56 —Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, August 26,1978 .Elmer Lapp, Kinzers, le(J the parade at the 30th annual Threshermen’s Reunion last week with this original Conestoga Wagon pulled by a team of his well-known Belgians. Threshers 9 reunion fascinated many By DIETER KRIEG KINZERS The young and old, farmers and city folks, men and women, all found fascination and ex citement last week during the 30th annual Thresher men’s Reunion, held at the Rough and Tumble Engineers Histori.al Association’s grounds and museum, here. The 4-day event, which was held under nearly perfect weather for each of the four days, even impressed television executives enough to send a fun crew for a half day. The result was a several minute presentation on the NBC Nightly News program last Friday evening. Features also appeared in The New York Times and Philadelphia Inquirer, as well as numerous local publications and several broadcasting stations. More than a score of an tique smoke-belching steam traction engines delighted crowds which were estimated at about 10,000 for the four days. Some of the earliest models of tractors powered by internal com bustion engines were also in operation. Their strange shapes, sizes, and noises fascinated onlookers, many of whom were here for the first time. For those not turned on by mechanical horsepower, (a certain unlikelihood at this annual event) a few exhibitors had teams of horses and oxen on hand. In addition, there were scores of stationary engines and a wide variety of antique farm equipment Early models of washing machines, butter chums, coolers, and pumps were also in action. As would be expected, organizing this annual celebration and show is no small task. A group of 17 devoted men who make up the board of directors and officers of the Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association are at the core of organizational efforts. They’re in charge of numerous committees which bring about the final project: one of the most impressive steam and antique farm equipment shows in the W*<!t Wilmer J. Eshelman, announcer for events at Rough and Tumble, stands next to a steam engine which boasts a 12-foot diameter flywheel. The heavy unit packs an unknown number of horsepower. Dimensions include an 18-inch bore, and 48-inch stroke. The machine was formerly used to power a paper mill in Maryland. Please send me color catalog on the Cherokee horse stock trailers and GN flatbeds Address I Phone J State Zip “Just to get the parade together is quite a task,” admits Amos Stauffer, the organizations modest, easy mannered, but hard working president. The parade he referred to took place each afternoon and featured some 85 to 90 pieces of equipment. They all passed the reviewing stand while camera shutters clicked and home movie cameras hummed. 1 '” Although the organization has been hampered in years past by burdensome debts, Stauffer says that current liabilities are being paid off in good fashion. Nonetheless, the association and museum continue to seek support for improvements and ad ditions. When strength, economical space and beauty are combined ... With Rigidply Laminated Rafters you get a lot more than a quality farm building First, all of your inside space is useful, with a clear span from floor to ridge Second, you have maximum resistance to wind and snow because laminated rafters are far stronger than the wood itself Third, the attractive arches provide all of the roof support, while providing you with complete freedom for a more efficient interior designed to your very own needs Rigidply Rafters, Inc. Telephone: (717) 866-6581 P 0 BOX 189 A RICHLAND RD 1, PA 17087 - (301) 334-3977 OAKLAND RD 2, MD 21550 • One of the improvements Stauffer and his association have in mind is an enlargement of the museum which houses stationary steam engines. Their largest model, which boasts a 12-foot diameter flywheel, is currently out-of doors. “We’d like to extend the building and have it under* roof,” Stauffer Another proposed project would allow the organization to feature a permanent and ongoing • threshermen’s display. Complete with live steam, the addition is ex pected to draw attention from area residents as well as thousands of tourists who come through Lancaster County each Summer. (Turn to Page 57)
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers