57754 CR 388, Grand Junction, MI 49056
The Van Buren Flywheelers Antique Engine and Tractor Club hosted
its 7th annual show at the Van Buren Fairgrounds in Hartford,
Michigan on September 7, 8, and 9, 1990, and with the weather being
absolute perfection for the entire weekend, all we can say is
‘Wow!’
While preparing the grounds and doing the many things necessary
on Labor Day weekend, the first of the 450 exhibitors and their
families were welcomed on Sunday! Fifteen states were represented:
Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Georgia, New York, Connecticut,
Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, Ohio, Kansas, Maryland, Indiana,
Iowa, Tennessee, and our good friends from Canada. These dedicated
and hard working people proudly set up and displayed over 4,000
engines and 463 tractors.
Featured tractors for 1990 were Rumely and Allis Chalmers, and
they made a good showing: 17 Rumely Oilpulls and 33 Allis Chalmers.
Featured engines were ‘dragsaws,’ a total of 16 of which
were seen in action. Our clown, Skweeky, pulled his portable
dragsaw to everyone’s delight.
Vice president Fred Krizan and member Pat Ingalls coordinated
the setting up of the large outdoor flea market and the indoor arts
and crafts, which were well attended all weekend. Exhibitors as
well as visitors kept the vendors happy, and got many bargains in
the process. The club trading post, managed by director Norm Funk
and member Mary Krizan, was well supplied with engines, parts, and
related items, and also did a brisk business.
Track events are always enjoyed by all, and ours are no
exception! The tractor slow races, barrel roll, and tractor and
equipment parade were once again capably handled by director Larry
Darling, and were thoroughly enjoyed by the 9,000 visitors from 17
states, Canada, Sweden and Scotland!
Norm Stevens was very busy during the show making shingles,
which were branded by our blacksmith and given as souvenirs. The
Squires family’s half-scale sawmill cut many small logs into
lumber. We were happy to have John Weaver and his large mill and
many of the larger tractors and steamers took turns belting up to
cut lumber. Member Don Peck and his crew made sure that his
thresher was belted up and working properly.
The Van Buren Fair Board is watching the tremendous growth of
our show, with all of the exhibitors, campers, flea marketers, and
visitors. The Board has seen that we are running out of room on the
80 acres we have to use, and this year they have reseeded another
37 acres, so we will have room for everyone.
Officers, directors and members of the Van Buren Flywheelers
thank all of the participants who made the 7th annual show such a
success, and invite you to take part in the 8th annual show, which
will feature International engines, tractors, and equipment. The
show will be held at the Van Buren Fairgrounds, Hartford, Michigan,
on September 5 through 8.
