A VARIETY AT PORTERSVILLE

By Staff
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R.D. 2, Fombell, Pennsylvania 16123

Lucian Downing, a master woodworker by trade, carefully turns
out hammer handles on his lathe. Notice his special hammer with
spiraled handle designed for ‘crooked carpenters,’ as he
puts it!

The bright sunshine and spacious blue skies over Portersville,
Pennsylvania was the central theme for a beautiful 17th annual
‘Antique Power Show’ on August 2, 3, 4, 1979. This was the
largest and most successful show in the history of the Northwestern
Pennsylvania Steam Engine & Old Equipment Association. Picture
perfect weather, thousands of smiling visitors, and a great variety
of displays and attractions added to the ‘spice of Portersville
life!’

An emphasis of the club to feature new and unusual equipment and
items for the ’79’ show paid off well in many ways. Not
only did members ‘dig out’ and present more of their own
collections, but also encouraged new exhibitors to compliment the
show with their treasures, too. The results were cherished new
friendships, acquaintances, and premier exhibits. A most satisfying
sign was the marked increase in pre-teen and teenage helpers and
exhibitors. We really appreciated them.

An excellent restoration of Dick Winter’s rare model 62 John
Deere attracts much attention. It is believed that only 79 of these
early model ‘L’ prototypes were made. Dick’s tractor
has serial number 621-006 on its original brass tag. The 2 cylinder
engine has a 3′ bore. The large JD cast on the front makes it
unique.

Paul Cooper, age 7, smiles his approval of showground rides on
his father’s newly restored 1941 International model K-5
flatbed truck. Numerous kids ‘hopped a ride’ as it made its
rounds.

Although the shady, rolling showgrounds of Portersville totals
approximately 16 acres, there was  room to comfortably
demonstrate over 200 gas engines, 50 old tractors, 30 antique
autos, and a large assortment of unique farm equipment. Of course a
good variety of steam power featured well drilling, threshing,
baling, sawmilling and road working. The gas and steam powered
railroads gave countless free rides to ‘kids’ of all ages,
while ‘mule power’ operated a newly restored sweep hay
press nearby.

An antique tractor pull was held for the first time this year on
two successive nights. It met with great enthusiasm. Participants
and spectators alike had much fun with the ‘old iron!’ Pony
and garden tractor pulling were again popular events. Quilting,
crafts, collections, flea markets, parades, and square dancing
added nicely to everyone’s interest and enjoyment.

While the Portersville show may not be the largest around in
size, we like to think that it is one of the friendliest and most
interesting shows. And of course, it could not be that way without
the help and patronage of so many of you fine folks out there! We
hope to see you at our 1980 show.

  • Published on May 1, 1980
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