The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, a non-profit corporation, collects, preserves and displays examples of mechanical ingenuity and crafts associated with the early days of the American farm and rural community.
Since 1976, this museum, located on 55 acres in the town of Vista, has showcased early American life and technology (1849 through the 1960s). Unique from traditional museums, this collection is maintained in operating condition and used during a wide range of events (meaning we need to return one day).Brady, and her little sweet family, had planned to spend the morning here and we were invited to join in the fun. We chose the day well as we were the only ones there exploring the vast array of machinery. WOW.From humble beginnings... in 1837, in Grand Detour, Illinois, blacksmith John Deere heard farmers’ concerns that their plows, designed for the sandy soil of the eastern United States, weren't shedding the thick prairie soil. In response, Deere fashioned a highly polished steel mold board from a broken sawblade. How cool to see one of his sulky plows here. Such history.Our introduction happened almost instantly upon entering the grounds. What fun to have some toddler friendly items, too.Ford called his first, mass-produced tractor the Fordson (Henry & Son). The tractor was first built for export in 1916 and 1917 and introduced to American farmers in 1918. On a historical note, the Fordson tractor had revolutionized all creative ideas of tractor design and efficiency. Interestingly, it was far from perfect. The early Fordson had the unhappy distinction of killing more farmers, than any other brand, due to their tendency to flip over backwards. Wild ride indeed.Not all to admire was manmade.The California Barn housed a very cool collection of farm wagons and buggies.This barn was full of Steam Traction Engines which are a part of the American industrial revolution. These tractors replaced the horse for the heaviest work on the American farm and allowed a farmer to work much larger farms than they could with horses. The growing of more food was needed to support the growing population. They could be bought new from about 1860 through 1924.For those of a certain age, this name should look familiar as it was a rock band (c. 1966). According to the liner notes on a CD box set, Buffalo Springfield got its name from the side of a steamroller, made by the Buffalo-Springfield Roller Company. It was parked on the street outside record producer Barry Friedman's house where two of the members were staying. Who knew? Oh man, I am so ready for Jeopardy!Okay, how cool is this 1954 Tucker Sno-Cat? This classic Cat was used extensively in both polar regions for exploration, as well as for transportation, trail grooming and industrial applications.The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum surprised us all. We departed knowing that we'd have to return. We left too much unseen. Our goal is to see these machines in action. Next time!
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2 comments:
Jim has been a member of the museum as he took blacksmithing classes there for over a year. You have to go back when they have the tractor parade. It's 2 times as year for 2 weekends each time, I think. It is awesome. Those steam engine tractors sound like trains coming down the street. Did you visit the old lawn mower we donated?? HaHa. I wanted to join the weavers but they met on weekdays and I worked. I just semi-retired, at least cut down my days. But probably not meeting now cuz of COVID. Bummer.
I am so glad you could join us! What a pleasant surprise the Steam Engine Museum is! We can’t wait to go back. There is so much to look at, it seems impossible to see it all. Even with multiple visits.
Eric can’t wait to be a blacksmith there!
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