Sec. Carolina Fly-Wheelers EDGE & TA Branch 45 3841 Highway
421 South Boone, North Carolina 28607
The High Country may not have had the Olympics this past summer,
but for many antique engine enthusiasts it was just as exciting.
The mountains came alive! It was summer time and the High Country
was jumping with activities. One such event was the 17th annual
Crank-Up hosted by the Carolina Fly-Wheelers of Boone, North
Carolina on July 26, 27 & 28, 1996, at the local race track and
fairgrounds. The show was as spectacular as the view!
There were so many different exhibits that it would be
impossible to list them. I would, however, like to mention
some:
Jody Scholl showed a small original steam engine that was
possibly used to power dental equipment, or something small.
Jeff Hutchings had an impressive display of spark plugs and
steam whistles.
There was also a beautiful collection of antique cars provided
by The Foothills Antique Car Club of Hickory, North Carolina.
My husband, John, and I took some of the black gum logs sawed at
the previous year’s show and made them into clocks to announce
the various demonstrations.
Bill Triplett displayed a large outstanding collection of
oilers.
The tractor parade is always a big hit and gathers lots of
enthusiasm and attention.
There was every type of transportation imaginable from ponies to
a steam-engine-powered boat to a motorized three-wheel bicycle.
There were all kinds of antique tools and farm machinery. There was
ice cream, hot peanuts, and even canned goods. There were
windmills, water wheels, pottery, quilts, and many other handmade
crafts. There was definitely variety!
As the club looks back over another successful show, we realize
that when we are part of the show it’s hard to tell how good
the show is, but numbers don’t lie bigger and better again!
Some of our people say that they stay so busy during the show that
they don’t even realize what all has been exhibited. But
they’re having fun and most of them ‘ain’t never had
too much fun’ when it comes to engine shows, or anything
that’s slightly related.
The Carolina Fly-Wheelers Engine Club has recently joined the
Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association as Branch 45.
The town of Boone, North Carolina is celebrating its 125th
birthday this year. There will be more things going on than you can
shake a stick at! Let me give you a little history. Boone is the
county seat of Watauga County. It is named after its most
well-known resident, Daniel Boone, who lived in this area from
1760-1769. Boone is surrounded by mountains, which some geologists
estimate to be among the oldest rock formations in the world. The
North Carolina mountains are known more for their scenery and
vegetation than for their height. The Northwest region is known as
the ‘High Country’ because it lies at the highest average
elevation in the eastern United States. North Carolina Gov. Jim
Hunt has proclaimed 1997 as the year of the mountains.
We’re getting ready for another show. Why not come to our
18th annual show on July 25, 26 & 27, 1997? Please look for our
ad featured on page 144 of the Steam and Gas Show Directory. Come
enjoy our friendly, congenial people in our relaxed, laid-back
atmosphere. Come experience our wonderful (or perhaps I should say
‘interesting’) weather and beautiful landscapes. Proceeds
from our show go to the upkeep of the grounds and the operating
expenses of the club.
There are 1500 motel accommodations in the area and 70
‘eateries’ offering something to please your appetite from
breakfast to a late night snack. For the young, the young-at-heart,
and all those in-between, there’s ALWAYS something going on in
the High Country. Come see our endless and commanding views.
It is a must to make reservations well in advance. Please make
them NOW if you plan to spend any part of the weekend in the area.
We are a tourist and university town. For reservations contact the
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce: 704-264-2225 or High Country Host:
704-264-1299. For other show information contact club president,
Ray Scholl: 704-297-4406 or secretary, Betty Hodges,
704-264-4977.
At the end of the summer when the various clubs have made show
plans, changed plans, carried out those plans, and finally filed
them away, we hope you can say of the Boone Show. ‘Been there,
done that’, and ‘Have that T-shirt in all available
colors.’ Then recall it often, because a happy memory never
wears out.
