Enjoy Farming of Years Ago and Today

July 3, 2014

One of the most interesting and educational shows, the Ashtabula County Antique Engine Club’s 33rd annual show, will be held July 4-6 at their beautiful grounds on Route 322 in Wayne Township.

Much hard work and effort is put into this show by a dedicated group of volunteers. They have a remarkable program ready for everyone, no matter where one lives. In fact, urban residents will find the various exhibits and programs of special interest.

While the main purpose of the Engine Club is to preserve its heritage and tell the story of a by-gone era, it also demonstrates a progression of agriculture from Grandpa’s day right down to present times.

In the agricultural museum, for example, one can see tools that our forefathers used back in the early 1800s down to more modern times. A walk through this building will show visitors the back breaking way farming was done. It was not an easy life and often the farm family, in order to keep young family members on the farm, would have to buy some simple tools that would save labor and time.

Or, if the farm was not earning enough income to support the family, it had to get bigger and milk more cows or raise more grain. Therefore, farmers looked for new tools and equipment that allowed them to be more efficient and get their farm work done with less labor.

Many displays are available to show the way life used to be. Stop at the old school house and ponder what teaching and learning would have been like many years ago compared to today. Visit the passenger and freight depots and think about riding the train to go to town, as many did even as late as the 1930s.

All the restored antique tractors and other equipment make a spectacular sight when one looks across the engine grounds. Many old gas engines from large to small show the kind of power often used years ago. Tractor pulls for small and large tractors demonstrate the power used on farms in both early times and today.

July 4 is Senior Citizen Day and all seniors can get in for just a $3 donation. Regular admission is only a $5 donation. One will not find a better buy to have a good time as well as learn more about how food was produced years ago as well as today.

Along with all the displays and demonstrations, there will be seminars on interesting topics, action activities and entertainment. Good food will be available and their Dinner Bell Suppers are well known. And don’t miss the big flea market where one can buy most anything from the past to the present.

Again those who live in town will really enjoy this fine show put on by the Engine Club volunteers.

If anyone misses this big show, go over to the Geauga County Historical Engine Society Exhibition to be held July 25-27 at the Century Village Museum on the square in Burton. In addition, the Antique Tractor Club of Trumbull County will have its annual antique tractor show and flea market Aug. 15-17 at its show grounds on Ridge Road in Vienna.

These are local interesting and educational opportunities available to everyone for a low cost, easy to find and a short drive. Plan to attend one or all of them.

Parker is an independent agricultural writer.