The little Engine that Could

Not too long ago I took a drive with fellow photographer Stephen Beatty and we went to a farm show. In the fall many such events take place with lots of antique and vintage equipment brought out for the public's enjoyment as well as their fellow farm show enthusiasts.  One whole section was devoted to the ubiquitous Hit and Miss engines.  These were the little workhorses that ran everything from sump pumps, windmills, grinders, and everything in between.

There were engines so large they had their own trailers and were as long as the truck pulling them. Then there were some so Small that they sat on a table top. One even looked like it would fit in the palm of your hand! A lot were restored and repainted, looking like the day they were sitting on the show room floor. Others looked worn,battered, and showed their age.  It was a thrill to hear them sputtering away, with their distinctive putt-putt of the engine as it whizzed merrily along.

We are So Lucky to live in a state with such a Rich cultural heritage to fall back on and explore.  Even if farm machinery doesn't thrill you as it does this old farm boy, consider attending a fall festival someday. I guarantee you'll get something out of it. And if you listen Realllly closely, you might hear that little engine puffing "I Think I can! I Think I can!"