Hit or Miss Engine Show
2007!
On Saturday, October 6th from 9:30 to 3:00 p.m., the SBHS will have a Gas Engine and Tractor Exhibit on the museum grounds. Burt Messenger, who will help plan this exhibit, remembers these engines and tractors in use on his family's farm on Messenger Road in West Granby. He reminisces about how his family's three-horsepower engine ran a generator that supplied about 22 volts of power He says his family ran 3 lights of the power supplied by the generator. Burt is a member of our historical society and has been restoring and exhibiting gas engines for about 14 years.
Burt remembers that when the first engine exhibits were held, the engines were restored and running but no actually connected to the implements designed to be used with them. Burt says it was difficult for folks to imagine how important the engines were until they could see them physically running corn grinders, water pumps and farm and household equipment. The exhibitors will connect the engines to the equipment they were designed to run and history will come to life!
At the exhibit there will be an assortment of early gas engines running implements such as sharpeners, pumps, saw rigs, and even a steam whistle! Antique farm tractors of different makes and vintage will also be on display. These machines are the pride and joy of their owners and we are fortunate they are willing to share them with us.
Refreshment were provided. The museum buildings was open for tours (at regular admission prices). Put this general date on your calendar, and hope that the New England weather cooperates with us as this exciting event will be held weather permitting.