Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association facts for kids
The Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association is a special place in Kinzers, Pennsylvania. It's known for hosting one of the oldest "Threshermen's Reunions" in the United States. This big event happens every year in the middle of August, from Wednesday to Saturday. Kinzers is about eight miles east of Lancaster. The association's name comes from an old book from the 1890s called Rough and Tumble Engineering. This book taught people how to use farm and traction engines.
Contents
What Were Threshermen?
Imagine a time before big modern farm machines. That's when "Threshermen" were important! They were groups of workers who owned their own traction engines and threshing machines. They traveled from farm to farm, helping farmers harvest their wheat. These crews would move across many states, covering hundreds of miles each season. Farmers really wanted the best threshing crews to help them. But then, new machines like the combine harvester were invented in the 1940s and 1950s. These new machines did the work of the threshermen, so the threshermen were no longer needed.
The First Rough and Tumble Reunion
The very first Rough and Tumble reunion happened in 1948. It was held at Arthur S. Young's farm equipment business in Kinzers. Arthur Young and his father loved old steam engines. Arthur was also a leader in a group called the Pennsylvania Threshermen and Farmers Protective Association.
Local steam engine fans encouraged Young to have a reunion. They wanted to show off his amazing collection of engines. The PTFPA group even offered free food and advertising for the event! A man named Rev. Elmer Ritzman helped a lot with the first show. He was the editor of a magazine called Iron Man Album, which was all about old farm life.
Amazing Old Machines at Rough and Tumble
The Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association has one of the best collections of old traction engines in the world. They have over two dozen of these powerful machines! You can also see all kinds of antique farm tools and machinery. There are three barns full of old steam engines and old stationary gas engines.
One special engine is an Otto-Langen Engine. It's one of the very few examples left of the first successful gas engines ever made. Most of these old machines are kept in working order. They are run during the Threshermen's Reunion and other shows.
You can even take a ride on a 2/3 scale Shay side-geared steam locomotive. There's also a smaller steam locomotive called Little Toot. Many events, especially the Threshermen's Reunion, have lots of crafters. These include local Amish and Mennonite people. There are also many flea market sellers from all over the country.
Other Fun Events at Rough and Tumble
Besides the big Threshermen's Reunion in August, Rough and Tumble offers other cool events:
- A two-day "Steam School" where you can learn hands-on.
- An Antique Tractor Pull in April.
- A Spring Steam-Up in May.
- Blacksmith Days in June.
- A "Time of Harvest" celebration in October.
Different collector groups also hold events here. These include John Deere Days and an International Harvester / Farmall show.
Riding the Rails at Rough and Tumble
The association has two fun railroads on its property for visitors to enjoy. One is the 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge Shay Railroad. It has a coal-fired, geared steam locomotive. The other is the 15 in (381 mm) Little Toot Railroad. This is a ridable miniature railway with a locomotive built by Crown Metal Products.
