Antique Engine Show Will Relive Old Farming Days

Farm life as it was in the years from the turn of the century to 1950 will be re-created this weekend and next when the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum at Vista holds its biannual Threshing Bee and Antique Engine show.

Located on a 40-acre San Diego County park, the museum was created by the California Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Assn., the membership of which provides the financial support and volunteer labor to collect and restore the equipment and maintain the grounds. On view (with some in operation) will be historical gas-, steam- and horse-powered equipment used not only in agriculture, but also in the lumbering, mining, oil-drilling and construction industries.

Members will fire up a number of steam- and gas-powered engines that provide power for pumping water, grinding grain and other tasks. They will roll out a variety of vintage tractors that have been tuned and polished with the care given expensive sports cars. A giant Baker tractor and thresher will be separating the grain from the stalk and from the chaff or pod that covers it. The wheat is grown on the museum’s farm, where it is harvested and ground into flour.

A musical program begins at noon at a picnic area on the grounds.

There will be square dancing from 10:30-11:30 every day of the show and a parade at 1 p.m. Today at noon and 2 p.m., the KSON Flat Bed Show will be presented. Sunday at noon and 3 p.m., the Dixie Road Blue Grass Band will perform. Similar entertainment will be offered next weekend.

Activities will include demonstrations of traditional crafts, farming, log sawing, blacksmithing, and baking in a wood stove in a country kitchen, which is one of the museum exhibits. Hayrides and train rides will be available, and this weekend only, there will be pony rides.

Food will be available on the grounds or visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics. It is suggested that visitors bring lawn chairs for the musical events; also, wear a sun hat and comfortable shoes.

The museum is at 2040 N. Santa Fe Drive, Vista. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A donation of $3 is suggested. Children younger than 15 will be admitted free.

To reach the museum from Los Angeles, follow Interstate 5 toward San Diego. At Oceanside, take the Oceanside Boulevard exit and follow it to North Santa Fe Avenue. Left to the museum. Total distance from Oceanside is seven miles. There is an area for campers. Information: (619) 941-1791.