Postcards
This is the site and marker of the first Organized Steam Engine Reunion in the United States. It is standing on the front lawn of the home of Mr. and Mrs. LeBoy W. Blaker, B. D. l, Alvordton, Ohio.
Mr. Blaker is on the right, who promoted the gatherings and became the first and only President of the National Threshers Association, Inc. On the left is Mr. Merle Newkirk, Midland, Michigan, who supplied the plaque. It was Merle who inspired the group to erect such a monument. Mr. Dan S. Zehr (deceased Aug. 1959) of Pontiac, Illinois, who officiated at the organization, was present and at this dedication he was one of the principal speakers.
President LeBoy W. Blaker made very appropriate remarks among which he said, "There have been steam engine and threshing 'Meets' and 'Bees' longer than ours but they were not organized.
This is the oldest organized Reunion." This undoubtedly will be considered the most significant event in the Steam Engine World this year of 1959.
A Close up of the Plaque attached to the center of the Port Huron traction engine wheel as a monument to the organization of the National Threshers Association, Inc., at Alvordton, Ohio.
This is the 2x4 "Donkey Engine" after I got it home, also one of the best of Tours Truly, shy a little hat.
Old time portable now resting: in the Maddox Machine Yard, Archer, Florida. It is a Smith-Porter, age unknown. The engine at the left is English built and once run the steam hoist and saw mill. It is over 100 years old.
Here is a picture of our friends, the Clarence Cline family and their very nice Russell engine taken last summer on the engine. Mr. Lester Cline and my two sons, Marland and Lavern Triars.
One Iron-Man down but not for long! Engineer Fred Bollig of Mazomanie, Wisconsin, was crossing this stream at night and ran into a hole caused by a flood. The engine was pulled out by a team of horses and stump pulling machine and 7 or 8 men pulling rope which was wrapped around flywheel. Case 60 engine, new in 1919