Midwest Group Holds Eighth Reunion

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa

'IT'S BIGGER AND Better than ever,' was the general opinion expressed by many visitors as they roamed the grounds at the Midwest Old Settlers & Threshers eighth reunion, held at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa-renewing acquaintances and meeting new ones. And the town, the board members, and uncounted volunteers have done much this past year to make it that way.

Over five acres of ground joining the park have been added since the last reunion allowing more room for engine spacing, activity and car parking. On this area has been erected an 80'x80' steel building, first of its type in the state, to house display booths and inside exhibits.

Five churches again served home-cooked thresher meals and short orders-their high quality and reasonable prices adding greatly to the enjoyment of visitors and success of the four-day reunion. The friendly atmosphere and lack of commercialism around town and on, the grounds, so evident that many comment favorably, are factors responsible for the repeated return of visitors reunion after reunion and the high place it holds in gatherings of this kind.

Although attendance has increased yearly, this reunion was outstanding in apparent attendance. No count was available since gate, amphitheatre and parking were all free. The added area allowed more space for several engine activities at the same time, and provided more 'elbow room' than in previous years. Except for one day the weather was ideal and picture takers had a field day.

Repeated showers one day cancelled the parades but did not halt anything else. Between showers the engines were on the Prony brake, Baker fan, and the large sawmill. Iowa's Governor Loveless flew in and talked with a large group in the Ladies Auxiliary tent, and by public address to others scattered over the grounds in buildings and tents. Folks wandered around and sought shelter in eating tents and display buildings during the rain. Music supplied by an electronic organ playing old familiar songs soon had a 'community sing' under way in the park's shelter house. They came to see the reunion and apparently intended to stay as long as there was anything doing and they were not disappointed.