93 Wilbraham Road, Monson, Massachusetts, 01057
1987 was a very good year for the Hampden Volunteer Firemen as
the Scantic Valley Antique Engine Club volunteered to help put on
their 10th annual show. July 11th and 12th were both hot and humid.
We still had over 100 exhibitors that set up in this nice, quiet
town. Dan Isham and other firemen worked hard all weekend, cooking
and selling food. They even cooked early breakfast on Saturday and
Sunday as they will do again this year. Friday evening we had a few
early birds that stayed on the grounds. Free camping is allowed
Friday and Saturday nights for exhibitors.
Saturday and Sunday the gates were open to the public to view
the many tons of iron from the past. As the spectators view these
beautiful beasts, some do not realize the many miles traveled, the
phone calls made looking for parts (sometimes to no avail), the
tired body hurrying to have the beast ready for the year’s
first show. But when the spectator watches with fascination as the
beast pops and putts, you stand there with a big smile, thinking,
‘Where will I find my next project?’ During the two days,
we had many interesting displays: old gas engines, water pumps,
corn grinders, corn shellers, butter churns, saw rigs, vacuum
pumps, toy and model steam engines, spark plug collections, old
tool displays, hand water pump collection, old working rail drill,
old gas jack hammer, marine engines, old cars, old trucks, old 1,
2, and 4-wheel tractors, plus many other displays.
For sale were t-shirts emblazoned with old engines. Also,
literature pertaining to old tools, engines, engine parts, plus
many unique items.
Saturday night we were entertained by Yodelin’ Lou Robichaud
and the Country Crickets. They made the evening go by so fast with
some good old country music. On Sunday we were entertained with
beautiful music during the show hours by Ralph Waters from
Cromwell, Connecticut, with his very interesting Wurlitzer Band
Organ powered by a 1? HP Domestic engine. Thank you’s go to
Dick Hatch who spent the weekend with his bucket loader helping
load and unload many pieces of equipment. A special thanks to Ruth,
Beryle, Marcy, Emma and Rita, wives of Scantic Valley Antique
Engine Club members, who spent many hours ‘manning’ the
registration and information booth. Thanks to the fire department
personnel for supplying water for the engines and pumps, etc.
Thanks to everyone who exhibited at the show along with many thanks
to the spectators who showed their appreciation.
The 1988 Hampden Show was held on the weekend of June 4th and
5th. Good food served all day. Early morning breakfast also was
available. Free flea market both days. Free admission for
spectators and exhibitors. Free plaques and buttons to all
exhibitors. Come one-come all! Be an exhibitor or a spectator-but
come and enjoy this remarkable collection of old iron!!
Live safely-show safely!