R.R.# l,Box69, Minonk, Illinois 61701
We had a lot of ‘specials’ at our show in 1991. We had
our first-ever feature exhibit. The Illinois Valley Two-Cylinder
Club organized an outstanding display of John Deere equipment. Jim
Kenney, Club President from Streator, organized the exhibit and
also conducted slow races for the enjoyment of visitors and
exhibitors alike. This truly is a dedicated bunch of John Deere
enthusiasts.
We had the rare one-of-a-kind Foden steam wagon which is owned
by Domino Pizza giant Tom Monaghan of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The
steam wagon was brought to our show by Marvin and Roland Brodbeck
of Michigan (thanks to the Haley boys). The steam-powered wagon was
made in Sandbach, England in 1925 and was used for freight
transport. It’s quite a unique looking piece of machinery-part
truck and part steam engine! It was a popular exhibit.
We like to preserve area history, and this year the association
was pleased to display and operate a 1931 Fairbanks Morse 40 HP
engine that once powered the Leroy Water Works. During the show you
could always tell the engine was running by its unmistakable
sputter and pop! This engine was recently donated to us by an
Indiana man who had purchased it in the 1970s.
On the domestic side, another addition was a quilt show that was
organized with the help of the Pinckneyville ladies, Rosemary
Doedtman and Alice Dagen. (The Pinckneyville bunch is
affectionately known in Pontiac as the ‘Outlaws’!)
A group of ladies provided another unique feature to the show,
an old time General Store, which included a potbelly stove
(complete with accompanying cat), penny candy and bright polished
apples in granite-ware bowls. Collectibles of all kinds were on
display.
We know 1992 will prove to be just as interesting for our
visitors. We will be featuring an Oliver Hart-Parr exhibit and we
plan to have a special commemorative toy tractor as a collectible
souvenir for those who are lucky enough to get them while they
last; supply will be limited. A new farmer’s produce market is
planned and our craft show will be greatly expanded with many
working craft demonstrations.
In October, the Central States Threshermen’s Reunion was
chosen as recipient of the 1991 Illinois Regional Tourism
Council’s Award for an outstanding contribution to Illinois
tourism. We’re glad people like our show and we’re proud of
this award.
Join us in Pontiac, Illinois over Labor Day, September 3-7,1992.
Look for the coal smoke two miles north of the intersection of I-55
and Illinois Route 23 in Pontiac.
For information, call Carl Ogle at 815-844-3171, or Jack and
Mary Oilman at 309-432-2943, Or write P. O. Box 293, Pontiac, IL
61764-
