February/March 1986
Gerry Lestz
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Mace Archer of Winfield with 1916 10-20 HP Mogul tractor.
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Early morning rain and leaden skies didn't discourage the
many engine people and their fans who defied the elements on
opening day at the 4th Kansas and Oklahoma Steam and Gas Engine
Show at Winfield, Kansas in September, 1985.
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The Cowley County Fairgrounds proved an ideal site, with plenty
of space for engines and the events on the program; areas in
buildings for food, antique, book and flea market sales, and the
big grandstand for the antique engine pull. Unfortunately, the
second day was rained out.
By the oddest of coincidences, the batteries on both my cameras
failed. On one, taking prints, I was able to buy new batteries from
a helpful vendor whose name I don't know. The other camera
appeared 'broke', but I learned about the dead battery
after returning home.
Margaret, who knows about engines from her girlhood on a Montana
ranch, and I both enjoyed the visit. Margaret's brother, M. K.
Gordon, and his wife Betty live in Winfield. They issued the
invitation for our visit, showed us around and had a good time,
too.
Participation has been growing each year, according to Mace
Archer, a jeweler who is on the club board and does 'what needs
to be done' to help the gathering move smoothly. He cited the
tractor pull as an example. The first, three years ago, drew about
15; the second, 30; this year's 50. He predicts 75 for 1986.
Cutoff date is 1938.
Probably 175 exhibitors were on the grounds, most with gas
tractors or stationary gas engines.
On Sunday, the second day, Col. L. L. Penniger conducted worship
service at 9 a.m. under the grandstand, but weather prevailed
against other activities.
As with all clubs, this one is already looking forward to 1986
with the hope that the sun will shine.
The club drew plenty of attention to two steam traction engines
which were in action Saturday. The club owns one of these, a 1914
Aultman-Taylor. The other is a Nichols & Shepard brought in by
Don Bleck, of Wichita.
More than 70 tractors and other types of equipment were shown in
the Saturday parade. John Logdson, of Winfield, was announcer for
the parade and tractor pull and he gave Stemgas some deeply
appreciated plugs. Participants in the parade included youngsters,
and that we are always glad to see for it means the hobby is being
kept alive into a new generation.
We talked to quite a few collectors. Bill Alter, of Ark City,
Kansas, was showing a 2/5 scale Advance Rumely, which he and his
son Albert built in three and a half or four years. He also built a
half-scale Case which took a year. He paints in authentic
colors.