21321 County Road, X Cadott, Wisconsin 54727
Nestled in the woods of northeastern Wisconsin is the small,
friendly town of Eagle River, population 1,374, with its rich
history of logging, past and present. In the summer, fishing,
camping, and just the beauty of the area attract visitors from all
over. In the winter, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers invade
the area to take on the many trails. Eagle River is also the home
of the World Championship Snowmobile Derby and the Eagle River
Steam and Gas Engine Club.
We’re a small club with fewer than 100 members, but we have
heart! Our 10th annual show was held June 11, 12 and 13, 1999 at
the beautiful Pine-Aire Resort, just two miles north of Eagle
River, as it is every year. We hoped this to be our best show to
date and we were NOT disappointed! During the three-day event we
had 118 registered exhibitors, 100-plus gas engines, around 60
tractors, two steam engines, and many other fine exhibits that
amazed the many people who attended. The weather was
outstanding!
Exhibitors traveled many miles to show off their collection,
from such places as Missouri, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, and all
over Wisconsin. The 1904 Appleton drag saw, owned by Wayne Mattson
of Chetek, Wisconsin, was a big hit, along with the ? scale model
of a 110 HP Best steam engine, owned by John and Bill Drumm of
Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Harry Munson from Red Wing, Minnesota,
brought a trailer of rare Red Wing Thorobred marine engines. Mike
Mahnke’s newly restored International corn sheller kept him and
Ellis Wendt busy all weekend. There were also some very rare
outboard motors, some beautiful engine models, and a blacksmith who
let the people try their hand at being a ‘smithy.’ There
was also Russian Van Denev M3, 110 HP engine on display. A craft
show and flea market were there for people to buy unique items or
treasures. On Sunday, the Charlie Rogers Good-Old-Time Band
provided some great polka music.
Pine-Aire Resort owners Ron and Cindy Meinhoz, along with head
chef, son Jason, provided the fine food that was available at the
Logging Camp Kitchen, and the Cranberry Jubilee sundaes, made
outdoors, went over very well. A plaque and free camping
(electricity extra) was provided for exhibitors.
For Sara
One of the highlights of this year’s show was the Hartford
RATS (Restored Antique Tractors). They are a Milwaukee-area club
that drove their tractors on the 500-mile round trip to our show to
raise money for 17-year-old Sara Ubele. Our two clubs worked
together for several months to pull this off. Sara was diagnosed
with cystic fibrosis when she was three months old. She is very
well liked in the Hartford area and was crowned this year’s
Prom Queen. The morning before the prom, Sara’s family got a
call that donor lungs had been found and to have her ready. She
would’ve gladly missed the prom for this, but it was not to be.
The hospital called later that day and said the lungs had been too
damaged and could not be used–Sara cried herself to sleep that
night. One of her lungs is almost gone and the other is
deteriorating rapidly.
The Hartford RATS started with 11 tractors, and 10 made the
three-day trip to Eagle River. They raised over $3,000 in donations
on the way to our show, which surpassed all expectations, and they
hoped to raise more on the trip back. Each of these devoted, caring
people gave their vacation time for this trip. Eagle River Club
members, along with a few others, met them in town and a small
parade was held through downtown Eagle River late Friday afternoon.
On Sunday, we presented them with a check for $1,000 for Sara. Many
tears were shed during the presentation. Over $47,000 has been
raised for Sara, the bulk of it by the RATS, and much more is
needed. If anyone would like to make a donation, please send it to:
Fighting For Life, c/o First National Bank, 116 W. Summer Street,
Hartford, WI 53027. From the Hartford RATS, the Eagle River Steam
and Gas Engine Club and especially Sara, we say Thank
You!
Be sure to watch next year’s Show Directory and
GEM issues for our show date in June 2000, or write to:
Eagle River Antique Steam and Gas Engine Club, c/o Pine-Aire
Resort, 4443 Chain O’Lakes Road, Eagle River, WI 54521. We
would love to see you there!
