Dunkirk, Ind. 47336.
‘There’s no way to describe it,’ an old timer told
me. After after visiting the ninth annual Tri-State Gas and Antique
Engine Show in Portland, Ind. last year, he proved to be right.
Although the main attention getters remain the multitude of gas
engines and antique tractors, there is really something for
everyone at the show sponsored by the Tri-State Gas and Engine
Association.
The three day event attracts engine buffs from several states.
Over 1,000 engines of all shapes, sizes, and description were on
display last year.
As you wander down the many rows of engines, old tractors,
threshers, and other engines, the many exhibitors are more that
willing to tell you about their prize equipment. People spend hours
swapping stories about how they rebuilt one small engine or hunted
several weeks trying to locate one particular part for their
engine.
One part of the show, which entirely covers the Jay County
Fairgrounds, is the old tractors. Here Rumely Oil Pulls, old Cases,
and Averys are polished and shown by their owners.
And too, these machines out of the past bring with them a
variety of related people. During the show there are collections of
pressure gauges for the viewing along with oil can collectors.
But then there is much more to do at the three day show which
requires a continuous year of planning.
One of the large gas engines taking part in the Grand Oil &
Gas Parade at the West Virginia Oil & Gas Festival.
Pictured is a 1935 International W 30, 30 H.P.
It was restored in 1968. The rear wheels are non-original, but were
Fitted early in the tractor’s life, these originally being
fitted to an early motor bus.
On Friday night last year the show sponsored its first Banjo
Contest which lasted several hours. Pickers from all over came to
this event that is viewed by overflowing crowds in the
grandstands.
On Saturday night the traditional Fiddlers Contest is held. For
several years this regular attention has been drawing people who
hum and clap to such tunes as ‘Maiden’s Prayer’,
‘Soldier’s Joy’, and ‘Back up and Push’.
If gas and antique enthusiasts get tired of listening to the
large and small engines run, there are antique and flea markets
galore. Everything from antique brass beds, Indian jewelry and
furniture is there for the viewing and buying.
Glassware, watches, leather, old books, clocks,.along with items
of every possible description fill booths throughout the area.
Then there are people who make wooden toys and miniature
furniture and others who make brooms. Or maybe you are interested
in seeing an old hand operated printing press work. It’s all
there!
On Sunday morning, there is an old fashion church Hymn Sing at
the show. At noon on the final day comes the parade on, the track,
when these huge machines are driven around leaving signs of their
forgotten power with the smoke in the air.
Throughout the three day show one of the main ingredients
remains – the crowd. People from all walks of life and backrounds
mingle and gather together to talk of past shows and swap stories
about the good old days.
You can easily spend an afternoon becoming acquainted with an
exhibitor or a flea market seller.
Each year the show has grown. Last year more tractors and
engines were displayed than ever before and a record crowd of
28,000 came to view them.
This year the tenth annual show will be held August 22, 23, and
24. The Banjo Contest is set for Friday, August. 22, and the
Fiddler’s Contest is Saturday night, Aug.. 23.
Admission to the show is $1.25 with no charge for any events
inside the gate including the musical contests. The show is held
partly outdoors amid large trees and inside several buildings with
rest room facilities.
As usual the Tri-State Gas and Antique Engine Show will be at
the Jay County Fairgrounds on the east side of Portland, Ind.
If the past years are any indication, this year’s show will
be bigger and better than any of the past.
