From the "Steam Show"

A visit with the "Horse and buggy People".

Posing with Abe's 1900 Case steam engine

Hello everyone, hope your summer is going well and you're staying cool while enjoying vacations and seasonal activities. We've been in Ohio since the 1st of May and while here I took the opportunity to attend some art events, both as a spectator and also as a participant, with one of my wooden boxes being included in the "Best of 2024" at the Ohio Craft Museum.

Some 45 years ago I had my first contact with the Amish while shopping for lumber -an encounter that developed into a lasting friendship with Abe, a sawyer and fellow wood enthusiast. Aside from keeping bees, breeding dogs, drying lumber and woodworking as a hobby, Abe is also passionate about steam engines and keeping the old ways alive.

When he invited me to demonstrate woodturning for three days at the "Steam Show", I didn't know exactly what to expect, but found out there was so much more than "steam"! The following pictures will give you a feel of the energy and variety of the event.

Firing up the engines

The much awaited "Tractor pull" went on all day Friday with some tractors coming from Indiana and West Virginia

A miniature and fully functional steam engine with a baler in the background

The "Horse Pull", with powerful draft horses hitched and awaiting the signal

And the miniature ponies dressed in their finery, awaiting their turn

There was something for everyone, including a "train" ride for little ones

Definitely a Lady's tractor!

And yours truly, demonstrating woodturning while making spinning tops for kids

The steam show is in its 24th year, with my friend Abe being one of the original organizers. It draws crowds from near and far, and has something for everyone, including good food, live music and an overall good vibe. In spite of the efforts to keep the old ways of the Amish alive, the pressures of the ever-changing outside world, especially for the younger generation, can be seen in the many electric bikes zooming by on the roads and the use of smart phones everywhere.

Still, the beautiful countryside, the slower paced life of its people, and the children playing softball on the front lawns on a Friday afternoon while the parents and grandparents are watching from the porch, are sights that are attracting droves of "English", as they call us, who during the week are often times caught in the rat race.

So on your next outing, consider a drive to Amish Country, there is no shortage of bed and breakfasts, good restaurants, and lovely sights to see.