People just as important as machines when it comes to success of HCSEA steam show
Nearly two decades ago, the first Holmes County Steam & Engine Association (HCSEA) Summer Steam Show began as a dream, held at an Amish farm in Berlin. Back then, it was two steam engines and a handful of tractors, but the spirit and passion of the HCSEA members to bring people together to celebrate steam and what it has meant to the growth of the nation over the years and decades is the same as today.
Throughout the past century, steam engines and tractors have changed. The brand names have come and gone, while others have managed to remain.
While the machinery may have fluctuated over the past score, one thing that has remained incredibly similar since those first early days at the Amish farm is the kindred spirit of those who attend and the relationships which have been born and bonded.
Today, thousands flock to the Mt. Hope Auction facility for the annual steam show, which took place this year August 4-6.
For many of the HCSEA members, the show is a prime chance to get together, and many of the board, officers and members count their blessings that they have been able to be a part of a community which has grown to mean so much to so many.
“It’s been something special,” said longtime member and secretary Carle Wyler. “We are like one big family, where people all know each other and everyone knows what has to happen in order for things to get done.”
Over the years the association has experienced its share of joys and sorrows. Wyler said that they have mourned the loss of members, and survived the scare of the 2001 Medina County Fair Steam Show’s tragic episode in which a steam engine blew up, killing five.
They have had their own share of disturbances, such as when Roger McClure’s tractor caught fire, sending patrons running, and three years ago when Jerry Gainey’s tire blew, spewing oil all over the crowd.
But despite the minor issues, it has been a great deal of joy and fun times for the members, and especially for the board and staff, whom have enjoyed watching the show grow.
HCSEA board member Christi Wengerd said that the first time she met Wyler, she was announcing the steam show tractor pull at the Amish farm. She said this mild mannered man came up to her and requested that he be able to help announce the show. “I couldn’t believe this quiet man wanted to get on the microphone and help announce,” said Wengerd. “Little did I know he was a school principal, and he was anything but shy.”
Almost everywhere you turn, board members can share stories about how they met; quirky, funny things that have happened and meaningful moments that have stuck with them over the years. Those are the kinds of memories that have helped the association members and officers realize how fortunate they are to be a part of something that has helped shape their lives.
“We’ve had our share of bad times, but they are far outweighed by the good times,” said Wyler. “Fortunately, we have had plenty of mediation and compromise with the board and the officers over they years. It’s been a bunch of people who have been willing to sacrifice and give, in order for the good of the overall show. That has been much of what makes this such a wonderful thing to be a part of.”
That kind of sentiment has been the reason the show has grown so much over the years. Yes, the allure is there of seeing a sparks show light up the night sky or a steam engine sawing or threshing, or perhaps watching your favorite brand of tractor go at it in a tractor pull. But assistant secretary Veronica Fender said that the reason people continue to come from Michigan, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Virginia, among other states, is because of the relationships that have been built throughout the years.
“So many folks keep coming back year after year because we all love getting together and reminiscing,” said Fender. “This is such a family atmosphere. I think a lot of people take this opportunity to get together with people they don’t get to see that often.
“As for our officers and board, we have done whatever it takes to make sure that everyone has the chance to continue to get together, celebrating something that we all have a passion about.”
Throughout the past century, steam engines and tractors have changed. The brand names have come and gone, while others have managed to remain.
While the machinery may have fluctuated over the past score, one thing that has remained incredibly similar since those first early days at the Amish farm is the kindred spirit of those who attend and the relationships which have been born and bonded.
Today, thousands flock to the Mt. Hope Auction facility for the annual steam show, which took place this year August 4-6.
For many of the HCSEA members, the show is a prime chance to get together, and many of the board, officers and members count their blessings that they have been able to be a part of a community which has grown to mean so much to so many.
“It’s been something special,” said longtime member and secretary Carle Wyler. “We are like one big family, where people all know each other and everyone knows what has to happen in order for things to get done.”
Over the years the association has experienced its share of joys and sorrows. Wyler said that they have mourned the loss of members, and survived the scare of the 2001 Medina County Fair Steam Show’s tragic episode in which a steam engine blew up, killing five.
They have had their own share of disturbances, such as when Roger McClure’s tractor caught fire, sending patrons running, and three years ago when Jerry Gainey’s tire blew, spewing oil all over the crowd.
But despite the minor issues, it has been a great deal of joy and fun times for the members, and especially for the board and staff, whom have enjoyed watching the show grow.
HCSEA board member Christi Wengerd said that the first time she met Wyler, she was announcing the steam show tractor pull at the Amish farm. She said this mild mannered man came up to her and requested that he be able to help announce the show. “I couldn’t believe this quiet man wanted to get on the microphone and help announce,” said Wengerd. “Little did I know he was a school principal, and he was anything but shy.”
Almost everywhere you turn, board members can share stories about how they met; quirky, funny things that have happened and meaningful moments that have stuck with them over the years. Those are the kinds of memories that have helped the association members and officers realize how fortunate they are to be a part of something that has helped shape their lives.
“We’ve had our share of bad times, but they are far outweighed by the good times,” said Wyler. “Fortunately, we have had plenty of mediation and compromise with the board and the officers over they years. It’s been a bunch of people who have been willing to sacrifice and give, in order for the good of the overall show. That has been much of what makes this such a wonderful thing to be a part of.”
That kind of sentiment has been the reason the show has grown so much over the years. Yes, the allure is there of seeing a sparks show light up the night sky or a steam engine sawing or threshing, or perhaps watching your favorite brand of tractor go at it in a tractor pull. But assistant secretary Veronica Fender said that the reason people continue to come from Michigan, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Virginia, among other states, is because of the relationships that have been built throughout the years.
“So many folks keep coming back year after year because we all love getting together and reminiscing,” said Fender. “This is such a family atmosphere. I think a lot of people take this opportunity to get together with people they don’t get to see that often.
“As for our officers and board, we have done whatever it takes to make sure that everyone has the chance to continue to get together, celebrating something that we all have a passion about.”
Published: August 10, 2011
