425 Shuford Circle Drive Newton, N.C. 28658
Antique engine buffs who attend shows regularly know that there
are enough of them around to keep a yesteryear enthusiast on the go
the year round. One particular show we’ve visited in the past
two years can be called unique, because it is one of a kind. It is
a show of engines and other farm machinery, and of a herd of more
than thirty beautiful blond Belgian horses.
This unique showing of horsepower and horse flesh comes alive
each mid-June on a fascinating Belgian horse farm called Windmill
Acres, operated by Edd and Velma Sigmon near Newton, North
Carolina, an hour’s drive south of the Blue Ridge Parkway and
Grandfather Mountain. The Sigmons breed and work a magnificent herd
of Belgian horses the year around, and give the proud and powerful
but gentle horses opportunities to perform in fairs, parades, and
other events throughout the eastern United States.
Horse power
Big Edd, as he’s affectionately called by his many friends,
appears to be as interested in old engines and other farm machinery
as he is in horses, and has put together a collection of alluring
items that many collectors regard as outstanding.
Edd has gas engines that range in size from Maytags to large
Internationals; steam engines that range from scale models to a
200-horsepower Corliss; an assortment of gasoline tractors; a fleet
of steam traction engines, including the only existing operating
four-wheel drive model (Lansing), plus the last steam engine to
come out of the famous Frick Company plant. In addition to machines
in sheds, there is a whole field full of early types of horsedrawn
reapers, corn cutters, plows, cultivators, balers, threshers, and a
full-size operating saw mill powered by an 85-horsepower portable
steam engine. (That’s the only place we’ve ever seen a
trailer-load of logs being hauled to a saw mill behind a
Cadillac!)
With all of this, Big Edd could mount an outstanding show all by
himself. But, as we found, the wideranging intellect and generous
spirit of this man impell him to open his ‘home’ to other
exhibitors, who bring in at least another three hundred engines and
other machines from their homes in both Carolinas, Tennessee,
Virginia, Maryland, Kentucky, Texas, Georgia and Florida.
Horseflesh
Just the machinery alone at this show constitutes one of the
most fascinating shows this writer has visited over a period of
several years, but in addition, the whole operation is grandly
enhanced by the presence and performances of those beautiful large
horses. The stables are housed in a large, airy and completely
modern barn. Visitors to the stables are warmly greeted by the
individual horses as they pass their stalls. And there are always
at least a few horses and foals in the barnyard and pastures. The
stable barn also houses a collection of some of the finest
horsedrawn vehicles we’ve seen, ranging in size from one-horse
buggies and sleighs to parade wagons drawn by six-horse
hitches.
Beside the horse barn there’s an operating blacksmith shop,
plus a fully equipped harness shop. This substantial equestrian
empire is competently managed by men and women highly skilled in
all the crafts related to the nurturing of fine horses.
During this two-day show known as Annual Early Farm Days,
performances by horses are the most popular attractions. Also,
horse-drawn wagons make regular trips around all of Windmill Acres
all day long, hauling delighted visitors of all ages.
Kids Alive!
Kids find many joys at Windmill Acres. They watch the hundreds
of engines in operation, including the big saw mill and the shingle
mill. They also find animals and birds smaller than horses to pet
or just look at. There are organized games and contests, and a
large fishing pond. We observed that while a horse was being shod
at the blacksmith shop at least half of the fascinated onlookers
were kids, most of whom had never seen a horse fitted for new
shoes.
The Payoff
To us who have visited numerous similar events, one of the most
interesting aspects of Edd’s and Velma’s two-day show is
the fact that these two generous people, with some paid and
volunteer help, get their own properties in order for the show.
They then turn over the crowd handling to local Jaycees who manage
gates and parking, sell tickets and do many of the chores related
to running a busy show. The Jaycees keep all of the gate fees to
use in conducting their charitable programs in the community.
Also, we noticed the absence of vendors hawking souvenirs and
trinkets and junk food, and the grounds weren’t littered with
discarded packages. In addition to drinking fountains, there were
unobtrusive stands where young people of a nearby church sold
cotton candy, ice cream cones and soft drinks. They too get to keep
all the money they take in.
Stable Nuptials
The numerous surprising things we saw at this show included an
enormous and spectacular polished brass electric chandelier
suspended above the main entrance area of the horse barn. The
Sigmons explained the chandelier illuminated the May 31st wedding
of their son, John to Kimberly Harvey, the principal staff
horsewoman and six-horse hitch driver. A wedding party under that
chandelier and surrounded by beautiful wagons, parade harnesses and
a large showcase full of award ribbons just had to be another
something on this horse farm that could be called unique.
Smoke Rings1987
The next Early Farm Days at Windmill Acres will be the 6th
annual, on June 13 and 14, 1987. Big Edd and Velma say they are
planning to make it even more interesting by adding some innovative
characteristics that will continue to make it an extraordinary mix
of horse flesh and horsepower. (In one conversation, plans for hot
air balloons and precision parachute jumps were implied.)
Edd and Velma welcome visitors to Windmill Acres the year
around. It is located on U.S. 321, a mile south of Newton, North
Carolina. For more information, write to them, or phone
704/465-2232.