History of the Western Steam Fiends Association

(Page 2 of 2)

July/August 2004
Phil and Melanie Lanzarotta 
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1959: The first dinner meeting was held in Woodburn, Ore.

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1960-1966: During these years, Harvey Mikkelson, Chris Busch, Rod Pitts and C.R. Miller hosted the annual steam reunions. The local police department helped with traffic control and the wives made large amounts of food to feed the workers and the public, too. Even the local power company helped, removing or stopping the electric meter for the event.

1966: The Mikkelsons get-together as well as the other ones held by this time had become too much work for those involved. Access to the area was difficult, and the liability created by the large public crowd was too great.

1967-1968: The show was moved to Woodburn, Ore.

1969: The show was held in Gervis, Ore. In December of 1969, Western Antique Power Inc. was formed. The corporation leased 62 acres of land (with an option to buy) in Brooks, Ore., and started erecting buildings on the site for future expositions. The corporation (and a few members of the Steam Fiends) purchased the land that is now Antique Powerland.

1970: The first show at the new site was staged in August. Rod Pitts named the event the Great Oregon Steam-Up. The steam-powered sawmill was the first building built and was working for the first show.

Steam Fiends today

As the show continued to build, the Steam Fiends invited other clubs to come and join them at Powerland. Soon, Early Days Gas Engine & Tractor Association Branch 15, Willow Creek Railroad (formed by former Steam Fiends who enjoyed 1/8-scale trains), Oregon Two-Cylinder Club, and Antique Implement Society were all working together to build various storage buildings, an office, restrooms and a museum as well as showing their toys, talents and hobbies during the annual steam-up.

In the past six years, so many new organizations have joined us at Powerland that we are almost out of space on our 62 acres. The property at Powerland is still owned by Western Antique Power Inc., but is now operated by Antique Powerland Museum Association, a non-profit organization.

Powerland is open to the public for tours and other club shows through the year. The Great Oregon Steam-Up is held every year during the last weekend in July and first weekend in August. Come and join us! ST

Contact the Steam Fiends at: Antique Powerland Museum, 3995 Brooklake Road N.E., Brooks, OR 97303; (503) 393-2424; www.antiquepowerland.com.
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