CARL SECCHI, co-founder and first president of the Blue Grass
Steam and Gas Engine Association, died on January 16, 1989. He had
been ill for several weeks. Carl was known around the engine
circuit as a very enthusiastic person, always doing a perfect job
of restoring and showing.
Carl also belonged to other organizations that will greatly miss
him. He was a member of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and
Craftsmen, a member of the Society for the Preservation of Old
Mills, and Artists Blacksmiths of North America.
Before his semi-retirement, he was Consulting Engineer for
Shakertown at Pleasant Hill. In every enterprise, Carl donated time
and energy to make for a better organization.Submitted by
member, A. G. McConnell.
MANUEL E. CASTRO, a lifelong resident of Santa Margarita,
California, passed away last November at age 52. He was a long time
collector of artifacts and antique machinery.
He had a keen eye for rusty flywheels hiding in old sheds or
down creek banks. Manuel had many collections over the years, and
when two or more of the same item came his way, a new collection
was begun.
Throughout the years, he became known by his many friends as a
man whose word was his bond. If he quoted you a price on an engine
one week, two months later he would honor it regardless of higher
offers that had come along. His many friends will remember his
spirit. Submitted by his friend and fellow engine collector,
John Richardson, Arroyo Grande, California.
MR. RALPH M. WALTERS, 87, of rural Ancona, Illinois, died
December 19, 1988 at home. He was born July 3, 1901, son of Maurice
and Nelli A. Walters.
He was a gas engine collector who attended shows in Indiana,
Missouri, Iowa and Illinois. He showed some of his engines at the
Central Illinois Threshers Show. A retired farmer, he lived most of
his life in the Ancona area.
Surviving are his wife, Dorothy, three daughters, nine
grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.Submitted by John
Crichton, 213 N. Harrison, Flanagan, IL 61740.
J. KENNETH COPE, 76, entered the land of Golden Whistles on
December 15, 1988. He was born August 27, 1912 and lived his entire
life in the Cadiz, Ohio area.
He was a retired automobile mechanic, having worked for Coffland
Oldsmobile and for Taylor Chevrolet-Oldsmobile in Cadiz; later he
had his own repair shop.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran of W.W. II, fire chief of the Cadiz
Volunteer Fire Dept., a director of the Stumptown Steam Threshers
where he was M.C. for several years at the Stumptown shows. He
loved both steam and gas engines and repaired many gas engines.
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, one son, and several
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by
his family and many friends.Submitted by William Flowers,
Secretary, Stumptown Steam Threshers, Route 1, Box 332, Adena, Ohio
43901.
BETTY WILLIAMS, active member of the Southern Tier Gas and Steam
Engine Club passed away November 28, 1988.
She loved life and the folks who were a part of her activities.
She was always willing to take responsibility for making the shows
better with such attractions as her ever popular Cake Walks and the
beautiful quilt she made to raffle off for the benefit of the
Club.
Betty is survived by her husband Carl, sons James and Edward,
twin daughters June and Jean and seven grandchildren.
To know you was to love you, Betty and your memory will be
cherished by all who knew you.Submitted by her dear friend
Anita I. Sartell, Southern Tier Gas and Steam Engine Club, RD 2,
Box 264, Bingham-ton, NY 13903.
MAX RASMUSSEN of Cache Junction, Utah, passed away December 11,
1988. Max was a farmer and dearly loved the things of nature. He
was a collector of all sorts of antiques, but was especially fond
of tractors, engines, and machinery that had at one time been
associated with the farming industry. His home and yards were like
a museum, and Max enjoyed hosting visitors.
Max was an active member of the Utah Antique Machinery
Association and always had an interesting display. He will be
greatly missed by his family and many friends.Submitted by Birk
Petersen, 557 East 3460 North, Provo, Utah 84604.