By Bob Miller 130 Serpentine Drive Bayville, New Jersey
08721
This show report is for all of you gals in the hobby who, year
after year, have had to almost drag your reluctant hubby along from
one engine show to another. Sure, you may be having fun sitting on
the ground in 90 degree weather with grease up to your elbows
trying to reassemble that malfunctioning igniter; but is he?
You’ve probably begun to notice the telltale signs that he does
not share your euphoria for smoke, steam, and things mechanical.
Does he bring along romance novels and home and garden magazines to
read? Has he taken up crocheting and swatting flies as a hobby to
pass the time? Does he retire about noon to the truck or camper to
‘sleep it off? If the answer to the above questions is yes,
then I have a prescription that will cure his engine show boredom
and put the spark back into his igniter. Next October 16th, load up
your engine and tractor collection, sweep that big fella up in your
arms, carry him out to the truck, hop in, and head for New Jersey.
That is where you’ll find the Batsto Country Living Fair.
Located approximately 15 miles west of Atlantic City, Batsto was
an economic community that produced iron ore during the American
Revolution and later in the mid-1800s was a glass works. It is now
one of the state’s premier historic attractions. Almost all of
Batsto’s historic buildings are open for display and are
attended by volunteers dressed in colonial attire. Along with a
wonderful and diversified engine show, there are flea markets, arts
and crafts shows, and food booths run by local clubs and church
groups. If you enjoy antiques and collectibles there are rows of
vendors selling their wares. There is also a fine display of
buckskinning and leather working.
The Pinelands Antique Engine Association was privileged to once
again be a contributor to such a wonderful celebration and to be
able to renew friendships with fellow hobbyists from all over the
state. Despite the continual threat of rain there were still over
30,000 visitors that day.
I would be remiss in my duties as Show Reporter if I did not
give recognition to Andy Lusnia and his wife Helen, who have been
providing hot lunches for about 100 members and guests each year
since our inception. Andy is a great cook and a congenial host.
If you would like to visit or exhibit at Batsto this fall,
please call me at: (908) 269-6580 or write to the above
address.
