1999 - LaGrange Engine Club

December 1999
Dear friends.
Thanksgiving was just a couple of days ago, and as I thought about what I was thankful for, one of the things that came to mind was the many
people who once again worked unselfishly to make this year and our 29th show a success for the club. Many of you have taken responsibility for certain
aspects of the club for years, while others have energetically jumped on the bandwagon only recently. Yet, it takes all of you, working together, to make the
mechanics of the LaGrange Engine Club run smoothly and efficiently, after all, an organization is only as strong as its weakest member. Likewise, the help
of those members who have passed away in the last year will be missed. We each have fond memories of Dick Carnes, Mickey MacDonald, Bill Baldauf,
Warren Reisinger, Donald Penfound, Al McClelland, and Dennis C. Jordan and wish to extend our condolences to each of their families.
I was also reminded of the fun we had at the Gordon Farm during the Spring Warm Up. Some how, we always manage to get a little plowing done
even if we have to cheat a little and hitch up the oxen. Even if the weather’s really bad, we can always talk about what we’ve gotten done over the winter or
where to get the best deal on parts or repairs.
I then looked back at what a great turn out we had at the fair this year, along with a good representation of all types of antique equipment and
implements. Thanks to all 42 of you who brought your equipment, gave demonstrations, provided food, or helped with pull back for the tractor pull, and a
special thanks to those of you who were able to take the time to be with your equipment and talk with the people as they came by. The Lorain County Fair is
one of the best ways we have of letting the public at large know about our club. I was particularly pleased that Bub was able to bring his engine this year.
Hopefully, with those new knees, he will be able to participate for many years to come.
I also greatly appreciate those members who worked so hard to make this year’s show a success. Thanks to those who took charge of the various
aspects of our show and made sure they ran smoothly. A special thanks should go to Ed and to those who worked in the steam engine area with the
sawmill, thrashing machine and other equipment. That is hard work, more than most visitors realize. I also know that they spent many hours cleaning up
after everyone else left. Peg and the ladies who ran the registration should once again be commended for handling all the problems that came up and for
answering all the questions. Of course, Carolyn and the crew that helped set up the flea market always make sure that area is well organized, and I heard a
number of good comments from the flea market people this year. The tractor pull went off very well this year, thanks to John and Patti and everyone else
who worked with Bill and Denny to make it a success (that is a long day for everyone involved). Paul Fridenstine should also be recognized for the days he
spent setting up and taking down the sound system, as should those who performed in or planned the entertainment, manned the front gate, drove the people
mover, helped with the parade, and organized the church service. But of course, I can’t forget everyone who helped set up before the show and who cleaned
up after it (even in the rain). Everyone who helped pull this year’s show off deserves a pat on the back.
Last of all, I want to thank John Finney for working with us on the board during the past 2 years. John stepped in to fill the gap left when Mickey
could no longer announce for us, and I am glad that even though he decided not to run this year, he is willing to continue to announce during the show. It
adds a lot to the public’s enjoyment of the event and helps them find out when and where things are happening. Thanks also should be extended to: Carolyn
Maynard for working tirelessly all year long (I am especially grateful for all of the behind-the-scenes things she does to keep me going straight), Barb Baker
for keeping track of the many organizational details and for seeing to it that I receive the minutes before each meeting in order to get the agenda ready, Glen
Norris for doing a great job of managing of all the club’s finances, Jim Smith for, time and time again, volunteering to follow up on one thing or another,
Ken Farnsworth, for being a big help at the fair and with the tractor pulls, and Colin Cosway for not only overseeing the food vendors, but also taking most
of the great photographs you see here.
Now as this year draws to a close my family and I send along our best wishes to each of you and your families. May 2000 bring you all a time of
good health, so that you can once again join us as we seek to preserve a little bit of the past for future generations.
Merry Christmas,
Jim Schmitkons, Chairman
No matter whether they are big or small.
We get a thrill out of running them all.
2000 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 13
February 10
March 9
April 13
To be announced
May 11
June 8
July 13
August 10
August 21-27
September 14
Sept. 15-16-17
October 12
October 15
November 9
Meeting
Meeting
Meeting
Meeting
Spring Warm Up
At Gordon Farms
Meeting
Meeting
Meeting
Meeting
Lorain Co. Fair
(set-up Aug. 23)
Meeting
29th Annual Engine Show
Meeting
Fall Picnic
At Wellington Grange Hall
Meeting
We will all miss Mickey, who
has been the familiar voice of
our show for many years.
Last fall, John Heath completely
rebuilt the club’s drag saw. It now
looks and works great. Just ask
Andy. Here he is, demonstrating it
at the Lorain County Fair
We start them at an early age.
Tommy is the son of Glen Norris,
our treasurer, and grandson of Ed
and Carolyn Maynard.
This 50 Chevy truck was restored by Lesley
Somsak. Note the reflection in this paint job.
2000 EXECUTIVE BOARD
Jim Schmitkons Chairman
Ed Maynard
Vice Chairman
Barb Baker
Secretary
Glen Norris
Treasurer
Colin Coshway
Director
Ken Farnsworth Director
Jim Smith
Fair Board Liaison
(440) 233-6828
(419) 929-0828
(440) 734-3124
(440) 355-6558
(440) 356-8990
(440) 647-3121
(440) 647-3966
Is Lunch Done Yet?
Some of our members build the darndest things.
One of the unique trucks brought to the show
by the American Truck Historical Society
GORDZILLA by The Fabricating Fools
2000 DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATORS
Steam Engine/ Hauling/ Publicity
Tractors
Gas Engines
Cars & Trucks
Antique Tractor Pull
Modelers
American Indian Motocycles
Flea Market
Concessions
Toy Show
Ed Maynard
(419) 929-0828
Ken Farnsworth (440) 647-3121
John Baker
(440) 734-3124
Barb Baker
(440) 734-3124
Bill Benton
(440) 647-4597
Steve Douglas
(440) 775-2492
Harold Hartman (440) 647-3723
Carolyn Maynard (440) 929-0828
Colin Coshway (440) 356-8990
Butch Jordan
(775) 751-8343
Scott is hoping for some corn meal
muffins for breakfast.
1957 Chevy Belair
2 Door Hard Top
1999 TRACTOR PULL RESULTS
John Finny announced both
pulls. Big John is becoming a
familiar voice at the show
3500# Class
1. John Reep
2. Gary Weigel
3. Jacob Reep
’55 Super Diesel
’47 Allis Chalmers WC
’55 Super Diesel
273.4 feet
268.2
243.3
4500# Class
1. John Bentley
2. Gary Weigel
3. David Miller
Massey Harris
Allis Chalmers WD45
’51 77 Oliver Diesel
294.4 feet
272.1
265.8
5500# Class
1. David Miller
2. Rick Manbeck
’51 Oliver 77 Diesel
’51 International M
283.1 feet
265.7
3. Jim McClaflin
Farmall M
243.1
6500# Class
1. Rick Manbeck
2. Jim Mc Claflin
3. Jim Barbor
`
’51 International
Farmall Super MTA
’56 Oliver Super 88 Diesel
241.1 feet
216.4
196.7
6500# Open Class
1. Rick Manbeck
2. Jim McClaflin
3. Jim DeLong
’51 International M
Farmall Super MTA
’48 Case DC
241.1 feet
213.4
209.9
8500# Class
1. Gary Burkin
2. Jerry Burkin
3. Tim Martin
’56 JD 820
’56 JD 820
JD “R”
229.3 feet
226.1
219.6
The garden tractor pull was a
big hit again this year
With no rain, this
year’s tractor pull was
one of the best ever
We were glad to have the Heiders
from Illinois join us again this year.
They have an excellent display.
LORAIN COUNTY FAIR
The fair is always a good time to meet old friends from around the area and an excellent source of publicity for the club. The LaGrange Engine
Club again set up a nice display of various types of antique equipment for the fair. This year, we had steam engines, motorcycles, tractors, small
engines and implements on display thanks to the 42 members who brought their equipment. The drag saw, small and large corn shellers, and shingle
mill were there. Many members enjoyed running their equipment and answering questions about them for those who stopped to talk.
As usual, the large tent and picnic tables set up in the shade for exhibitors got lots of use during the week. Bub’s Diner, with its freshly steamed
corn for members and friends who stopped by during the week, was welcomed back.
As in previous years, we supplied pull back tractors for the OSTPA tractor pull on Friday night. This year, the rain stayed away and the 13
gentlemen who signed up for pull back all got a chance to show off their tractors and to help the fair board see that this popular event ran smoothly.
On Saturday night, the group got to cheer on Lloyd Gordon in his old combine turned into a fiery breathing dinosaur-like monster named Gordzilla
as he once again tried to win the Combine Demolition Derby. He didn’t win, but we’re sure he’s already making plans for next year’s entry.
If you’d like to join the fun next year, our only requirement for exhibiting with us at the Lorain County Fair is that you must be an Engine Club
member.
SEPTEMBER SHOW
Next year’s show will not only be the first of the new century, but
will also be our 30th. We are considering doing something special to
celebrate both. If you have any ideas, please pass them along to one of the
directors. As always we need lots of volunteers to put on a quality show. If
you have an area you like to work in or are willing to donate a couple of
hours of your time during the weekend, please contact us. The areas that
always need lots of help are the tractor pull, the steam engine
demonstrations, and shuttle driving. The third way that everyone can help
us with is to spread the word about the show. If you would like some flyers
to pass out at show in your area or that you like to attend or to friends,
please contact Jim Schmitkons by mail at 43530 Middle Ridge Rd., Lorain,
OH 44053, by phone at (440) 233-6828, or by e-mail at
[email protected].
Show dates for 2000 are September 15th, 16th, and 17th. Set up is
usually held Thursday and cleanup will be on Monday. As long as there are
no heavy rains prior to the show, the grounds will be laid out like this year.
This worked out very well. By moving the tractors back to the infield and
leaving the steam engines out in the west lot, more area was freed up for the
flea marketers and small engines. This solved the crowding problems we
have had in past years and everyone had enough room. The club plans to
purchase a tent similar to the one out in the steam engine area for the tractor
area. It is a nice place to get out of the sun or rain or to eat your meals if
you want to stay near your tractor. Thanks for freeing up more display
room this year by parking your empty trailers outside the display area. This
really helped out a lot.
MEET SOME OF OUR LOCAL CLUB MEMBERS
Ernie Hartman
Ernie got his first motorcycle when he was only 12 years old. It was a ’28 Harley that he
paid only $17.40 for. Even though he rode until it was worn out, he was still able to sell it
for parts. He recently got the title to this bike back as a memento. Ernie now owns 6 Indians,
2 Clevelands and an Excelsior. This year, he got a unique birthday present. A group of
enthusiasts bought the old Excelsior trademark and had begun producing the brand again.
They had visited Ernie to see his original bike. Ernie asked to buy the 76th bike off the line to
remember his 76th year and Wellington’s “Spirit of Seventy-Six.”
Ernie is a lot of fun to talk to and if you want to hear some interesting WW II Air Force
stories, Ernie is definitely the man to see
Billy Kennedy
Billy, according my records, was the first president of the LaGrange Engine Club. He has about 20
steam engines and he knows the serial numbers and a lot of interesting history about each one. Most of
them have been either to the fair or the show over the years. The Baker Uniflo 21-75 Engine #1464
Billy brought to the fair this year was built in 1917 and bought by some threshers. In 1928, it was
refurbished at the factory. Billy acquired it in 1979 or 1980 from the Slabachs over in Sugar Creek.
If you want to meet a guy who has a lot of interesting steam engine stories to tell, invite Billy over to
your campsite during the show or catch him some night at Bub’s Diner during the fair.
Walter Payne
Now a days, you probably know Walter as the apple
peeler collector who is always ready to peel you up a
sample. Walter used to bring his ¼ scale Baker to the
shows when it was easier for him to get around. He said
he got such a deal on the Baker, which came complete
with a wagon, a water wagon, a fan and a pump that he
couldn’t pass it up. Once he got it home, he hid it in the
garage of their rental property for several months until he
could figure out how to tell his wife what he’d bought.
She eventually found out about it and determined that
he’d really spent more than the $500 she saw listed in the
checkbook. She, in turn, demanded an equal amount to
buy carpet and furniture for the house.
Ed Maynard
Ed, former long-time president of the
LaGrange Engine Club, always
wanted a steam engine since he saw a
picture of the one his grandfather
owned. Ed got his Minneapolis
Moline before he retired from the
FAA. It was one of only four he
knew of that were left of the
approximately 200 that had been
manufactured. We hope you got to
see this beauty before Ed sold it in
August.
Bub Weigel
Bub’s steam engine, one of 5 homemade units, was purchased in the
70’s. He uses it to provide steam for the 1897 Jewel # 1 engine made
by Delaval for use in a northern California creamery. The Jewel runs
the 1894 4KW DC generator that produces 110 volts to run a giant light
bulb. I’m sure many of you have wandered back to Bub’s Diner, the
tent located along the fence at the back of our fair plot. Those who
make it back to this area can enjoyed an ear of corn or a baked potato
steamed using steam from his engine. This year, we decided to try
something new with his engine. We found out that we could even
grilled steaks in the fire box. Bub also owns a ’32 Huber and a Model
A Ford car.
PLEASE SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES
WHO HELP SPONSOR CLUB EVENTS BY PATRONIZING THEM
Beriswell Insurance Agency, Inc.
Julian W. Perkins Oil Company
Krystowski Tractor Sales
Lynch Graphics
SPRING WARM UP
This year’s Spring Warm Up was held May 2nd at the Gordons. We had
a nice turn out for the day. The Gordons had 2 of their steam engines
running, but Lloyd spent most of his time trying to fix a leak in the big
one. John Baker brought an engine he’d worked on last winter. Several
others brought small engines to try out. Everyone seemed to enjoy the
picnic and the chance to get outside and get some fresh air.
The Gordon family will also host the next spring warm up. Their farm is
located at the corner of West and Jones Roads in Wellington. The exact
date, which depends on what the weather is like in the spring, will be
announce at our April meeting. This is a great chance to try out your
equipment before the show season, so try to attend if you can.. If nature
cooperates, we usually plow and disk one of the Gordon’s fields.
FALL PICNIC
October is a good time to reminisce about the
events we have enjoyed during the past year.
We’d like to thank Jim Smith for securing the
Wellington Grange Hall for this year’s event.
We’ve got lots of good cooks in the group so
this is definitely an outing you don’t want to
miss. It was lots of fun to see everyone’s
pictures of the various events this year.
Next year’s picnic will be held on Sunday,
October 15th at noon at the Wellington
Grange. We hope you’ll mark it on your new
calendar and plan now to be part of the final
event of the year.
Polen Implement
Wellington Implement
White House Artesian Springs
Stan Piwinski fires
up his 8-16 after
the fair
The Lorain County Scooter Club’s Display
EXHIBITING AND SELLING
This rare Plymouth, the
predecessor to the Silver
King, was displayed by
Lyle Hoffman.
More Power
Last year, he built a tiller with 5 engines. This year, he
brought this unique tiller with 10 Briggs and Stratton
engines. What will he build next?
We wish to thank those exhibitors who are not part of our
flea market yet voluntarily contribute to the club a portion of
what they’ve made selling parts. We welcome the opportunity to
buy items you have for sale and do not discourage anyone from
selling at our show. We get several complaints each year about
people who pretend to be exhibiting items but are primarily here
to sell. We are aware of these people who think they’ll be able to
pocket a few extra bucks by not buying a flea market spot. Some
vendors set up in the exhibit area, preferring to mingle with
people who enjoy collecting the items they sell. They pay the $20
flea market fee for this privilege. Unless exhibitor selling gets
out of hand, we will not be asking for a site fee to sell in the
exhibitor areas. Instead, we will have a donation container with
envelopes on the registration table for you to return a share of
your profits to the club to help us with our show expenses.
Those of you who enjoy selling equipment are encouraged
to register your items. We have developed a comprehensive
database and we are often able to assist members looking for a
certain make of equipment they saw at the show. But we can
only get in touch with that individual if they registered their item.
This is a free service and just another way we can say thank you
to those of you who support the club by buying a membership.
This year, we found another interesting use for the information
we’ve collected in the database. After the show, we were
contacted by the local sheriff’s department and asked to help
them find a stolen tractor. It was sold to an individual at our
show. We were able to tell them the names of individuals who
had registered that make of tractor and they were able to follow
up on our information. While we hope that this never happens
again, we learned something from it that we wish to pass along
to all of you. Please take close up pictures of the items you
exhibit. Know the serial number of your equipment or engrave
your social security number on an inconspicuous area of the
item so you can readily identify it as yours. Another way you
can protect your larger equipment is to remove a part so it is
difficult to start. Always park your items where people are
around and register them so those in charge know who to
contact if they find that they may have been tampered with. We
have security patrolling the grounds during the busiest times of
the weekend but neither they nor those in charge can be
everywhere. If you see something suspicious, get a good
description of those involved and report it to registration at once
as we have immediate access to help.
Membership Records 1988 – 1998
Year
Renew
New
Total Exhibitor Total Through the Gate
Members only* Registered (estimated)
1999
515
136
651
83
734
4352
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
467
397
369
276
285
163
64
59
86
71
630
461
428
362
356
160
134
94
46
4
790
595
522
408
360
168
139
120
104
85
102
68
48
51
75
270
207
168
155
160
4663
3932
3646
3269 **
2166
2827
1536 ***
* Exhibitors = flea marketers,
concessionaires, & sponsors
** First 3 day show
*** First show at fairgrounds
Ron Hamrick’s 1 ½ hp Economy
Registration Information 1996 - 1998
Category
1999
1998
Food concessions
Sponsors
Flea Market
12
128
11
12
107
12
21
6
26
10*
23
8
12
38
242
28
200
27
83
35
32
41
15
36
242
27
171
29
60
36
26
24
20
Indian Motocycle Club
ATHS
Watch Fob
Scooter Club
Trucks
Tractors
Steam Engines
Gas Engines
Motorcycles
Implements
Models
Cars
Scooters
Other
1925 Economy owned by Bob Smith
1997
31
212
32
168
25
60
38
18
16
23
1996
18
163
29
135
28
46
36
15
15
20
*Numbers represented in the rest of the report indicated number of exhibitor
showing in this category not the number of units displayed
This year we expanded the information we collected for the
database. We can now tell you more about the models of tractors &
garden tractors, steam & gas engines, cars, trucks, & scooters that
were brought to the show by those who registered & gave
descriptions of their equipment. Please remember to register next
year & to describe your equipment. This helps us locate you better
when someone calls us looking for information about who had a
particular item at the last show. Listed below are the number of
people exhibiting items made by particular companies not the
number of items made by that company that were displayed.
Cars - 4 Chevrolets; 2 Cadillacs; 3 Fords; 12 other makes
Garden Tractors - 2 Bantams; 3 Bolens; 2 David Bradleys; 13 Cub Cadets;
2 Economys; 4 John Deeres; 4 Simplicities; 12 Speedexs; 14 Wheel
Horses; 30 other makes
Gas Engines - 10 Briggs & Stratton; 11 Economy; 20 Fairbanks Morse; 25
Maytag; 71 others makes
Motorcycles - 10 Indians; 3 Harleys; 2 BSAs; 4 other makes
Scooters - 18 Cushman; 3 Whizzers; 2 Vespas; 2 Lambrettas; 7 other makes
Steam engines - Stuart; Port Huron; Russell; Aultman Taylor; DRR &
Sembower; Case; Frick; Nichols & Sheppard; Advance
Tractors - 19Allis Chalmers; 18 Case; 4 Cletrac; 22 Farmall; 9 Ford; 54
John Deere; 13 International; 5 Massey Harris; 9 Oliver; 4 Silver King;
17 other makes
Trucks - 6 Chevy; 3 Dodge; 4 Ford; 4 White; 3 International; 2 Mack; 4
other semis makes
Bowser’s 1953 Peterbuilt
30 th
LaGrange Engine Show
Sept. 17, 18 & 19
LaGrange Engine Club Inc.
P.O. Box 91
LaGrange, Ohio 44050-0091
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