Rt.2, Box 27-A Concord, Virginia 24538
In 1991 the enthusiasm of Ernest Campbell for antique engines,
tractors, and shows began to rub off on some of the local folks
around Concord.
One of these was Lyle Moore. Ernest would go down to Stonewall
to Lyle’s shop and talk about the shows he had gone to and the
things he had seen. Well, Lyle, Ronnie, Ernest, and Bill Layne and
others went to some of the shows put on by other clubs, and
needless to say, the ‘fever’ began to set in and the wheels
started turning.
Why can’t we do something like this in Concord? After
contacting local farmers, businessmen, friends, and neighbors, a
meeting was held on February 9, 1992 at Lyle’s shop.
Purchased in 1911/12 by Wash Burley, Amherst, Va., from the
Amherst Hardware Store, this machine originally was used for
threshing wheat and later for wood saws and hammer mills. Except
for about 12 years, it has been in the Burley family. The original
price was $450.00 and original color was dark green. Current owner
is Sam Burley.
The idea for an association and the event were well received by
all present and immediately officers and directors were elected and
a date of June 13 and 14, 1992 was set for our first event which we
call ‘The Stonewall Old Timer’s Day.’ With only four
months to plan such an event, we were overjoyed with the community
response. We received our Charter from the State Corporation
Commission on May 11, 1992, so we were off and running.
SHOW TIME! The weather was beautiful. We had approximately 3500
people in attendance, 140 registered members, 70-plus exhibitors,
music, food, arts and crafts, and a flea market.
The show was beyond our expectations and we knew right away we
were going to do it again next year, changing the date to May so as
not to conflict with the James River Batteau Festival held in
June.
The Association brings together persons interested in antique
power engines (steam and gas), and other antique power and horse
drawn equipment. The intent is to preserve and restore a part of
our history and heritage to be passed on to our children and future
generations to see, hear, and enjoy, while developing an
appreciation for this great land, and the ingenuity and work put
into its development.
A special, special thanks to the community, the association
members, the businesses, the exhibitors, and all those who have
contributed to make this event and organization the successful show
it is today.
