What We Do
The Historical Engine Society is a “not for profit” corporation whose purpose is to provide a focal point for people interested in machinery that built America. We encourage collection, preservation, and exhibition of power producing devices and the machinery built by these units. Items range from huge steam traction engines to farm tractors and stationary engines.
Club fellowship consists of sharing of knowledge, ideas, and educational programs. Work parties, picnics, and field trips make this a truly family oriented organization. The annual show is a year-round effort, culminating in a gathering of people and their machines.
Visitors are treated to the sights, sounds, and demonstrations of the power of the past.
How We Started
Four men met in the fall of 1970 and held first discussions about starting a club for antique engine buffs in the area. The first formal meeting was held on December 10, 1970 and the organization was formed. By February 1971, the name Historical Engine Society was adopted and reflected the interests of the majority of the members who were tractor and stationary engine collectors. Membership then numbered in the twenty’s.
Over the past two decades annual shows have been held at various sites. The club has been active in the community festivals and supporting other engine clubs.
What We Are Doing Now
The Historical Engine Society now has over 200 members with diverse collections. There is a strong bias towards agriculture witnessed by the number of tractors, farm engines, and farm equipment displayed at our shows. For the past several years, show has been held at the Century Village in Burton, Ohio, where the group operates a steam sawmill and operates a scale railroad for children. When the weather permits, threshing, shingle making, and sawing is part of every show.
The enthusiasm of the club members can be seen in the size of the collections and the hauling of the equipment created for this purpose. Members also work on group projects at the show grounds in Burton such as mechanical restorations and building projects.
Loading ...