On display at this year’s Central ND Steam Threshers Reunion in New Rockford for the first time will be a 1910 50 HP Gaar Scott skid engine owned by Jon Jury of Valley City, ND, Lance Straabe and Lucas Jury of Hope, ND all longtime members of the CNDSTR.
The skid engine, purchased in Mason, Michigan earlier this year, is one of a kind and was used to power an apple cider processing plant in Michigan.
The engine was restored by the Scott Somerville family of Mason, Michigan. The pieces to the engine were spread out amongst five buildings of the previous owner to the Somerville’s and the engine was restored using every original nut and bolt found in the buildings.
The engine has been fired just three times since the restoration. The pristine condition of the engine is a testament to the expert knowledge and craftsmanship Scott Somerville and family have for the restoration of the antique steam engines of yesteryear.
The engine will be in operation at the reunion at the new permanent sawmill Cuttin R Close constructed last year. The sawmill, owned by Mark Pedersen of Luverne, ND, was purchased in Fullerton, ND after the last threshing reunion was held in 2012. Lucas Jury and Lance Straabe rebuilt the track the carriage runs on and with help from several volunteers the first logs were cut on Sunday of the 2019 reunion after two days of a record rainfall.
The Central ND Steam Threshers Reunion with a full slate of events is Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27 at the Eddy County Fairgrounds, southwest of New Rockford, featuring the daily parade of engines is at 2 pm.
