Editor, Times-Union: The members of the "Echoes of the Past" (tractor club) would like to thank all that visited our display at the Kosciusko County Fair. We registered 65 farm tractors, 22 lawn tractors, four trucks, two steam engines, one hit and miss engine, one dyno, one John Deere earth mover and one 100-year-old "Oram" wagon, which had been made in Warsaw.
In the parade on Sunday, we had 34 tractors, two lawn tractors and one truck.
Jerry and Jackie Clase of "Old Days, Old Ways" had 20 exhibitors with 150 items displayed, which was of great interest to many spectators.
On Tuesday evening, Steve Weissert from Bourbon and his band, "Sentimental Journey," performed for all to enjoy.
Thursday morning, Bill and Becky Thomas served bacon and eggs, which they prepared on their antique cook stove. Thursday evening, they prepared open kettle ham and beans, corn bread baked in the antique stove and many fresh vegetables cooked on the stove. Also, Raymond and Tina Truex made "homemade" ice cream for everyone.
The winner of the John Deere L-110 lawn tractor was Guy Alspaugh of Mentone. Our "guess the weight of the rock" drew a lot of attention. It was a 50/50 drawing with Frank Rhoades of Pierceton being the closest without going over. The "rock" weighed 2,988 pounds - Frank's guess: 2,985 pounds.
On Wednesday evening, the Rupley Implement Square Dancers (lawn tractors) were to perform, but due to the weather, it was not possible. A big "thanks" to all that were in our tent that helped "hold it down."
The big attraction again this year was the "Rope Maker," Skip Wise from Katie, Okla. He made ropes for people in the cattle barn who furnished their own twine for cattle halters and other equipment. Skip used 21 miles of baler twine, which had been donated by several individuals. He made approximately 1,100 15-foot ropes for the young and old to enjoy for many years.
A big thanks to all that donated items for our nightly drawings and those that advertised on our Echoes Wagon.
Roger Robinson Tom Groninger Co-Chairmen, Echoes of the Past
Antiques Roadshow
Editor, Times-Union: I wish to express my deep appreciation to J.B.'s Furniture, Prelaski And Ridgeway Clock and the Antiques Roadshow for having the appraisal day on July 24.
My father, who has passed on now, had given me an item that I've had for years, and I was very amazed to learn it was from the "turn of the 19th century."
The appraisal value was not much because of the many chips from the item - but to know the age and to have the item identified was a true blessing.
So thank you, Dad, and thank you once again to the wonderful before-mentioned people responsible for this event.
Wouldn't it be great to have this become a yearly or so event here in Warsaw? It was enjoyed immensely by myself and I'm sure many, many others who attended.
E.J. O'Connell Warsaw Note: Thanks especially to J.B.'s Furniture for providing seating outside your store.
Unpopular War
Editor, Times-Union: Of all the letters on the war I've read so far, I think Phyllis Barger has it right. I would also like to remind everyone of something written a long time ago during another political and unpopular war.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe,
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields. - Lt. Col. John McCrae died in France, Jan 28, 1918
