Torrington Show Report

By Staff
Published on April 1, 1987
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The smallest engine shown was the Olds model, built by Frank Slichter, Casper, WY.
The smallest engine shown was the Olds model, built by Frank Slichter, Casper, WY.
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Part of the two-day activities.
Part of the two-day activities.
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Historian Cowboy State Antique Steam and Gas Association, Inc.
Torrington, Wyoming

Under a beautiful western sky, Wyoming’s first
thresher’s reunion and antique machinery show was held at
Torrington on August 1 and 2, 1986. Sponsoring the reunion was the
Cowboy State Antique Steam and Gas Association, Inc., which was
organized only a few months earlier. Highlights of the two-day
event were threshing demonstrations, using a John Deere thresher
powered by a 1917 Case steam engine; a team of stately mules
working on an IHC hand-tie baler and a mule-powered grain grinder;
a parade each afternoon; a hand-crafted ? scale model steam engine,
threshing machine and grain wagon; a JD buzz saw sawing cord wood,
and many other demonstrations too numerous to mention. An
impressive display of 61 stationary gas engines gave the spectators
much to look at and reminisce over. Early day farm tractors were
numerous, and included early John Deeres, Wallis, and McCormick
Deering, with a grand total of 28 tractors. The slow tractor race
and antique tractor pull were the final events of each exciting
day.

Rides for the young and young-at-heart were provided by a
miniature stage coach pulled by Shetland ponies; a surrey with the
fringe on the top, drawn by an Appaloosa mare with her colt by her
side; and a hay-wagon drawn by a pair of Belgian draft horses.
Antique automobiles provided much enjoyment for the crowd, and
brought back memories of autos belonging to parents and
grandparents.

Other interests included a flea market of hand-crafted items;
glass-blowing; and a bake sale featuring many home-made
goodies.

Although this was Wyoming’s first threshermen’s renion,
plans are already under way to make certain it will not be the
last. The next reunion is set for July 31 and August 1, 1987, at
Torrington, Wyoming. The Cowboy State Antique Steam and Gas
Association wishes to take this opportunity to invite all who
harbor a fondness for antique machinery and good family fun.
Exhibitors are welcomed, and will be admitted free of charge.

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