Steam doings on swift run

Image Gallery

213 DuPont Avenue, Seaside Heights, New Jersey 08751

Here is another story of our doings in my area. It all began about three years ago, as several of us were gathered around the fire at Sam Osbourne's place 'Loss and Gain,' on Swift Run near New Oxford, Pennsylvania.

It was decided to have an old time threshing run for one more time. With the cooperation of a neighbor farmer. It was arranged that we would have several acres of wheat reserved. I might say, before I go any further, that about 15 or more engines are stored here, about half way between New Oxford and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The last weekend in June the wheat was cut and shocked. I was just discharged from the hospital after a five week's stay and could not attend the event. The following weekend was scheduled for the threshing, and despite doctor's orders, I was there, even if I did arrive late. Much to my surprise, they had the 20 HP A & TI formerly owned, on the thresher; the first time it had pulled a thresher in forty years. It is now owned by Mr. Tom Ackerman of Waretown, New Jersey and it still knew what to do with that drive belt. The thresher was owned by Mr. Earl Rohrer of Hagerstown, Maryland. The threshing was done at a leisurely pace, and no publicity in advance to keep the crowd down. A good lunch was provided by the wives and girls of the crew, and the thresher seemed to stop with each wagon load, while the picnic table was raided. I don't know how much wheat we threshed, but we ate plenty of good food. The day was closed out about 10:30 that night with three watermelons, which had been cooling all day in the waters of Swift Run. Most of us camped out for the night and made plans for more activities during the summer.

Plans were laid for the annual show at Berryville, Virginia, along with a couple of more activities. Upon returning from Berryville, the 20 HP A & T was sent to volunteer firemen's carnival at Hiedlersburg, Pennsylvania for a few days. There it was used to pull the wagon for the hay rides every night. It was in the hands of Joe Newton, Randallstown, Maryland, most of the time. We certainly wish to thank the volunteer fire company for their help and generosity. It made this trip a delight.