Industrial Appeal

Antique steam roller used for paving early asphalt roads.

One Saturday in October I sped down to San Diego county where I met my good friend Mike Anderson for the harvest fair at the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum (AGSEM). I have made several visits to this establishment over the years and each time I feel both amused and comforted by the place. Have you ever seen a parade of antique John Deere tractors in front of a crowd that equals the number of those in the parade? How about a wheat threshing demonstration? Did you know that Ferrari got its start in farm equipment? Ever heard of a garden equipment graveyard?


Early stationary steam engine once used to power a factory. Built in England and transported by ship to California, which had to travel around Cape Horn at that time.

The air is abuzz with PFFFT, CHUG CHUG CHUG, and CLACK CLACK CLACK CLACK of hit and miss engines, idling motors, and humongous steel wheels lumbering over the dirt. (One should not think too long on the air quality as this would easily ruin the experience.)


An experimental kerosene-powered engine.

What I look forward to most are the engines once used to power the threshing machines. The large spoked wheels and the upright posture of the design lend an elegance to the design.


Threshing machine, connected to and powered by the kerosene engine above. The man in the wagon is placing bundles of wheat onto the conveyer belt.


The chaff is being spit out at the far end.

Mike grew up on a farm in South Dakota. His grandparents had the equipment above sitting neglected on their property as it had been eclipsed by new farm technology. He remembers they pulled out the machinery one last time to harvest oats. All of the neighbors came and pitched in. I could see why one would be nostalgic for the equipment. I find comfort in the exposure of and access to all of the moving parts. It is clearly unlike technology today. And these things were built to last.


Ta-da! The grain is ready to go.


I came across this painting at the Crocker Art Museum today. The threshing process in action, circa 1870s.