Manasses, Virginia
The engine in the picture is one of nine that we took to the
Prince William County Fair at Manassas, Virginia. It is an 8 H.P.
International about fifty years old. This engine took only minor
repairs to restore but it was a job to clean before painting it.
The engine is red with black flywheels and truck, the water tank
and screen is painted aluminum. I call this a ‘Lady’s
Engine’ as I know a lady could start it. We started this engine
about twenty five times per night for six nights at the fair. My
boys put some red dye in the water and a red light in the cooling
tank it flashed every time the engine fired this was quite a
curiosity and drew much attention. This engine is owned by Robert
and John Hottle.
Another engine that drew much attention was my 3 H.P.
International Famous Vertical. This engine was owned fifty years
ago by my neighbor the Carter family. They all came to the fair to
see this old engine. It looks and runs like new.
These engines sure made people ask questions, some thirty to
forty years old had never seen this type engine. I had in my
exhibit besides the two mentioned a 6 H.P. Fairbanks Morse, a 2
H.P. Witte 2 H.P. Econamy 5 H.P. Sattley 5 H.P. New Holland 1? to
2? H.P. McCormick Deering 1? Little Jumbo.
Mr. Shafer had two engines; Mr. Burke also had two. We had
plenty of competition from the steam engine boys. Mr. Spittle with
a Frick, Mr. Clem with a Case, Mr. Hartman a Peerless and Art
Sister and Bobby Caton with a Peerless and a stationary saw mill
engine also Mr. Simms with his Fordson tractor. Mr. Cornett had his
Oil Pull. My two sons and I had a wonderful time working with this
fine bunch of men. It was said that eighty-thousand people saw the
Fair. This is all put on by the V.F.W. Farm club.
‘Great Businessmen are like great politicians in one
respect-they sense what the people want and try to give it to
them.’
