow race, kiddie
tractor pull, flea market, sawmill, courtesy wagons, large farm toy
show, arts and crafts, consignment auction, raffles, horseshoe
tournament, good food, helpfulness, and friendships came together
very well to make this the best show with the largest attendance
we’ve ever had.
Further details could fill several pages, but suffice to say,
all those who were involved in this show in any way deserve our
deepest THANKS and we pass them along at this time. We further hope
that you will favor us with your presence again this June. Oliver
and Challenge will be the featured equipment at the events, so plan
accordingly.
