Clover McKinley
08-27-2007, 09:53 PM
My knowledgeable friends,
Wednesday the 15th, the night before the Northwest Michigan Engine & Thresher Club members opened the gates for the 40th Annual Buckley Antique Engine Show, I was visiting friends in the woodworking building and learned that someone had donated, to the firewood bin (yes -- to burn), patterns for a Dake engine.
I had thought the Dake was unique -- isn't it the only double-reciprocating, square-piston steam engine to have emerged in a hundred years or so? I believe they were produced in Grand Haven, Michigan.
So I was alarmed and said, "I think the Dake is special. I think we as a preservation society need to be preserving these patterns."
A couple of members offered to find a temporary home for the patterns on the grounds. I learned that at least one person spirited away some of the smaller, more interesting patterns before I even got there.
I was worried about this only briefly. An informant said he was under the impression there were two semi loads of these patterns downstate somewhere.
What should I do with this "information"? I know I do not have room in my garage attic for full-size engine patterns! Input is welcome.
Clover
Wednesday the 15th, the night before the Northwest Michigan Engine & Thresher Club members opened the gates for the 40th Annual Buckley Antique Engine Show, I was visiting friends in the woodworking building and learned that someone had donated, to the firewood bin (yes -- to burn), patterns for a Dake engine.
I had thought the Dake was unique -- isn't it the only double-reciprocating, square-piston steam engine to have emerged in a hundred years or so? I believe they were produced in Grand Haven, Michigan.
So I was alarmed and said, "I think the Dake is special. I think we as a preservation society need to be preserving these patterns."
A couple of members offered to find a temporary home for the patterns on the grounds. I learned that at least one person spirited away some of the smaller, more interesting patterns before I even got there.
I was worried about this only briefly. An informant said he was under the impression there were two semi loads of these patterns downstate somewhere.
What should I do with this "information"? I know I do not have room in my garage attic for full-size engine patterns! Input is welcome.
Clover