R. R. 2, box 178 Arcola, IL 61910
Located in the center of the State of Illinois is a small rural
farm called Garrett. The town is occupied by a population of
townspeople who now work at many different occupations rather than
solely farm related type jobs. Situated in the center of this town
is a familiar sight as in most rural to was the local grain
elevator. Standing majestically with its grain towers pointing
towards the heavens reminding us of a time when the independent
grain elevator was the mainstay of the town, where friends met,
grain prices were discussed, local news was passed on, and checks
were issued to provide the farmer with another year of working
capital. Such elevators were almost always powered around the turn
of the century by large gasoline engines and Garrett was no
exception. In a small brick power house by the elevator was a
beautiful, well kept, 25 HP Fairbanks-Morse Type N engine with the
farmer’s match igniter, patent 1905. The engine, according to
owner Bob Matrix, had been installed in the power house in 1905 and
operated until 1980 when Bob utilized it for the last time. My son
Rick and I were visiting with Bob on Saturday when in the course of
the conversation the old engine came up and what was to become of
it in the years to come. Bob, who had been attending the Douglas
County Historical Steam Festival at Arcola, Illinois for a number
of years said that it sure would be nice to see the engine
exhibited at the show. Before Rick and I could respond Bob
continued to say that if it would help the show, he would like to
donate the engine to the show. Well, who could dispute the fact
that the engine would not only help the show by indicating growth,
but it also would be one of the main attractions for spectators to
enjoy. We happily agreed to Bob’s generous offer and plans for
removal and moving of the engine began. As we left Bob that day he
told us how he used to put a tin can over the exhaust of the engine
and when the engine started it would shoot the can across the
street much to the amusement of the children of the town. Bob also
is involved with children who are not so fortunate as dipicted by
the certificate on the elevator office wall certifying that Bob is
an active member in the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. In
the Spring, 1984, Russell Helm, Millard Dukeman, Bryon Dukeman,
Russ Cade, Clifford Williams, Major Bragg, Rick Nolan, Bob Mattix,
and his assistant Rick, were all gathered for the major operation
of removal. To make a long story short, a wall was removed, anchor
bolts cut, rollers made, jacks installed, and the engine was ready
for removal. The engine was removed with two winch cables and lots
of muscle and patience. Thanks to Bob and the assistance of all the
men mentioned the Douglas County Historical Steam Festival has
taken another step forward in the establishment of a rare permanent
installation. I have enclosed some photographs which illustrate the
removal and the new setting for the engine.
