The Southeast Old Threshers Reunion has been held during the week of July 4th forever, so you know it it’s going to be hot. But good Lord, does it have to be this hot? Temps in the mid- to upper-90s and 60-70% humidity. Oh, and not much breeze and no clouds. I’ve been to the Threshers a lot of times over the years, but this was the most miserable one ever in terms of weather conditions.
Of course, I was inside one of the Exhibit Building, a nice big metal structure that reminds one of an oven. We eventually scrounged ourselves a fan, so it was more like a convection oven. 🙂
One thing the Southeast Antique Machinery Society (SEAMS) does is take care of its members when they working. There are dedicated members of the club who make sure we’re hydrating properly and that no one is getting themselves in trouble. SEAMS is full of good people–I’m not sure how I got in. 🙂
I did make my usual tour of the show, taking in the sights and visiting the vendors, especially a few that I either know personally or with whom I have done repeat business over the years. This didn’t turn out to be a big year for buying, but that’s OK. There’s always next year.
I’ll leave you with about 20 seconds of steam engine Zen.
We have a similar event up here, but not steam, they are gas or diesel powered. So cool to see old machinery, engines, and people working them. Many of them are farm based to make work easier – sawmills, shingle cutters, conveyors, etc. Lots of parts and pieces for sale too, for the mechanically inclined.
If you think it’s hot operating, you should try stoking a coal fired boiler for you guys so you can have steam to make the machines move and so you can talk about them.
That’s not only hot, but hard work too.