Secretary Power of the Past Antique Engine & Tractor Show
P.O. Box 122, Ottawa, Kansas 66067
The fifth annual Power of the Past Engine & Tractor Show was
held September 10, 11, and 12 at Orlis Cox Sports Complex at K-68
and West 2nd Street, Ottawa, Kansas.
The show was attended by a large crowd of people from across the
country as well as states surrounding Kansas. The farthest
travelers were George and Helen Myers from Blain, Pennsylvania, who
are collectors of Ottawa memorabilia. Their collection includes
engines, tractors, and other products which were manufactured by
the Warner Company of Ottawa, Kansas. They have attended our show
each of the five years it has been in operation. We appreciate
their efforts in getting to our show each year with a great
exhibit. We look forward to their attendance each year, and at
their suggestion we will feature the Ottawa engines on our 10th
anniversary.
The Lovitts from California have been in attendance at the show
the past two years. They bring a large assortment of engines and
quality collectibles.
Allis Chalmers were the featured tractors this year. There were
many models of the tractor exhibited which made a very impressive
orange display.
The feature engine was the Maytag. A large number of Maytag
engines and other Maytag products were exhibited, including working
washing machines, washing clothes.
There were many other makes of tractors and engines displayed,
which made visitor viewing a fun experience. The Parade of Power
each day of the show produced an eye-catching view of all vehicles
and antique equipment that were on display.
Our restored binder and threshing machine was in operation for
the first time this year. A field of wheat planted by Duane
Dickinson on his farm was harvested by show members and neighbors
and stored until show time. Many people enjoyed watching the
threshing operation just as it was performed years ago.
Other equipment in operation this year included an antique rock
crusher, horse operated feed grinder, stationary hay baler, cider
mill, ice cream freezing with stationary engines, and saw mill
operation. Other activities included goat milk soap making, open
kettle cooking, kettle corn popping, basket weaving, and horse
drawn wagon rides. All these activities were enjoyed by area school
students. Friday is designated as Student Day at our show. This
field trip is an excellent learning experience for children of all
ages. Teachers are excited to be offered the day as an excellent
field trip. Letters by the students sent to the committee after
their field trip demonstrate how much they learned and enjoyed the
day.
The main attraction on Saturday for children is the Kiddie
Tractor Pull. This event was attended by a huge crowd with many
participants. Medals were presented to winners of the pull.
For the women attending, an ‘Old Skillet Throw’ and an
‘Old Shoe Throw’ was enjoyed. The event was sponsored by
the Happy Trails Chuck Wagon Cafe, who presented food certificates
to the winners.
A Country Store was in operation, selling various Power of the
Past memorabilia including 1999 shirts, hats and buttons. Also, at
the store, tickets were available for the drawing of a restored
Maytag engine donated by Dale Luttig. The drawing was held on
Sunday at noon in conjunction with an auction of various donated
items and straw that was baled with the stationary hay baler after
the threshing operation.
A garden tractor pull and other tractor games were enjoyed on
Saturday evening by a large crowd of enthusiasts.
Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, Polish sausage, funnel cakes and much
more were offered by several food vendors.
The flea market was enjoyed by shoppers each day. Vendors
offered a variety of crafts, antique collectibles and much
more.
The show day ended on Friday evening with a free ham, bean, and
corn-bread feed with homemade pie and cake available. Saturday
evening ended with a hog roast attended by a big crowd.
We thank everyone who helped make our fifth annual Power of the
Past Show a GREAT SUCCESS!
