Support Your Local Show

Image Gallery Tom Rohrich, slow tractor slow race winner, displays his ribbon at last summer's Georgetown, Ohio show.

2277 Berry Road, Amelia, Ohio 45102.

Knowing I am interested in machinery and the way tasks were done years ago, my brother-in-law mentioned in August, 1971, that there was a machinery show in Georgetown, Ohio. Unknown to me at the time was how, as time progressed, this antique machinery show would become more important and even the highlight of the year in my life. It was important not only to me, but to many other people, as the history of the machinery shows that have sprung up all over the country since then testifies.

Many people are like myself: if there is going to be a great gathering of people, I go the other way. You do not feel comfortable in crowds, do not trust the association of people you do not know. It seems there are people out in this world who are bent to do other people harm. But I was pleasantly surprised to find the atmosphere congenial, friendly, and even helpful-just the opposite of my expectations.

If there were any trouble, you would not have known it because the directors of the show just will not permit troublemakers or problems to interfere with the reunion and the enjoyment of everyone there.

At the last reunion, a fellow telephoned from Wasilla, Alaska, about six weeks in advance and wanted to make arrangements for a space. He had some stationary engines for sale and some just to show. Well, you can't please everyone but the directors sure try. The directors told him to 'come on down'! They fixed him up with a space in such a way he could show his engines off and still be able to sell his wood carvings and engines.

He told me he thought the Ohio Valley Antique Machinery Show was the friendliest gathering he had been to; he really enjoyed himself. He said one day he had to leave his engines and carvings unattended for a short time and when he came back he noticed someone had taken one of his carvings while he was gone and put the money under one of the other carvings. What a group of people to be around! I met up with him at another show. He said he would be back next year and that the Georgetown Show was the most friendly experience of all the gatherings he's been to.