Annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show
By Meghan Peterson, PhD
Saturday, September 15 was a good day for an antique engine and tractor show. The Tobacco Valley Flywheelers, a vibrant group dedicated to sharing the history of engines, tractors, and historical equipment, hosted this weekend-long event.
The day was marked by a beautiful, fairly dry-feeling, sunshine-filled atmosphere and featured puffy white clouds dotting the bright blue sky. Underneath that blue sky, rows upon rows of exhibitors showcasing their wares dotted the landscape of Haddam Meadows State Park. People traveled from as far away as Virginia as well as Pennsylvania to highlight the goodies they had collected and curated over the years. Want to look at some antique tractors, engines, and cars up close? Want to browse an enormous variety of historical items for sale while you’re at it? Want an early 20th century agricultural implement? Desire a wagon wheel to add to your yard décor? Need to add to your collection of historical machines? This event has it all and then some.
The Haddam Meadows State Park was covered with neat and tidy assemblages of old tools, devices, machines, cookware, pottery, toys, books, license plates, and more! Oh, yes, and of course, the amazingly spotless antique tractors, engines, and cars. American ingenuity and innovation were on parade here. Antique tractors, engines, and equipment (and in some cases their antique owners) were proudly on display. In addition, The Friends of the Valley Railroad offered free rail car rides up and down the tracks, and hay rides were on the docket throughout the weekend.
Hundreds and hundreds of cars filled the grassy area for parking. Young and old – and those in the middle – all took part in enjoying this annual event. Babies in strollers, children running ahead of their parents to catch a closer glimpse of a tractor, and adults sitting down to savor some of the tasty food at the vendor truck…all were smiling and taking in the history that surrounded them.
Hope to see you there for next year’s show! It is sure to be as entertaining as it is informative and educational.
