1997 - LaGrange Engine Club

December 1997
Dear Friends
I hope this letter finds all members of the LaGrange Engine Club well as we come to the close of another
successful year. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank club members for all their help and support. And a
very special thank you goes out to my administrative board for all their hard work and dedication.
As a club, we once again found ourselves being greatly affected by the weather. Due to extremely wet conditions,
there was no plowing at the Spring Warm Up. The small engines, however, were still able to be warmed up after a
long, cold winter stored in their sheds and we had a very nice picnic and social gathering at the Gordon Farms. The
heavy rains during fair week didn’t seem to spoil one of the nicest displays we’ve ever had. And, with everyone’s
cooperation, we were able to put on a very successful show this year in spite of all the last minute changes necessitated
by not being able to use the infield which was torn up during the rainy week of our fair. At least our fall picnic was held
at the LaGrange Lions Park in LaGrange was not hampered by rain. About 60 persons attended the annual potluck
event and liked the location so well that the decision was made to rent the hall again next year.
Heartfelt sympathy is extended to the families of the following: John Brassee; Ellis Eagle; Tom Hricovic; Emery
Klooz; Harry Maule; and John Sharier.
I would like to thank the club members for their devotion during my two-year term as Chairman. I am certain that
you will offer the same loyalty and devotion to my successor.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season, I will close, but not before I extend a special thank you to my
Assistant Chairman, Roger Moore.
In Grateful Appreciation,
Scott Anderson, Chairman
THINGS SHOULD BE MADE AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE BUT NO SIMPLER
ALBERT EINSTEIN
1998 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Jan. 8
Feb. 12
Mar. 12
Apr. 9
Apr. ??
May 14
June 11
July 9
Aug. 13
Aug. 17-23
Meeting
Meeting
Meeting
Meeting
Spring Warm Up*
Meeting *
Meeting
Meeting
Meeting
Lorain County Fair
(16 Fair Set-Up)
Sept. 10
Meeting
Sept. 18-19-20 28th Engine Show
Oct. 8
Meeting
A NICELY RESTORED CLETRAC
Oct. 18
Fall Picnic
Nov. 19
Meeting **
* Multi -Purpose Room ** Third Thursday of the month
CLUB MEETINGS
Never blame the legislature for not doing something. When they
do nothing, that don’t hurt anybody. When they do something
that’s when they become dangerous.
Will Rogers
Meetings will be held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM in
the Public Workshop room of the Visitor’s Center of the Lorain County
Metro Parks. Located at 12882 Diagonal Road LaGrange Ohio [4 ½ miles North of Rt. 303]. Please note that November 19 is the 3rd
Thursday.
SPRING WARM UP
will be held in late April or early May at Gordon Farms, corner
of West Rd. and Jones Rd. in Wellington. The date will be
announced at the April meeting. If you have never attended
this event, it was set up to give us a chance to get some of our
equipment out that hasn’t run all winter or maybe to test run
the project you have been working on lately. If the weather
cooperates, we try plowing with the tractors. This is a good
chance to put some load on that engine, to get things adjusted,
and to get some good advice from other members.
LORAIN CO. FAIR
For years, the LaGrange Engine Club has put on a great
display at the Lorain County Fair. If you can’t participate, at
Hard Work for a Dog Bone
least stop by and see us. This is almost a mini-show with
tractors, steamers, and small engines. The crowds always
enjoy it, particularly when the displays are operating. By the way, we could use a few more small engines (or even a large one) to round
out our display. Unfortunately due to the limited number of exhibitor passes, everyone must sign up prior to the fair to receive a pass.
These are given out on a first-come basis. You can sign up at the July or August meeting or by mail.
We’ll show the world we are prosperous, even if we have to go broke
to do it.
Will Rogers
SEPTEMBER SHOW
The 28th annual show will once again be a three-day
affair. Please mark these dates on your new calendar –
September 18th, 19th & 20th. Setup will be the 16th and
17th and cleanup the 21st. Besides the featured Baker
tractors, we will have the parade, tractor pull, concerts,
thrashing and baling demonstrations, and flea market.
We hope the weather will be more cooperative before
the show next year so we can get more of these events
in. If you have any suggestions for new events, I’d like
to hear from you.
FALL PICNIC
October is the time to put away the engines for the
winter and to slow down and reminisce about the
highlight of our year at the fall potluck picnic which will
be held on October 18th at Lions Park in LaGrange. Don’
miss the good food and a chance to see show pictures or to
swap stories about the show, warm up or fair.
CATERPILLAR 60
The Largest Cat in the 1920’s
I don’t make jokes,
I just watch the
government and report
the facts
Will Rogers
What was a lot yesterday is a
bargain today. Why today,
enough detergent to was a load
of clothes costs more than 10
cents
1998 EXECUTIVE BOARD
Jim Schmitkons
John Finney
Barb Baker
Glen Norris
Colin Coshway
Harold Hartman
Jim Smith
Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Director
Director
Fair Board Liaison
(440) 233-6828
(440) 647-3465
(440) 734-3124
(440) 355-6558
(440) 356-8990
(440) 647-3723
(440) 347-3966
1998 SPECIAL ASSISTANTS
Steam Engine/Hauling
Tractors
Gas Engines
Cars & Trucks
Antique Tractor Pull
Modelers
American Indian Motorcycle/Publicity
Ohio Watch Fob Collectors/Toy Show
Flea Market
Food Concessions
Ed Maynard
Roger Moore
George Norton
Barb Baker
Bill Benton
Steve Douglas
Harold Hartman
Butt Jordan
Bonnie Hamrick
Colin Coshway
(419) 929-0828
(440) 647-3465
(440) 647-5312
(440) 734-3124
(440) 647-4597
(440) 775-2492
(440) 647-3723
(440) 647-5004
(440) 458-4815
(440) 356-8990
THE 1998 SHOW WILL FEATURE BAKER TRACTORS
The A. D. Baker Company started building steam traction engines in 1898 in Swanson Ohio. Of note was Baker’s 1903 patent for
his revolutionary steam valve gear. Its general design was also used extensively in locomotives.
In the early 1920’s when most other steam tractor manufacturers were switching to gasoline engines, Baker introduced a line of
lightweight steam tractors trying to compete. Baker introduced his 15-30, 20-40, and 22-45 steam tractors during the early 20’s.
These tractors never sold well and steam tractor manufacture was discontinued around 1925. From then until the Second World
War, Baker Company built gasoline tractors. The 22-40 and 25-50 were both relatively large rugged tractors.
Plans are underway to feature Bakers at the 1998 show. The first Baker steam tractor will be on display. This is a truly unique
machine so be sure to take the time to look it over.
WE NEED HELP
It takes a lot of people to put on the LaGrange
Engine Show. All of you who take the time
and make an effort to bring displays make the
show successful and fun for us all. In addition,
there are many people behind the scenes whose
efforts make the show possible. In order to
continue the many activities planned, we need
additional help. Many people might be willing
to help, but they don’t know whom to contact
or they are just waiting to be asked. We don’t
know each and everyone of you personally, so
if you would be willing to spend an hour or two
helping out, let me know. Here are a few of the
areas where we could use some additional help:
Tractor pull – We need help with
What’s the matter Gramps? You loose your touch?
organization, scoring, and track maintenance
Shuttle drivers – We would like to have more
shuttles in operation as many of the older people really appreciate being able to ride around to see all the exhibits. This is especially
important now that the show is more spread out.
Thrashing & Baling demonstrations – We need more people to help man these demonstrations.
Setup – We begin setting up 2 or 3 days before the show and exta hans would help things speed up.
Clean up – We are responsible for cleaning up the grounds after the show. This is a big job for a few people who are retired, as
many of the directors have to return to work on Monday. If you are retired and would be willing to help out on Monday, we’d love
to hear from you.
ASSOCIATED CLUBS
The show would not be as successful if a number of associated clubs
were not participating. We’d like to thank the following clubs and their
members who participated this year for taking the time to join us. Your
exhibits were well done and generated much interest from those
attending. Next year, we will be looking forward to seeing you and
other new friends you might tell about our show.
Perhaps some of you may be interested in finding out more about these
groups, so we are including a description of each these organizations and
a person to contact for more information.
AMERICAN INDIAN MOTOCYCLE CLUB
Contact person: Ernie Hartman, 25801 Clark Rd., Wellington, OH 44090
Phone: (440) 647-3723
This a family oriented group which meets four times a year for potlucks
and road rides. Meetings are in May, June, September, and December.
AMERICAN TRUCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CRUISING
P. O. Box 531168, Birmingham, Alabama 35253-1168
You must belong to the national in order to belong to a local chapter. We are located in between two chapters. They are as follows:
The Black Swamp (Toledo) Chapter’s contact person: Marcia Webster, 2731 C.R.59, Fremont, OH 43420 Phone: (419) 332-0458
The Northeast Ohio Chapter’s contact person: Ray Johnson, 630 Plymouth Dr., Boardman, OH 44512 Phone: (330) 758-2818
These groups had quite a busy calendar of events and
participate in many events locally, statewide and around
the country. I have received several copies of these
groups’ newsletters and they are very interesting.
Old Trucks Never Die. They Just Keep On Trucking
THE LORAIN COUNTY VINTAGE
MOTORSCOOTER CLUB
Contact person: Allan Murphy, 4680 Broadway, Lorain, OH
44052 Phone: (440) 233-7717
This group currently has over 25 members who own more than 50 scooters
of various makes and models. Activities include getting together to ride
around the county or to participate in local parades and attending
state and national meets. Monthly meetings are the 2nd Wednesday at 7PM
at the Sugarcreek Restaurant, 5196 Detroit Rd., Avon.
God put me here to accomplish certain things..
Right now I am so far behind, I’ll never die!
Nice Bike! So you made ’er yourself.
Y O UR M O T H E R
DOESN’T WORK HERE
C L E A N U P A FT E R
Y O UR S E L F
OHIO WATCH FOB COLLECTORS CLUB
Contact : Lawrence Jordan, Jr., 143 Jones St., Wellington, OH 44090 Phone: (440) 647-5004
This group was started about 15 years ago. They hold their annual get-together at our show. The International Watch Fob group
holds its annual meeting in Cleveland each April. Many of the members of the Ohio group attend this meeting.
THE ORRVILLE RAILROAD HERITAGE SOCIETY IN COOPERATION WITH THE
WHEELING & LAKE ERIE RAILWAY
P. O. Box 11, Orrville, OH 44667 Phone: (330) 683-2426
This group puts on several interesting trips each year. If you’d like to ride the train to our show or take one of their other trips, I’m
sure they’d be glad to hear from you.
TOY SHOW
Contact person: Lawrence Jordan, Jr. 143 Jones St., Wellington, OH
44090
Phone (440) 647-5004
The Jordan’s are busy people who enjoy selling toy farm,
construction, wood, Nascar, and railroad replica toys along with
exhibiting the watch fobs. Their exhibit draws lots of kids and the
toys make great gifts for grandparents to put away for Christmas.
Farming is the only business where labor is not
considered a business expense.
Baxter Black
Taxpayer: One who doesn’t have to pass a civil service exam to work for the
government
A Man Who Hasn’t Done One Half A
Day’s Work By Ten O’clock Stands A
Good Chance Of Not Completing The
Other Half
Henry Ford
THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS
Written by Doris Soults and published in the December ’93 edition of “Gas Engine”
‘Twas the night after Christmas
When all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even my spouse.
The stockings were empty,
The chimney was bare.
We all knew St. Nicholas
Had already been there.
I searched through the gifts
Scattered here and there
Couldn’t find what I wanted,
Just socks and underwear.
I’d hoped for some parts;
A new carburetor,
A hood or a seat,
Even a generator.
Decals would be nice,
A fender just great.
A new magneto?
I guess it’s too late.
I’d asked for a muffler.
She’d misunderstood.
She gave me a scarf
And a sweatshirt with a hood.
I’d given up hope
As I sat by the tree.
Then my wife took my hand
As she smiled at me.
She looked through the window
And said, “Come with me!”
For out in the yard
Stood an old “GP”,
It was a wondrous sight
As it proudly stood there.
All the parts that I needed
On that old John Deere.
And I say to you now
As I drive out of sight,
“Happy New Year to all
And to all a Good Night.”
Respect cannot be
learned, purchased
or required. It can
only be earned
A Bargain is Anything That is Overpriced Less Than it Could Be
LaGrange Engine Club Inc.
P.O. Box 91
LaGrange, Ohio 44050-0091
GIVE TOOLS FOR CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
1997 TRACTOR PULL RESULTS
Perhaps you weren’t able to attend the tractor show or the pull but you enjoy reading about what kind of tractors won the various
weight classes so here’s the results.
3500# Antique Class
1st Jessica Krause
2nd Denny Finkel
3rd Aloys J. Nagel
3500# Classic
’38 JD B
JD B
’36 JD BO
209.9 feet
59.1
53.1
’38 JD B
’37 JD A
Farm regular
204.5
159.6
153.3
Huber L.C.
Farmall 20
154.7
135.11
’38 JD D
178.0
Huber 20-36
192.1
4000# Antique Class
1st Mike Krause
2nd Herb Hodges
3rd Lyle Hoffman
Larry Reep
Gary Weigel
Rick Ternes
Oliver Super 71
AC WD
JD 430
199.1
165.8
161.3
Farmall M
JD A
Cockshutt 40
192.1
180.1
178.2
Oliver Super 88
Oliver Super 88
JD 620
232.2
228.1
190.8
MM GB
JD 730 diesel
JD 730 diesel
262.2
256.2
250.1
’56 JD 80
Case 900 B
’56 JD 80
175.6
175.4
170.8
’59 JD 830
JD 830
191.3
184.3
5500# Classic
6500# Antique Class
1st Andy Weigel
2nd
3rd
182.1 feet
43.1
41.6
4500# Classic
5500# Antique Class
1st Jeff Wagamon
2nd
3rd
Ford 2N
’41 Ford
MM R
4000# Classic
4500# Antique Class
1st Willard Smith
2nd John Rumsey
3rd
Robert Hickel
Allen Earl
Dave Wright
Donald Crawford
Craig Finkel
T. J. Regal
6500# Classic
Larry Reep
Gary Smith Jr.
Dean Finkel
8500 # Antique Class
8500# Classic
1st
2nd
3rd
Chris Johnson
Jerry McKinnet
Harold McKinney
10,000# Antique Class
10,000# Classic
1st
2nd
3rd
Lyn Ickes
Bob Jackson
Randy Finkel
10,500# Antique Class
10,500# Classic
1st
2nd
Ben Klotzsche
Celeste Bislich
Which one would you like to have
parked in the backyard on
Christmas morning?
The 10 most frightening
words in the English
language are "Hi I am from
the government and I am
here to help you”
Ronald Reagan
If you don’t know where you are going any road you
take will get you there.
The Cheshire Cat
Never wrestle with a pig. You
both get dirty and the pig likes it
A.W.S.
If you didn’t put it together with your own hands, it’s
not really yours.
Tim the “Tool Man” Taylor