Ozarks Steam Engine Association

In the early part of 1962 several people got together and discussed the possibilities of showing off the steam engines they had restored. The group organized that summer and was invited to Billings Missouri for their first show. The show date was September 21, 22, 23, and 24, 1962. The first president was Leonard Yarbrough of Springfield. Hal Carlock was the first Secretary. The first show was a big success and the group made plans for a second show. During the fall of 1962 and early 1963 the group was able to purchase 17 acres 2 miles east of Republic, Missouri on the south side of highway US 60. This was to be the permanent home of the Ozarks Steam Engine Association Inc. The second year officers were Leonard Yarbrough president and Clovis Burrell secretary. The second show was held on August 30th, 31st and September 1st and 2nd 1963. It has grown each year since. They have added to the park twice making it a total of 34 acres. Today there is a building that houses a large stationary steam boiler and several stationary engines. There is a "Steam Motel" for storage of the traction engines. There is a sawmill that is used every year and is covered. The greatest thing was the addition of the flush bathrooms and showers. It is a beautiful park that comes alive 10 days after Labor Day for a four day reunion. The steam club meets every other month on the second Saturday night at places to be announced.

 

Southwest Missouri Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association Branch 16

John Berry and James Haynie of Ash Grove Missouri started the Gas Engine Club in 1971. They had written to the EDGE & TA and inquired as to what the rules were to join the national organization. The first meeting was November 23, 1971 at the home of John Berry. There was 6 inches of snow on the ground and it was 4 degrees below zero that night. There were 13 people in attendance and that was how many they needed to become a branch. On December 17, 1971 they received the charter from the national. From that cold night in 1971 we have grown to 150 members today. We have our show every year in conjunction with the Ozarks Steam Engine Association. The Gas Club built a pavilion on the ground for the enjoyment of both clubs. We presently meet the first Saturday night of the months Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Apr & May at the Library Center in Springfield. March is a joint meeting between both clubs and Aug. we go to the Ash Grove Park. The other months we meet at the Steam Grounds for picnics.

This page is designed and maintained by Josh Dilsaver on behalf of the Ozarks Steam Engine
Association & Southwest Missouri Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association Branch 16.