Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association facts for kids
The Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association is a special group that hosts 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. You can find it in Kinzers, Pennsylvania, which is about eight miles east of Lancaster. The association got its name from an old book from the 1890s called Rough and Tumble Engineering: Book of Instructions for Operators of Farm and Traction Engines by James H. Maggard.
What Are Threshermen?
Threshermen were groups of workers who owned their own special machines. These machines included a traction engine and threshing machinery. They would travel from one farm to another to help farmers harvest their wheat. Many of these crews traveled across several states and hundreds of miles each season. Farmers and their wives would even try to get the best threshing crews to work for them. Threshermen became less common when the combine harvester was invented in the 1940s and 1950s.
About the Reunions
The very first Rough and Tumble reunion took place in 1948. It was held at Arthur S. Young's farm equipment business. This spot was south of U.S. Route 30 in Kinzers, Pennsylvania. Arthur Young and his father had many steam traction engines. Young was also an officer of the Pennsylvania Threshermen and Farmers Protective Association.
Local steam engine fans encouraged Young to hold a reunion. They wanted to show off his amazing collection of engines. The PTFPA agreed to provide free food and advertise the event. Rev. Elmer Ritzman, who started Iron Man Album magazine, was a big supporter. This magazine was all about keeping the history of threshing and farm life alive. He was a director for Rough and Tumble for many years.
Amazing Engine Collection
The Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association has one of the world's best collections of old traction engines. They have more than two dozen of these powerful machines! You can also see all kinds of antique farm tools and machinery. There are three barns filled with old steam engines and stationary gas engines.
One special engine is an Otto-Langen Engine. This is one of the few working examples left of the first successful gas engines. Most of these old machines are kept in working order. They are run during the Threshermen's Reunion and other shows. There is also a 2/3 scale Shay side-geared steam locomotive that gives rides. A smaller live steam locomotive named Little Toot also offers rides. Many events, especially the Threshermen's Reunion, feature lots of crafters. These include local Amish and Mennonite people. There are also many flea market vendors from all over the country.
Besides the big Threshermen's Reunion in August, Rough and Tumble offers other events. They have a two-day "Steam School" where you can learn hands-on. There's an Antique Tractor Pull in April and a Spring Steam-Up in May. You can also enjoy Blacksmith Days in June. In October, they celebrate "A Time of Harvest." Different collector groups also hold events there. These include John Deere Days and an International Harvester / Farmall show.
Fun Railroads
The association has two railroads on its property for visitors to enjoy. One is the 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow gauge Shay Railroad. It features 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.
