This article is from the Fall 2024 BULLETIN.

The rhythmic hum of engines fills the air as plumes of steam rise into the sky, mingling with the scent of freshly cut grain. Steam traction engines chug across fields, while others power century-old threshing machines and sawmills with precision.

Thousands of people, many fitting in with the times of yesterday by wearing bib overalls and engineer caps, mingle with each other and marvel at the machinery.

Whether in Andover, South Dakota, or Wauseon, Ohio, it’s a scene that plays several times yearly throughout the country during the show season, which spans June through early October.

At steam threshing shows, generations of enthusiasts gather to showcase their prized machines and relive a bygone era of farming. Initially created to preserve the legacy of steam traction engines, these shows have become a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and the community spirit that keeps these traditions flourishing.

While steam traction engines are cherished across farming regions nationwide, the Midwest stands at the heart of this tradition, thanks to its deep agricultural roots. Owning or operating one of these machines is more than just a hobby; it's a hands-on preservation of history. These engines aren’t relics confined to display – they come alive at shows, offering a glimpse into the past as a living, breathing, working museum.

Before the age of steam engines, farming demanded grueling manual labor, especially during harvest. The introduction of steam-powered threshing machines in the late 19th century revolutionized farming, dramatically increasing efficiency. Yet, by the mid-20th century, steam power was replaced by internal combustion engines, and steam's role in agriculture faded. But instead of disappearing, steam engines found a new life in threshing shows that began post-WWII.

“It’s like an old-fashioned barn-raising,” said Hartley Ellingson, who lives near Fargo, North Dakota, and has attended every Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion (WMSTR), which is considered one of the nation’s largest events.

The National Threshers Association (NTA) is considered the country’s oldest show with its reunion starting in 1945 in Wauseon. NTA president Dennis Rupert has been around steam engines his entire life, and he and his father own eight.

Threshing demonstrations, like this one at the James Valley Threshing Show on September 6, are a crowd favorite and serve as one of the highlights for showcasing the power and versatility of steam engines.

“This isn’t a tractor show,” he said. “We gather and see each other once a year. That’s why many are called reunions.”

These reunions also often resemble traveling shows, as Rupert attends several each year. For engine owners and engineers, it's a chance to gather with friends who have become family and showcase their machines.

“This is a bit of a stressful week for me being president,” Rupert said as he drove a golf cart around the Fulton County Fairgrounds infield on June 27. “But it is fun. There’s a show in Michigan I’m quite involved with, too. At the others I attend, I get to be an engineer and spectator, which is a lot of fun.”

Sanders Ellingson (left) and his grandfather,
Hartley Ellingson, represent two of the family’s
five generations that are, or will be, involved
with steam engines and threshing shows.

Dennis Rupert has been president of the
National Threshers Association for six
years. He said preparing for the reunion
is nearly a year-round process.

“Most people register in advance, but if someone shows up with proper inspections and knows what they’re doing, that’s fine too,” Rupert said.

However, he recounted turning away one operator with dangerously faulty equipment.

“There were some not-so-pretty patches on it, and his injectors were piped backward. We had to ask him to leave.”

The Threshing Show Experience

For first-timers, the reunion experience is nothing short of captivating. Engines from manufacturers like Case, Frick, Minneapolis, and Rumley are featured, each with its own story that engineers are eager to share.

The engines power threshing machines and sawmills and pulled plows, and these demonstrations highlight the power of steam. The threshers were a crowd favorite at NTA and the James Valley Threshing Show in Andover, showcasing how grain was once separated from straw and chaff.

Howard Berny, chief boiler inspector for Minnesota, still marvels at the craftsmanship of these machines.

“The fact that these engines, built over 100 years ago with nothing more than slide rules, are still operating is incredible,” he said.

While steam engines are the stars of the show, they’re often joined by antique gas tractors, vintage farm equipment, and demonstrations of traditional agricultural methods like blacksmithing and horse-drawn plowing. The experience is another step back in time, offering a handon understanding of the way things were.

Some shows even mix in modern excitement. At James Valley, spectators were treated to a thrilling performance by motocross freestyle rider Cody Cavanaugh, who jumped over the 150 HP Case steam traction engine built by his cousin, Kory Anderson.

Most shows also feature flea markets for collectors to find vintage tools, parts, and memorabilia. Food is plentiful, and attendees often camp in RVs, campers, and tents to fully immerse themselves in the event.

A daily highlight is the parade of antique steam engines and tractors. At NTA and James Valley, the engineers sounded their machines’ whistles upon introduction, drawing cheers from the crowd. At James Valley, Ellingson even encouraged his grandson, Sanders Ellingson, to blow the whistle a second time, to which Sanders complied and then said, “Mothers of newborns tend to hate the second whistle.”

One of the not-so-traditional events at James Valley was Cody Cavanaugh jumping over the 150 HP Case engine built by his cousin, Kory Anderson.

For Dan Braithwaite and his family, the parade at NTA is a yearly highlight. A resident of Blissfield, Michigan, Braithwaite, 47, has attended nearly every year since he was an infant.

As he and his wife, Christine, and their children Kaitlin (15 years old), Grady (11), Madison (8), and Emma (5) settled in the stands, he said they never miss the parade.

“We don’t have an engine,” he said. “We just come here every year, walking around and looking at the engines.”

“We always try to find the biggest steam engine and get a picture of it with the kids,” Christine added. “It’s just a fun time here.”

For Steve and Deborah Peer from North Henderson, Illinois, this year marked their first threshing show. The couple, both in their mid-60s, attended because they had family participating, but after renting a golf cart to tour the James Valley grounds September 6, they quickly realized they should have been coming all along.

Steve said he enjoyed the exhibits and demonstrations, but he was especially looking forward to the 150 HP Case and the 50-bottom plow in action.

“That’s what I want to see,” he said.

A Modern Marvel of Steam

At almost any threshing show, the words “Kory Anderson’s 150 Case” command attention.

Designed by the J.I. Case Company, only nine of the 150-horsepower machines were manufactured from 1905- 07, none of which survived. Anderson, an Andover resident, researched, fabricated parts, and assembled a full-scale replica from scratch.

Completed in 2018, the 16-month project involved 50 people and about $1.5 million, culminating in the largest steam traction engine ever built at 14 feet and 75,000 pounds.

“The popularity of the 150 Case has surprised me in ways I never could have anticipated,” Anderson said. “I never imagined that a project like this could have such a profound impact on the preservation of history while also expanding awareness of American innovation through steam tractors.”

Anderson takes the 150 HP Case to a few shows each year. The 50-bottom plow pulled in 2022 was a record acknowledged by the Guinness World Records; however, at the most recent James Valley show, with most of the crowd lining the field, one more plow was added and successfully pulled.

People of all ages take part in demonstrations at threshing shows, such as this one at James Valley.

People Behind the Steam

For many steam enthusiasts, their passion is rooted in early mentors who passed down their knowledge and love for these powerful machines. Kory Anderson’s journey is a prime example.

His father, Kevin Anderson, is one of the founders of the James Valley show, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Kevin owns about 20 engines and a 1910 Stanley steam car, and continues to supply many of the engines featured at James Valley. His passion began in his pre-teen years under the mentorship of Harold Somers. Inspired by attending nearby steam shows, Kevin has carried on this enthusiasm throughout his life.

Kevin, who serves on the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) Task Group Historical Boilers, emphasized the strong sense of camaraderie among the steam community.

“I went to other shows and saw how much people loved showing their engines,” he said. “A lot of the older people at that time were mentors to someone. Now, we all know each other and help each other.”

The fascination with steam engines often strikes at an early age, as it did for Mason Gerzinski and Justin Johnson. 

While prepping an engine for the NTA parade, Gerzinski said he first got involved with the hobby when he was 4. Now 22, he attends as many shows as possible while working fulltime in the concrete business.

“This is one of the most fun activities you can do,” he said. “There’s nothing better than waking up at 5 in the morning, drinking a cup of coffee, then throwing a fire in the boiler to get the day started. I just enjoy it.”

Johnson, 30, who was running an engine at the sawmill at James Valley, said his love of the machines came despite a near-incident when he was a child at the Prairie Village Steam Threshing Jamboree in Madison, South Dakota, when an engine’s boiler overpressurized.

Despite the scare, Johnson’s passion grew, and he learned the ropes by watching and helping older generations.

“I started out by hauling wood to a stationary steam engine at a show,” the Brookings, South Dakota, native said.

Over time, Johnson worked his way up, gaining more responsibility and expertise, and earning his operator’s license at 17. Now, he’s keeping these old machines alive, restoring a 1905 25 HP Porter. His passion is evident in his dedication.

“Usually, at Andover, I just show up with my gloves and a lighter. And if Kevin's got an engine there ready for me to adopt for the weekend, I’m ready.”

Johnson said the best part of the shows isn’t necessarily running the engines but seeing the interest spark in the next generation.

“I like sitting back and watching grandpa with his grandson or granddaughter come to the show and explain to their grandkids. ... It's hearing the stories the grandparents tell their kids. That’s the best part to me – keeping the history alive.”

Family Tradition

The families who exemplify the multigenerational appeal of the dedication and passion for steam engines and threshing shows will preserve the history of historical boilers and keep threshing shows thriving, allowing families like the Braithwaites to keep enjoying.

Like the shows themselves, these families can be seen throughout the country; it’s part of the remarkable sense of community.

Rupert, also a member of the NBIC Task Group Historical Boilers, said much of his knowledge came from working with an uncle, and he later attended the Rollag steam school.

“I wanted to learn more, but I also wanted a better idea of how to teach young people to run an engine,” he said.

During his tour of the grounds, Rupert watched his son, Justin Rupert, and grandson, Harrison Anderson, pass him on an engine.

“Seeing the two of them out there; that’s what it’s all about,” Rupert said.

Stationary engines were also featured at James Valley. These engines often played a role in powering household chores, such as running water pumps and washing machines.

Hartley Ellingson, 90, is a second-generation steam enthusiast, a passion passed down from his father, Stanley, who bought an 18 HP Avery after World War II.

At James Valley, Hartley wasn’t content to just watch – he helped prep the engines and later joined Sanders on Kory Anderson’s 65 HP Case for the parade ride. Hartley climbed up and down the engine like a man half his age, much to the surprise of one onlooker and the slight exasperation of Sanders.

“He’s stubborn,” Sanders said with a laugh. “I try to tell him he can’t do everything he used to, but he’s determined to prove me wrong.”

Sanders, 28, has attended the WMSTR since he was four months old. Under his father’s guidance, he started driving engines at about 8 and earned his operator’s license at 16. Sanders’ son, Peter – born in April of 2023 – attended his first show at just three months old and was napping during the parade as the Ellingsons have extended to a fifth generation. A resident of Fargo, North Dakota, Sanders attends at least three shows annually and can’t imagine stopping anytime soon.

“The equipment is just an excuse to get together,” he said. “It’s like a second family. We see the same group at every show, and our kids are playing together. It’s like having adopted aunts and uncles all over the place.”

Yes, steam threshing shows are about more than just machinery. They’re about community, history, relationships, and the enduring appeal of the engines and shows, which provide a living link to the past for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. It’s an experience that stays with you long after the engines cool.