SPPA
WEST BROCKTON STREET
ALMENA, KANSAS
32nd Annual Antique Machinery, Threshing, Power and Car Show Flyer
Pictures
Dry Creek School
On February 14, 1981 a small group of interested people assembled at the Norton Chemical & Fertilizer office for the purpose of forming and Antique association in Norton County, Jerry Bantam sparked an interest felt by a large number of people. This idea and dream has grown from this first meeting, to what it is today.
Seventeen people were present, representing the communities of Beaver City, Edison, Almena, Edmond and Norton. This group unanimously agreed to form a club and officers were elected. Jerry Bantam- President, Dewayne Bantam- Vice president, Tom Nichol Publicity Chairman, Jim Dykens-Secretary-treasurer. The first show was held at Elmwood Park on May 9-10, 1981.With 150 exhibits and venders were on hand. Heavy rains and a hard freeze Sat. night made it unpleasant, but a nice crowd still viewed displays on Sunday.
The SPPA Power Shows have been held in Norton in the past but the non-profit historical association has moved headquarters to Almena. A total of 7 1/2 acres of land was purchased on West Brockton Street on the north edge of Almena. The new headquarters were dedicated at 9 a. m. on Saturday morning with an impressive ceremony.
Bob Underwood, president of SPPA, was in charge of the dedication program. Following the raising of the American Flag, the National Anthem was played. Bob announced that Roy and Maude Johnson, longtime Almena residents, had been chosen as the 1997 Grand Marshals of the parade, which was held on both Saturday and Sunday. The Johnsons previously lived on the new SPPA headquarters land and dug the well on the land.
“Six months ago SPPA voted unanimously to purchase to purchase this acreage of land to build a permanent home to restore and preserve antiques of this area in the community,” said Bob. “We have started over and have high expectations for much more to come.” We would be remiss not to mention those who are gone from us during the 15 years in building and working to show other our pride and joy-our past -our heritage-our forefathers’ way of life. These people we all knew, loved and respected: Dr. Harold Crow, DeWayne Bantam, John Fawcett, John Wolf, Russell Wolf, Charley and Doris Dawley, Ross and Irma Severns, Jacob Kuiper, Norman Adams, Keith Wray and Rodney Arehart. These people will always be remembered for their dedication to our cause as well as those who are dedicated to it today.
” Today, I dedicate this ground to those who have gone before us, to the City of Almena, to the community and to the Sunflower Pioneer Power Association. May we always dedicate ourselves to the tasks of saving some of the past so we can appreciate the future.”
Antique farm tractors and other equipment were on display both days for every one to view. Show goers especially enjoyed the demonstrations which included corn shelling, rock crushing, wheat threshing, hand tie baling, and rope making buzz saw and wood splitter.
The large street parade on Saturday afternoon was a highlight of the celebration. A Parade of Power was also held on Sunday afternoon at the show grounds.
The Sunflower Pioneer Power Association has their show each year the second weekend in June. President is Warren Sidman, Vice President Eldo Graham, Secretary Linda Matson, and Treasure Joann Wolf.