By 1958 much of the unused obsolete machinery used in industry and farming had found it's way to the scrap piles to be turned into war effort of the 40's and the sleek automobiles of the 50's.   In the mean time there were individuals who had been saving and restoring some of these fine machines for their own pleasure.  These folks decided it would be fun to get together to show their machines, and show the public how they worked. Many of these machines were steam powered as well as gasoline and diesel.  They demonstrated how farm work was done in the 20' and 30's, the hey day of many of these early charter members. The mission of educating the public on how it was done in the past remains the mission of this group.

The Thresheree
Annually the members plant acres of oats, and when ripe the crop is cut and shocked the old way.  Wagon loads of oat shocks are threshed the old fashioned way every year at our annual show held the weekend before Labor Day weekend.  Operating threshing machines are powered by gargantuan vintage steam traction engines; many built before the 1st World War, and newer tractors that have belt pulleys.

The Saw Mill
A steam powered saw mill is at the show every year. Members and the public are invited to bring in their saw logs on a reservation basis, to be made into boards, planks and even framing lumber while you watch. In addition there is an old time shingle mill producing cedar shingles.  In the old days, every farm sought to have it's own wood lot for firewood and lumber.  This is how the lumber was made and of course the scraps make fine fire wood.

The Steam Museum
The steam museum maintained by the club operates both days with various stationary steam engines saved from the scrap heap that in their time powered the manufacturing centers of Milwaukee.  These great machines have been restored and are in operating condition.  They are running during show hours every year.  Our latest addition is an Overhead Line Shaft, used to power different tools in factories and machine shops.

Other displays found at 'The Show'
There are other exhibitors that bring in special displays showing folks how things were done during that era. Here are just a few of the items.

A hammer mill is usually running producing ground feed for livestock.  This used to be a weekly chore for most herdsmen, rather than bringing their grain to a feed mill for grinding.  There are stationary hay balers operating, a big improvement for Mr. Farmer over gathering and storing hay loose, and much more.

A working blacksmith's forge is a regular exhibit and many of the items made at the show are available for sale to the public.

There are antiques trucks, motor cycles, automobiles, and all kinds of curiosities to view, and watch  as they run.

The Circlemasters model airplane club fly their models and put on flight competition every day from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

There are a variety of family activities for the kids, and much more.

The unique thing about our show is that the displayed equipment is actually operating.  The equipment back then did not have the type of shielding or guards found on today's machinery. Because of this, we are very safety conscious, and maintain strict rules regarding the operation of equipment during our show.

The Show
The show is held at Sussex Village Park on Silver Spring Drive on the west side of Sussex. Show hours are from 9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday the weekend before Labor Day weekend.

This is a popular event with over 4000 people attending each year, and over 300 exhibitors showing antique stationary engines, farm tractors and implements, steam traction engines, and much more.  For the tractor enthusiasts a dynamometer is set up on the grounds to test the engines for horsepower and how well it runs under load.

On Saturday nights at dusk, the "steam heads" fire up a 1908 Eclipse Steam traction engine and put on a dazzling "spark show for members and exhibitors in attendance.

There are vendors who bring in a wide variety of flea market items from arts and crafts, antiques, to parts and old equipment. We have many food vendors offering everything from burgers and home made ice cream to farm styled meals for lunch and breakfast.

Proceeds From the Show
Proceeds fund the maintenance and upkeep of the Steam museum, which is a permanent fixture on the park grounds.  In addition the group has provided the Village of Sussex with many infrastructure improvements to the park, most recently the replacement of the picnic pavilion on the East End of the park.  The rest of the proceeds essentially finance the production of the show.