This edition of the BULLETIN prominently features a segment of the pressure equipment industry that I’m particularly fond of: historical boilers.
To assist in the reporting, I accompanied senior editor Lee Cochran to western Minnesota, to attend the University of Rollag College of Steam Traction Engineering – a place where I’m not just a visitor and a former inspector of these historical boilers, but also a proud graduate.
This was my first trip back to Rollag since resigning from my 20-year career as the chief boiler inspector for the state of Minnesota to become executive director of The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors in 2020. While it was great to reconnect with old friends and share stories, this visit was about more than just nostalgia; it was a powerful reminder of the dedication required to maintain historical boilers, many of which are over a century old.
It really is amazing. Imagine taking a machine that’s been around for more than 100 years, immersing yourself in its history, and then passionately teaching others about it. It’s a deeply rooted hobby – one that consumes many weekends and demands unwavering dedication.
These boilers, also called hobby boilers, represent far more than just a pastime for their owners, engineers, and volunteers. For them, this is a passion – a labor of love that drives them to preserve a crucial piece of history. While passion is crucial to any hobby, from golfing to gardening, what sets this apart is the recognition that preserving history is about ensuring its future. That’s why schools like Rollag are so vital.
Safety is the cornerstone of both classroom and hands-on instruction at the school because without a strong emphasis on safety, there is no future for these machines.
As in much of the boiler and pressure vessel industry, this field must attract younger generations. That starts with passing down knowledge and excitement from one generation to the next. However, it doesn’t end there; those not part of a family tradition need to become involved.
During my visit, I caught up with Nicole Wallace Thurman, a friend and fellow steam school graduate. She shared memories of attending the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion on Labor Day weekends at Rollag with her grandparents.
“They would pull me around in a Radio Flyer wagon,” Nicole said.
Today, she’s not only an instructor at the school but also a co-founder of Ladies of Steam, an organization that hosts “Women Teaching Women” events at threshing reunions as a way to expand the appeal.
It was inspiring to witness men and women, young and old, experienced and new, all working and learning together to keep this history alive – and safe.
Seeing another full class at the steam school was a testament to the enduring appeal of this passion. While many students attended because of family ties, others came out of sheer curiosity or a budding interest.
Three days of watching this vibrant community come together to keep history alive reminded me why this work is so important.
And in this issue, we hope to shed light on the crucial and impassioned efforts of the historical boiler community. These dedicated men and women preserve a part of our past to ensure a place in our future.
