Shrine Island, Alaska - 2025

 

 

 

 Humpback Whale sculpture, Juneau, Alaska

 

At the end of July, Bob and I took an Alaska cruise.  This is the second Alaska cruise we have taken.  Our cruise ship seemed so large until it docked with other cruise liners that are bigger.  When we docked in Juneau there were 5 other larger ships there at the same time. This time we saw whales spouting early in the mornings from our small veranda.  There were orcas in some places and humpbacks in other places.  They were just far enough away and too quick to get good pictures.  But it was certainly exciting and a joy to see them.  When we were in Juneau our friends took us to see this sculpture of a breaching humpback whale.  It is not too far from where the ships dock but not many tourists visit this small park.

 

Shrine Island, near Juneau, Alaska, 1949

 

Our friends who live across the channel from Juneau on Douglas Island, met us where our ship docked.  The shore leave in Juneau was almost a full day allowing us to have a wonderful visit with them.  They drove us out to the Shrine of St. Theresa, about 28 miles from Juneau.  This postcard above has a photograph of Shrine Island from 1949.  It was Thursday postcard #102 in August 2013.  I did not know then that I would have a chance to visit this beautiful peaceful place in person.  Juneau is not a big city and the tourists add an enormous number of people. We feel especially grateful to our friends who drove us around and took us places locals know about but not many tourists get to visit.  

 

 

We walked a short distance from the Shrine parking area and sat down on a bench to enjoy this view.  Nearby fly fishermen were in waders out in the water catching fish.  On this side we saw lots of fish jumping.  If you look closely at the right side of the picture you might see where a fish jumped.  

 

 

Along the pathway to the chapel were placards like this one that provided information about St. Theresa, the gardens, and the church.  

 

 

There was also this sign.  We did not see any marmots while we were there and therefore did not have to worry about staying away from them.  

 

 

A short walk from where we enjoyed watching the fish is this small church nestled in the woods.  The stones for the building were found locally.

 

Another view of the church

 

Near the church are steps leading up to a view point and the beginning of the Stations of Cross trail or pathway that led down and around the church through the woods.  My childhood friend and her husband both have some health issues and neither of them could do that much walking.  We opted to visit with them instead of walking around the longer loop.  

 

 

Looking out from the viewing platform

 

 

The Shrine also has many lovely plantings and flowers like this circular planter near the parking area.

 

 

This cute little dog is a Cairn Terrier and the pet of our friends.  Bob had the pleasure (?) of taking her on the leash while we walked on part of the pathway.  He soon discovered that despite her small size she is a very strong dog who pulled like a locomotive and had a will to match.  She is so cute and friendly, other people visiting the park would come over to talk to her.  

 

This is a free park with parking spaces and a full modern restroom.  The park has a few rental cabins, a gift shop, and information about retreats that are held there.  A quiet cemetery garden is just a short walk from the parking area.  

 

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 728

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poitiiers, France

 

This used souvenir postcard is another one sent by a friend.  It is a souvenir card showing a modern view of the city of Poitiers.  The second card is a Vintage card featuring a view from the early 1900s.  The first postcard, above, is an Imprimé Reproduction Interdite printed and distributed in France.  At the upper left corner on the reverse is Poitiers, Vienne. 

 

Unlike some other souvenir cards this one does not have a blurb on the reverse identifying the scenes on the front side of the card.  By comparing the pictures on the card with images online I was able to identify a couple of them and recognize that some were the same buildings but from a different view.  For instance, the middle photo on the top and the photo at the left on the middle line appear to be the Hotel de Ville, Poitiers.  It is the City Hall and the first municipal building in aPoitiers.  It was designated as an historic monument in 1975.   The second photo on the middle line is the Palace of Poitiers.  It was the palace of the Counts of Poitiers and then the Dukes of Aquitaine in Poitiers.  It is an example of medieval Plantagenet style architecture.  The photo at the bottom left appears to be of a city park. 

 

 

  

 

Poitiers, France, ca early 1900s

 

This second card is titled Vue Générale de POITIERS [General view of Poitiers]-158 at the bottom center.  The title is repeated at the upper left on the reverse.  Also, on the front of the card at the bottom left is:  Rona , éditeur á Poitiers.  On the reverse center line is:  M.G. Editions.  

 

 The number 69 194 084 appears at the lower left corner on the reverse.  It is likely that the photograph dates from the early 1900s but the card itself is a reproduction of the earlier card.  Comparing this older photo with a more recent picture it appears that at mid-left is the Church of Sainte-Radegonde with the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre and the Palace of Poitiers in the background.  Sainte Radegonde [c. 520 – 587] was a Frankish queen and nun who is buried in the church.  The church became a pilgrimage site by those devoted to her heavenly intercession. Also, note the partial stamp at the upper left on the font of the card that lends further credence to the card being a reproduction of an earlier card.  

 

Some interesting trivia facts:  Poitiers has been a major university town since the university was founded in 1431.  There are many half-timbered houses that have been preserved.  It is also strategically located and is an important crossroads in France and Western Europe.  There have been many archeological finds from the Roman era.  Also, a number of tombs of Christian martyrs were discovered on the heights to the south-east of the town.  A thick 6 meter wide and 10 meter high wall was built around the town in the 3^rd century.  Eleanor of Aquitaine frequently lived in the down which she had embellished and fortified.  In 1152 she married the future King of England, Henry II, in Poitiers Cathedral.  

 

 Once again, thank you to M. for sharing the cards.  

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poitiers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B4tel_de_Ville,_Poitiers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Poitiers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poitiers_Cathedral

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Sainte_Radegonde_(Poitiers)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radegund

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 727

 

 

 

 

 

 Nancy, France

[photos:  Benoit Gaillot]

 

Recently a friend sent me several used postcards from places he visited this year.  This souvenir card features 5 views of the city of Nancy located in the northeastern French department of Meurthe-et-Moselle.  The blurb at the upper left corner on the reverse says:  “Nancy (Meurthe-et-Moselle – France) Place de la Carrière (vue générale) – Les puces de la Ville Vielle.  Fontaine d’Amphitrite, Place Stanislas – Place de la Carrière et le Palais du Gouverneur – Basilique Saint-Epvre éedifiée au XIXe Siècle.  [English :  “ Place de la Carriere (general view)], The Old Town Flea Market.  Amphitrite Fountain, Stanislas Square, Place de la Carriere and the Govenor’s Palace, Saint-Epvre Basilica built in the 19^th century.”]  The photos are credited to Benoit Gaillot. 

 

1.     At the upper left is the Place de la Carrière or racecourse in English.  During the ducal period of France, 10^th to 15^th centuries, the long square was used for horse racing and as an arena for jousting and tournaments.  It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

2.     The Old Town Flea Market photo shows some examples of wares for sale.  In the background is the Porte de la Craffe, an imposing battlement dating from the 14^th century.

3.     The Amphirite Fountain with its ornate gilded arch

4.     Place Stanislas, a large pedestrian only square.  It was built between 1752 and 1756 on the orders of Stanislas I, former King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, then Duke of Lorraine.  It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5.     Saint-Epvre Basilica was built in the 19^th century and is located in the Old part of Nancy.  This is the third church built on the location.  The first parish here was founded in 1080.

 

Many buildings in the city of Nancy are listed as historical monuments.  The city is also one of Europe’s centers of Art Nouveau.  Nancy is a large university city and is home to one of the main health centers in Europe.  Earliest settlements in the area date to 800 BC and were likely due to iron ore deposits that were easily mined as well as a ford in the river Meurthe.  

 

As always, thank you M for sending the postcard.

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_France

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Epvre_Basilica

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_Stanislas

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porte_de_la_Craffe  [Note:  there should be a English translation option for this.]

https://frenchmoments.eu/place-de-la-carriere-nancy/

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 726

 

 

 

 

 

Civic Center, Pittsburgh, PA

 

Although this unused Wonday Film Service of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania postcard is titled Civic Center, the photograph also includes the Mellon Institute in the foreground.  The identifying code:  221-D-7 is found at the lower left corner on the reverse.  There is a blurb at the upper left on the reverse:  “Civic Center, Pittsburgh, Pa., showing Mellon Institute in the foreground.  This view shows a part of one of the most costly and impressive civic centers to be found anywhere.  From this point of view, one looks down on universities, libraries, memorials, art galleries, auditoriums, music halls, hospitals, athletic fields—and Carnegie Museum.  Along with all this, magnificient churches, theaters, and hotels.”  Some damage to the card can be detected on the photo at the lower right. 

 

The Civic Center includes a group of buildings.  It is likely this card was produced before the domed Civic Arena was built in 1961.  Edgar J. Kaufmann, wealthy businessman and philanthropist, financed the Pittsburg Light Opera Company and donated $1.5 million to build the arena.  The Civic Arena was used for concerts, circus performances, political and religious rallies, roller derbies, hockey, basketball, fish tournament weigh-ins, pro tennis, boxing, wrestling, lacrosse, football, ice skating championships, kennel shows, and soccer.   That structure was demolished in 2012 and the space was converted for use as public parking.  In March 2025 ground was broken for a new arena, Citizens Live at the Wylie, with a projected opening date in mid 2026. 

 

The Mellon Institute of Industrial Research building is the white building with columns seen in the foreground.  It was built in 1937 and added to the National Register of History Places in 1983.  It was merged with the Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1967 to form Carnegie Mellon University.  After it ceased to exist as a distinct institution, the building bearing the name remains at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Bellefield Avenue in the city’s university district. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civic_Arena_(Pittsburgh)

https://en.wikipedia/wiki/Mellon_Institute_of_Industrial_Research

https://en.wikipedia/wiki/Edgar_J._Kaufmann

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 725

 

 

 

 

 

Lewis and Clark Cavern, Montana “Swiss Village”

 

This unused postcard features an area within the Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, found in Jefferson County, Montana.  The card was published by L.W, Link, of Caldwell, Montana and produced by Mike Roberts Color Productions, of Berkeley, California.  The identifier, C15820 is at the lower left corner on the reverse.  The blurb, bound at the upper left on the reverse, says:  “Lewis and Clark Cavern, Montana – Swiss Village—A small housing development fashioned by nature in the Paradise Room.  This is the largest room in the cavern and is abundantly supplied with a solid array of imaginary shapes.”  T.W. Link”

 

The park has two visitor centers, 10 miles of hiking trails, a campground and these limestone caverns.  In 2018 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.  It is a public recreation and nature preservation area and covers 3,000 acres or 1,200 ha. 

 

Even though there is no documented evidence of human presence in the cave before the late 1800s, these caverns may have been familiar to Native Americans.  The park is named after explorers, Lewis and Clark, who camped near the caverns in 1805.  It wasn’t until 1898 that a local rancher, Tom Williams, who had seen them in 1892, finally explored the caverns with some friends.  Tours of the cave began around 1900. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_and_Clark_Caverns

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 724

 

 

 

 

 

Marquette Park Pavilion, Gary, Indiana

 

This used, divided back, postcard features a color photograph of the Marquette Park Pavilion.  The card was made by Dexter Press Inc. of West Nyak, New York and published by Harvey’s Studio, Valparaisa, Indiana.  The code 5601-B appears at the lower left corner on the reverse.  Even though the card has writing on it, it was not mailed, does not have a dated cancelation mark, and hence dating the card depends on the years Dexter Press, Inc. and Harvey’s Studio were in operation. 

 

Thomas Dexter’s first print shop was opened in 1920in Park Ridge, New Jersey.  By the 1930s he was producing postcards.  In 1952 the company had moved to West Nyak, New York, where this card is identified as being produced.   At the time of the move the company was producing natural color photochrome images.  The estimated date for this particular card is sometime between 1952 and 1972.  The company was sold to Consolidated Foods in 1972 and later merged with MWM Color Press in 1977.  The New York plant was closed in 1984 and moved to Aurora Missouri where it now prints religious material under MWM Dexter. 

 

Marquette Park was originally named Lake Front Park.  It is a city park surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Park.  The Pavilion was designed by George W. Maher, architect, of Maher and Sons, and built by the construction company Max and Sons [Maximillian Dubois] between 1923 and 1924.  The park includes another building on the property called the Aquatorium.  It was restored as a museum honoring Octave Chanute, the father of flight.  The Pavilion was renovated in 1966, again in the mid-1990s, and most recently around 2008.  The building is a venue for various events from weddings to civic functions. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://londonpostcardsca.wordpress.com/2017/12/22/international-publishers-dexter-press-pearl-river%E2%80%8B-n-y/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Dunes_National_Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquette_Park_(Gary)

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 723

 

 

 

 

 

San Gabriel Mission, California

 

Pacific Novelty Co. of San Francisco, California produced this unused souvenir postcard found in a shoe box jumble at a local antique mall.  Printed at the bottom on the front of the card is: “No. 149 – The Steps at San Gabriel Mission, California.  Founded in 1771.”  This would be a typical card purchased when visiting a site such as this mission.  No other credits or information is available on the divided back of the card. 

 

San Gabriel Mission is a historic landmark.  The Spanish Empire founded the mission on the Nativity of Mary, 8 September 1771.  It was the fourth of what became 21 Spanish missions in California.  Named after the Archangel Gabriel it is sometimes referred to as the “Godmother of the Pueblo of Los Angeles."  Antonio Cruzado, who was a Franciscan missionary in California, designed the building that has capped buttresses and tall narrow windows.  A large stone cross can be found in the center of the Campo Santo (cemetery).  In addition to designing the mission building Cruzado is credited with planting the first California orange grove in 1804.  

 

The steps or stairway indicated on the card lead to the choir loft.  The bell wall next to the stairway was built after the original bell structure toppled during the 1812 San Juan Capistrano earthquake.  The newer tower is larger and has six bells.  

 

One legend concerning the founding of the mission states that when confronted by a large group of native Tongva people who were intent on driving away the strangers, one of the priests laid a painting of “Our Lady of Sorrows” on the ground for all the see.  The natives were so moved by the beauty of the picture that they made peace with the missionaries.  Today the 300-year-old painting hangs in front and slightly to the left of the old high altar in the Mission’s sanctuary.  It is not known how many of the native people embraced Catholicism. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_San_Gabriel_Arc%C3%A1ngel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Cruzado

https://angelusnews.com/local/la-catholics/the-legend-of-la-dolorosa-finds-new-life-in-the-ruins-of-mission-san-gabriel/

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 722

 

 

 

 

 

Source of the Dôme, Abrest, France

 

Featured on this unused Editions du Lys postcard is one of two hot springs located a few meters apart in the commune of Abrest, France.  A third spring was also found but is not as well known. The card has “V 117 VICHY (Allier), Source du Dôme” at the upper left corner on the reverse.  “Couleurs Naturelles” is printed on the center line on the reverse, with the printer’s identification perpendicular to the center line.

 

Drilling for a spring in 1898, Francisque David, went down 159 meters or about 521 feet to find what has become known as the Dôme thermal spring.  The extremely hot waters gush out at 150 degrees F or 65.4 degrees C.  Originally the water was used for baths in a first-class Vichy spa resort facility, the waters were later used as a drink and bottled nearby, still later the water was used in the production of mud for thermal baths.  Due to electrically charged clay particles, the mud is reputed to treat rheumatism and digestive system ailments.  Two years after he drilled for the Dôme, David, again drilled to create the Lys and Cornélie springs.  These three springs were integrated into the State domain in 1927.  The Dôme and Lys springs have been listed as Historic Monuments since 2022. 

 

The Dôme and Lys springs were modified for ease in access.  The waters have been channeled into a basin.  As can be seen on the card the stone basin is completely covered in deposits of calcium carbonate.  The orange iron oxide and green micro-algae form a colorful crust on the basin.  There is a strong steam with the odor of sulfur.  The Dôme is in a kiosk shelter but the Lys is uncovered. 

 

To help get an idea of where these springs are located, the Allier River is a tributary of the Loire River.  Abrest is a small community in the Vichy Auvergne countryside.  Vichy is a city in central France located about 3 km or 1.9 miles north of Abrest. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sources_du_D%C3%B4me_et_du_Lys  [there is an English translation option]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vichy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allier_(river)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abrest

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 721

 

 

 

 

 

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, Stirling Castle, Scotland

 

 

Printed by James Fleming & Co., of Callander, Scotland, this unused postcard features a photograph from the interior of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum housed in Stirling Castle, Scotland.  The card has a divided back with the title located on the reverse at the lower left corner.  No other credits are found on the card.

 

Counties in the United Kingdom that have organized regimental armies have museums dedicated to the history of specific army regiments.  Yeomanry, Militia, and Volunteer regiments also have museums or exhibition spaces.  Many are open to the public, some are open by appointment only. 

 

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, also known as Princess Louise’s, was created under the Childers Reforms in 1881 and is a light infantry company.  In 2006, as part of the restructuring of the British Army’s infantry, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders were assimilated with the Royal Scots, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers, the Roy Highland Fusiliers, the Black Watch, and the Highlanders to form the seven-battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.  Defense cuts in 2012 reduced it to a single light infantry company called Balaklava Company, Royal Regiment of Scotland.  

 

 

It was fun to find this old picture of Bopa aka FarFar’s father, “Mac” who served a mission in the Highlands of Scotland when he was about 20 years of age.  While he was there, he visited the town of Thurso where his parents had lived before emigrating.  No bag pipes, here he and a companion are dressed in the traditional kilt, bonnet, and sporran, while the third member is wearing a more traditional looking dress suit.  The picture taken around 1913 or 1914.

 

 

 "Mac" McKay in the center with two companions, ca 1913-1914

 

 

The black & white photo does not let us see if the kilts are in the MacKay plaid.  Standing in the middle, Grandpa McKay was almost 6 feet 4 inches tall, which would make it easy to pick him out even if we did not have other pictures of him to be sure.  Note the Argyll knee socks.  

 

  

 

MacKay plaid

 

 

The Regimental Museum for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders is housed in Stirling Castle.  That castle was built in the 1490s and was known as the “King’s House,” or the “King’s Old Buildilng,” because it was thought to have been the private residence of King James IV.  The castle sits atop a crag giving it a strong defensive position.  The castle is considered one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland.  This castle has withstood at least eight sieges including one in 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charlie tried unsuccessfully to take it.  Today the castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a tourist attraction managed by Historic Environment Scotland. 

 

The grounds are used as an open-air concert venue.  Like some other castles, Stirling Castle has ghost lore.  A maid servant to Queen Mary, called the Green Lady, has been sighted by residents of visitors.  She is thought be a warning or omen of impending danger.   There is a fee to tour the castle and the museum.  The entry ticket fee to tour the castle incudes entrance to the museum.  Public donations is the main source of support and maintenance.  The governing body is the charitable trust:  The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum Trust. 

 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regimental_museum

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argyll_and_Sutherland_Highlanders

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_Castle

 

 

 

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 720

 

 

 

 

 

The Castle of Angers and the statue of René of Anjou

 

A. Papeghin, imp.-édit., of Tours printed this vintage black & white card featuring the Castle of Angers, located in the Loire Valley of France.  At the right is a statue of René of Anjou who was born here and is known as Good King René.  This card was one in a booklet set and has been torn out along the perforated left side.  The information blurb is printed on the front of the card at the upper right and contains the number 28.  The blurb contents translated into English:  “The Castle and the statue of King René began under Philippe Auguste and was completed under Louis.  Henry IV signed the contract thee on April 5, 1498, which ended the League by uniting Cesar de Vendôme, the natural son of the King and Gabrielle d’Estrees, with the Duke of Mercoeur.  A.P.”

 

It looks more like a fortress than a castle because it was a fortress in the beginning due to its strategic defensive location.  Like some other castles or fortresses it was built on a site previously held by the Romans.  The structure shown on the card is the result of permission by the Bishop of Angers to the Counts of Anjou to build a castle here in the 9^th century.  There are dozens of castles that were built about this time to protect Anjou from the Normans.  There have been many additions and renovations to the original building.  It has been listed as a historical monument since 1875.  Today it is owned by the City of Angers, is open to the public and has been converted into a museum.  The museum is home to the oldest and largest collection of medieval tapestries in the world, including the priceless Apocalypse Tapestry.

 

René of Anjou was born in 1409 and died at age 71 in 1480.  He was Duke of Anjou and Count of Provence from 1434 to his death in 1480.  He also reigned from 1435 to 1442 as the King of Naples.  He was married twice and had 10 legitimate children and 3 illegitimate children. As a patron of the arts, both paintings and written works, he commissioned translations and re-translations of classical works into French prose.  He also kept a theater troupe in his court.   

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_d%27Angers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9_of_Anjou

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabrielle_d%27Estr%C3%A9es

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 719

 

 

 

 

 

Weymouth from Greenhill Gardens, Dorset, England

 

This unused British Production postcard has a divided back but no information blurb or identifying codes.  Although in color, it is not a color photograph but has been colored or tinted.

 

Greenhill Gardens are found on the edge of the town boundaries, on a slope above the beach and promenade and over looking Weymouth’s seafront and bay.  The Gardens were part of the Wilton Estate and gifted to the local council in 1902 for “the benefit of the inhabitants of Weymouth.”  Safe, clean, well-managed, welcoming, and accessible it was awarded Green Flag status as is one of the best green spaces in England.  The gardens feature brightly colored borders, winding paths, and recreational spaces.  There is an indoor café, Greenhill Beach Café, with outdoor seating.  There is also an 18-hole putting green and four tennis courts, plus a bowling green.  Future plans include a wooden gazebo. 

 

Weymouth is a seaside resort town that depends on tourism for its economy.  The history of the town goes back to the 12^th century and incudes roles in the spread of the Black Death, the settlement of the Americas, and the development of Georgian architecture.  During World War II, Weymouth was a major departure point for the Normandy Landings. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhill_Gardens,_Weymouth

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weymouth,_Dorset

 

If this is Thursday it must be postcards, 718

 

 

 

 

 

Antique Steam engine tractor, ca 1959

 

Modern farm equipment looks entirely different from this antique steam powered tractor featured on a used postcard.  Vincent Tortora is credited as the photographer on this card published by James E. Hess of Lancaster, PA.  The cancellation mark provides the date of 3 Oct 1959.  An information blurb is at the upper left corner on the reverse:  “Greetings from “The Penna. Dutch Country.”  Antique Steam Engine Tractor leaving farm yard.  Many of these old-timers are on display at Arthur Young’s of Kinzer, Pa. where an annual get-together is held displaying the limitless power of these aged engines.  Many are still in use today used mostly to Steam Tobacco beds.  This process is to kill weed seed in the soil before the tobacco seed is sown.”

 

Steam tractors similar to the one depicted on the card were used in the late 19^th and early 20^th century.  The first ones were specifically designed for agricultural uses.  Horses pulled the portable engines that were built on skids or wheels for ease in transporting to work areas.  These machines were used for threshing grain and plowing.  The owner/operator of the engine would travel from farmstead to farmstead.  Oats and wheat were the common types of grain; however, other grains could also be threshed using this type of engine. 

 

Usually there was a “threshing day” when all the neighbors would work together to complete the massive job.  Women and girls were in charge of cooking the noon meal that was brought out into the fields.  The engine did not do all the work, children had jobs suitable to their ages such as pitching bundles into the threshing machines, driving the bundle racks, supplying water for the steam engine, hauling the freshly threshed grain into the granary.  Because the steam engine was so expensive, several farmers might pool their resources and join together forming a cooperative.  The power of this type of engine allowed for the threshing and plowing to be completed quicker and easier than by hand and/or with horses or mules.  Some of the largest steam engines had 150 horsepower and were known as “Road Locomotives.”  In the mid-1920s these engines were phased out by lighter, faster-starting internal combustion tractors that were fueled by kerosene, petrol or distillate. 

 

Kinzers, Pennsylvania is an unincorporated community in Lancaster County.  The Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association has held an annual reunion in mid-August each year on Arthur S. Young’s farm since 1948.  A number of steam traction engines are showcased during the reunions.  Originally there was also a publication called Iron Man Album, founded by editor Rev. Elmer Ritzman, that was devoted to preserving the heritage of threshing and farm life in general.  Today Ogden Publications now owns that magazine and has renamed it Steam Traction Magazine. 

 

For additional information, see:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steam-tractor

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinzers_Pennsylvania

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rough_and_Tumble_Engineers_Historical_Association