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Restoration Projects

1927 George White Steam Traction Engine

Williams Grove is in the process of restoring the boiler on our 1927 George White 65 hp  Steam Traction Engine.  This engine was purchased in the late nineties from John Kessing. It was operated every year at our annual show until the boiler was failed for the annual state inspection for deterioration of stay bolts on the crown sheet. These bolts hold the metal sheet directly above the fire to the wagon top or metal sheet that is on the outer top of the boiler.  Without theses bolts the sheets would not be able to remain stable under pressure.   The decision was made after fundraising started to make this repair along with others that were needed.  One of our members who volunteers with our train crew started his own business and obtained his "R" stamp which allows him to make repairs on pressurized vessels.  After many discussions the decision was made to allow Wheel house Mechanical in Elizabethtown to replace the crown sheet,  stay bolts,  boiler tubes and perform pad welding on the back flue sheet to bring the boiler back to working conditions.   We expect this work to be done this summer and are excited and hopeful to have it operational for fall show 2022 if all goes well.  These repairs are very costly and we are expecting about a $30,000 bill.  We encourage anyone interested to help with these repairs to donate to this cause.  Boiler maintenance is ongoing but with these repairs we expect this boiler to perform without further issues for another 20 years with yearly maintenance and proper care.

Case Hay Press

The two year restoration of the Case Hay Press has begun. From interaction with several antique agricultural organizations, the JI Case Collectors Association (JICCA) and the JI Case Heritage Foundation, we have been told the baler owned by WGHSEA was manufactured in 1935 and that they are only aware of two others in existence. In fact, our unit is the only one they know of that makes the bale size of 17" X 22". The other two balers make smaller bales.

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The four wheels have new rims being placed on the original hubs and spokes by a company in Lancaster county who specializes in the manufacturer of metal wheels for the Amish. Kampel Enterprises in Wellsville is donating machining and sheet metal fabrication. Fetrow Welding in Dover is donating the fabrication of a new axle to replace the poorly made rear axle that was on the baler to get it ready for demonstrations. 

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Special Thanks

We would like to thank the following people and businesses who have donated time and materials:

Kampel Enterprises

Fetrow Welding

Sand Blasting, Tom Seibert (WGHSEA Member)

Painting, Cale Sultzbaugh (WGHSEA Member)

Straw Boss, Dale Bentz (WGHSEA Member)

Assistant Straw Boss, Richard Conley (WGHSEA Member)

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Cross Motor

JI CASE 1925, 12-20 Crossmotor Tractor 

Restoration 

WGHSEA 1925, JI CASE 12-20 Crossmotor Tractor

Tractor was donated to the association by longtime organization and Board of Directors member, Alfred Laughman of Berwick Township, Hanover PA. The tractor is in need of Intake and exhaust manifolds to get it up and running. Jeff Helman of Rosewood Machine and Tool Company in Ohio has agreed to die-cast new manifolds.

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Specifications: 

  • Model: 12-20 Crossmotor

  • Year: 1925 

  • Serial No. 51826 

  • Engine: JI Case 4.4L 4-cyl

  • RPM: 1050 

  • Fuel: Kerosene 

  • HP: Drawbar 12hp 

  • HP: Belt hp 

  • Weight: 4,232 Ibs.

  • Number Built: 9,237

  • Manufacture: J.I. Case 

  • Factory: Racine, Wisconsin, USA 

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