9670 Henderson Road, Sandy Creek, New York 13145
There’s a lot of pride put into the making of an engine
show, and that pride was evident as the St. Lawrence Gas &
Steam Association kicked off their 12th annual power show on June
11th and 12th, 1994, at the Canton Sportsman’ Club, Canton, New
York.
Beautifully warm weather, a blessing in Northern New York where
it snows almost 18 months out of the year made this
year’s show one of the most successful ever. Hundreds of gas
and steam engine and tractor exhibitors turned out from all over
the Northeast and Canada, displaying everything from Maytags to
Farmalls.
Perhaps the most impressive display was the 40 HP, 1922
stationary A. B. Farquhar steam engine, manufactured in York,
Pennsylvania. Engineered by Paul Shirley and Ed Fincham, this
little engine (and this engine is by no means little!) was
purchased in 1984 from the St. Lawrence County Highway Department,
where it was used to power rock crushers for road construction up
until 1962.
In addition to the Farquhar, an Anderson type KD oil engine, 2
cylinder, 2 cycle, 100 HP257 RPM (show speed 100 RPM) was displayed
by engineers and restorers Paul Moore and Bill Bartlett.
Manufactured by Anderson Engine & Foundry Company, Anderson,
Indiana, this engine is the only one of its size known existing
running or not.
A portable Lane Green Mountain sawmill (manufactured in Barre,
Vermont) was displayed by Russ Goodyear of Richmond, Vermont. This
fascinating unit came from Wm. Soaper & Sons Door & Sash
Mill. It was powered by a 60 HP Allis Chalmers, Model E60, which is
owned and operated by Bob and Ed Bishman of Parish, New York.
And if all these working relics didn’t stir up an admiration
for the past, there were numerous other interests including a host
of antique cars and snowmobile exhibits brought to us by the St.
Lawrence County Snowmobile Association. For horse lovers, a draft
horse exhibition was put on by the St. Lawrence County Draft Horse
Association. Here friendly folks were more than happy to explain
the difference between a hame and a whipple tree. I certainly
learned a lot, and the horses loved the attention!
A craft and flea market sold everything but the fleas, as did
the auction which was held Saturday afternoon. Country music was
provided for both days and a dance was held Saturday night.
Horseshoe pitching was fun to watch on Sunday, and, being a fiction
writer, I found the Adirondack storyteller and balladeer, Bill
Smith, to be especially entertaining.
But we mustn’t forget the eats, and there were loads of
’em! Both mornings, the Canton Sportsman’ Club served a
king sized pancake breakfast, and aside from the hotdogs and snacks
that were available anytime, Sunday’s chicken barbecue was
excellent.
Yes, as always, the St. Lawrence Gas & Steam Engine Show
didn’t disappoint me. I had a great time, as I’m certain
everyone else did, and I look forward to attending the 1995 show.
Hope to see you all there. You and your love for the past is, after
all, the secret to their success. See ya next year!
