Midwest Old Settlers & Threshers Reunion
By A. M. WETTACH
MT. PLEASANT, IOWA
A new attraction was the 1891 narrow gauge, cabbage stack, locomotive and tender, on its own track, with steam up taking "owners" for rides. One became an owner by buying stock in the railroad at $10 a share which also provided a lifetime pass to ride the train. The locomotive is a 2-6-0 Mogul type built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. It saw service hauling passengers in Virginia on the short line Surrey, Sussex and South Hampton R.R. Later, with its mate, a 1906 model now also owned by the association, it was operated in the lumber camps of South Carolina for 35 years until sold to a Georgia firm. Here it was sold at auction. The two locomotives with three section cars (since restored) were trucked by low-boy to Iowa. Plans are to add three 1890 vintage coaches. The equipment is housed on land purchased this year on the south side of the grounds where the reunion is held, and in a 72'x 96' railroad building constructed largely with volunteer help.
Old No.6 on its narrow gauge (36") track leaving the "roundhouse" with Stan Mathews at the throttle. This cabbage stack 2-6-0 Mogul type locomotive with other equipment of the Midwest central Railroad is being financed by enthusiasts who invest in shares of stock at $10 each. Ownership entitles each to a life-time pass to ride the train. Purchase of coaches is underway. Photo by Lyle Burroughs, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
Antique cars put on their own parade and show and in addition had valuable old models filling two tents just as exhibits.
There was something going on from early until late: engines were being fired up, put through their paces, tested on the Prony brake, belted to the Baker fan, and taking turns on the sawmill and threshing machines. There were engine-powered pieces of equipment new to many people a shingle mill, a cut-off saw, a small flour mill, to name a few. The demonstrations and exhibits with the descriptions given by those in charge were informative and educational. In the Ladies Auxiliary tent and booths programs were given, also in the large new building that housed antique exhibits, guns, Indian relics, pioneer furnishings and a wool carding and spinning demonstration.
There is a great deal of shade around the tents and buildings and benches were plentiful. Entertainment was provided by an Old Fiddlers contest, checker players, horse shoe pitchers, Fife and Drum corps (whose members averaged 72 years of age), organ music and just visiting. It is easy to get acquainted at the reunion. People are friendly and having an enjoyable time. There is something for the whole family.
The Old Settler award went to Mrs. A. D. Hayes, 98, of New London, Iowa. Five shared the honor of being designated Old Threshers: Ray Ernst of Wayland (one of the reunion founders and first president of the Midwest Association), Ray Trout of Douds, Earl Trout from Colorado, Warren Coonrod of Center Point and R. w. Creek of Batavia.
Old time buildings now on the grounds include a railroad depot, a one-room school and this year's addition of a barber shop which was in use in the late 1800's in this county. Others will be added to this settlement.
A short wave radio was set up and operated from the depot. Over 180 radiograms were sent for visitors to many states and both coasts. Specially stamped letters and post cards were again carried by steam engine to the post office.
A larger number of gas tractors and stationary engines were on display than previous years. Ten of the latter belonged to Howard Boese of Pairfield who has 47 in his collection ten of which he has rebuilt. The oldest model was built in 1902.
Twenty six of the steam engines and three of the iarger tractors are now stored in the buildings on the grounds so these will not have to be hauled in for the 1961 Reunion. The hauling expense has run around $5,000 in the past for all engines. The new railroad building holds about 20 of the engines in storage.
One of the attractions to the reunion is the lack of midway and commercialism. People enjoy getting back to the flavor of the "old-time county fair and state fair" with the emphasis on agricultural interests.
The dates for 1961 are September 6, 7, 8 and 9.