A SOUTHERN VIEW of the Portland, Indiana, Swap Meet

By Staff
Published on October 1, 1997
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2316 Highway 84 West Opp, Alabama 36467

Being a true Maytag enthusiast, I looked forward for weeks to
attending the Spring Swap Meet, held May 1648, 1997, in Portland at
Tri-State Fairgrounds. I even convinced my wife to accompany me on
the 750 mile trip since she had not previously visited the
beautiful Indiana farmland. Upon arriving on our first day at the
show I was determined the sleet and biting wind would not chill my
enjoyment of the meet.

I had made a mental list of items that might be found to add to
my collection a model 82 washer, some good flex hose with original
coupler and muffler, etc. The following day the weather was a
little better and more trailers loaded with good junk arrived. I
found a 1927 Maytag model 82 washer and soon a deal was made. I
told the seller I would be back with a friend to help load it and
he mentioned that the Maytag engines were also for sale. One of the
engines was stated to be a ‘new-never-used’ Model 72
complete with the exhaust system. Another session of bargaining,
accepting, and handshaking made me the proud new owner.

I really doubted the engine to be new because it was too dirty
looking and had lots of paint scratches. After getting my new-found
prizes to my trailer, I proceeded to examine the model 72 closer.
The spark plugs were Maytag script type and in perfect condition no
rust, no scratches on the lettering, and the insulators were clean
and white. When I arrived home, I cleaned the engine thoroughly and
was surprised how nice it looked; even the decals were in excellent
condition. It must have been in good storage for all these years
since my information dates it at July 1947.

As you can tell by now, I feel the trip to Portland was very
worthwhile. I only regret I did not get any more details of the
engine’s history from the gentleman selling it. If he should
hear of my interest, I would welcome a contact to discuss this
further.

Hope to see you in Portland again in 1998!

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