New Hampshire Power of the Past Collectors P.O. Box 115 East
Kingston, New Hampshire 03827
This dream started years ago with three men who always talked
about having an engine club. Their names were Harvey and Warren and
Bruce. Eventually these three men talked to Ed and Bob and Frank
who in turn talked to Art and Bud and Danny who were all interested
in finding out if there might be more people in the area with the
same interest.
The ‘exploration’ meeting was held February 3, 1991 on a
Sunday afternoon and-what a surprise-forty-three people showed up!
It was definitely decided, then and there, that there was an
interest and we were on our way.
That first meeting led to meeting number two, when we had a
contest for a club name. That day we became known as the New
Hampshire Power of the Past Collectors. Our officers were chosen,
our by-laws and dues were discussed and the mood was one of great
enthusiasm and eagerness.
By our April meeting we had our Charter and all necessary legal
matters were taken care of. We even discussed the possibility of
having a show. Our president, Ed, had found an eight acre piece of
land we could use for a weekend show. But, the final vote was NO.
Most all members felt that we could not put together such a show in
such a short time.
At our May meeting it was asked if we could re-open the
discussion regarding a show of our own. We did just that. Most of
the members still held back, unsure that we could make it work. Ed
said that if we didn’t care to put on a show then he would like
to try a small one himself just to see what kind of a spectator
draw it would have. Now being the old New Englanders that we are,
could we let him do this all alone? Of course not! And so we were
into it hook, line and sinker, and there was no turning back!
Excitement was high and everyone was busy with ideas. On August
3, 1991 we opened our First Annual N. H. Power of the Past
Collectors Antique Gas and Steam Engine Show. Everything fell into
place perfectly, weather was beautiful, temperature just right.
Exhibitors were there with motor homes, trailers, campers and
tents. The Chuck Wagon was well stocked and ready to feed people,
and the flea marketers were in their places.
To our surprise, by Sunday afternoon we were a success! About
twenty-five hundred people had come through our gates to see and be
a part of what we are all about, ‘the preservation and
restoration of old machinery, memorabilia and the unusual for
educational and historical purposes.’ The camaraderie we all
felt was a great part of the show, to be carried on through the
coming year. The balance of the checkbook looks pretty good also,
which encourages us to do more with our club.
What more could we ask for? Well, for one thing, a couple of
shows in 1992. So, if you are in New Hampshire on August 1 and 2 or
September 26 and 27, 1992 stop by and have a visit with us and see
what dreams are made of.