Early Years at the Fair: 1948-1953
The Pioneer Engineers Club annual reunion became a regular feature at the Rush County Fair. The first to exhibit for the newly formed club was Nelson Howard with his 50 HP Case. He became the first elected president of our club that fall.
A picture of Mr. Howard and his engine.
The exhibits seemed to grow exponentially in those early years. The second year, there were two more engines in addition to the Case - Ralph Shelburne's 20 HP Reeves and Tony Moorman's 20 HP Advance Rumely. The third year there were seven! That year Luther Caldwell brought his little Gaar-Scott back to the fair; Bernard Krekler exhibited his 23 HP Baker; a 19 hp Port Huron co-owned by Nelson Howard, Howard Eubank, and Roy Mitchell was shown, and Tony Moorman operated his 20 HP Advance Rumely. The three from the previous year also returned.
The 1951 Lineup
In 1952, The club had the honor of being invited to put on a threshing exhibit at the Indiana State Fair for its centennial celebration. Mr. Krekler brought his Baker, Mr. Moorman his Advance Rumely, and Mr. Caldwell his Gaar-Scott.
As the size of the club grew, it became apparent that the fair was no longer a suitable place to hold our reunion. Due to the growing number of engines operating, fairgoers complained about the smoke and loud whistles (hey - what's not to like?), but the situation was also unbearable for the operators because there was no shade where the steam engines were exhibited. It was also looking increasingly necessary to charge admission to cover the cost of hauling in these engines and keeping them fueled up for the show. Mr. Lawrence Porter provided a solution by offering to hold the show at his sawmill 5 miles north of town. The club took him up on it!