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Scenes from the North End of the Show Grounds


What is the Drentlaw House? Information provided     

       

The Drentlaw House is located at the north end of the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines, Inc. show grounds in Dundas, Minnesota. It is just one of the many displays you can visit when you attend their annual Labor Day weekend show. The information about this house was provided for use on this website.

In 1855, John S. Archibald and Halsey M. Matteson, both from Canada, came to Rice County, Minnesota and platted the City of Dundas. Part of the plat was a 63-acre parcel on the northeast corner of the city, which was sold to H. Christian Komoll in 1872.

H. Christian Komoll was born in Germany in 1824. In 1855, he was united in marriage with 22-year-old Caroline Johnson. One year later, they immigrated to America. He had previously learned the shoemakers’ trade, at which he worked for four years in Canada. He then moved to Dundas, Minnesota, where he worked at his trade for several years. He then engaged in hotel keeping and also carried on a farm on the northeast edge of Dundas until his death in 1896. Caroline passed away June 10, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Komoll had three children: Emma, Josephine, and Clarence.

The farm was purchased by Ferdinand and Katherine Zimmerman Bickel. Ferdinand Bickel was born October 8, 1856. On February 26, 1855 he married 18-year-old Katherine Zimmerman. They raised eight children on this farm: George Herman, Charles August, William Frederick, Herbert Robert, Louis Benjamin, Henry Edwin, Edith M. and Arthur Henry Bickel. Ferdinand and Katherine died within a month of each other in 1943 and left the farm in equal shares to the eight children. 

In 1944 the Bickel family sold the farm to Alvin and Irene Tschann Drentlaw. Alvin Richard Drentlaw was born on December 20, 1912 to Ferdinand and Mary Johnson Drentlaw. On Apri l2, 1944, he married Irene Therese Tschann. Irene was born on July 6, 1917 to Anthony and Mary Duffner Tschann. The Drentlaws raised four children: Diane Ruth, Judith Ann, Richard Charles, and Ronald Richard. Irene passed away on March 7, 1980 and Alvin passed away in January 2004.

In 2006, Alvin and Irene’s children donated the Drentlaw house to Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. in Dundas, Minnesota. The house was moved to the Rice County Steam and Gas organization’s property in 2007. The house was placed on a foundation and is awaiting further restoration.


Loretta Eue - The Joy of Spinning By Cathy Werner©

Several members of Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. spend countless hours preparing for each year’s events. The Flea Market and Swap Meet, held over Memorial Day weekend, and the annual Labor Day Weekend Show, both involve a tremendous amount of planning and work. In addition, most of this work is on a volunteer basis. The fruit of the volunteer’s efforts is obvious at these events. The variety is plentiful and there is something for everyone! Stop at the upcoming shows and see for yourself—you will not be disappointed.

There are many ‘behind the scenes’ people who organize the show and do what is necessary to bring it to fruition. These individuals, along with several other volunteers, uphold the mission of the 401(c)3 organization which is, to “Preserve a Bit of Yesterday, for Tomorrow.” Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. always welcome new members and continually seek volunteers. For more information, contact any director or club president, Bill Becker (see contact information at the bottom of the page).


“Many hands make light work.” ~ John Heywood


The following article features club member, Catherine Duffney’s daughter, Loretta Eue. Catherine, a longtime member of the club, is one of several volunteers who organize the Labor Day Weekend show. Catherine asked her daughter, Loretta to demonstrate at the 2009 Labor Day Weekend show.

 “I demonstrated at the Drentlaw house in the fall of 2009 and 2010,” Loretta stated, “and if asked, I will participate in the fall of 2011 and I will bring my Grandmother’s heirloom wheel to spin on.”

There are many hidden treasures at the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. Annual Labor Day Weekend show, located at 11988 Faribault Boulevard, Dundas, Minnesota. The Drentlaw House is one of the many treasures, located at the north end of the show grounds. The house was donated to Rice County Steam & Gas Engines Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. in 2006. For more information, see the story,

What is the Drentlaw House?

There it stood, gallantly facing the west. The setting sun emanated through the white spindled railing of the veranda, casting tilted shadows across the face of the house. Ascending the steps of the porch was like a walk back in time to another era. Just inside the door was old wood burning stove, keeping the house toasty warm. Special attention to detail made a fine replica of the original house. Inside, the home had a museum-like quality, but had the feel of a walk down memory lane.

 The living room now served as the demonstration room. This particular demonstration portrays the period of history when wool spinning was an ordinary occurrence.

This was the perfect setting for Loretta Eue to demonstrate her talent and offer her handmade wares for sale. Loretta has a passion for crocheting, and was an ideal candidate to demonstrate her unique and very specialized skills at the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. Labor Day Weekend Show.

Loretta’s company, Dragon Craft Spindles, features drop spindles, rovings, yarns, and felted sculptures. Loretta and her daughter, Kim, are both fiber artists. They also make resin drop spindles. An array of their handmade art was on display, brightly colored yarns and a menagerie of beautiful, one-of-a-kind specialty items. Their handmade items are available for purchase on the ETSY website at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Dragoncraft and for the bloggers at http://lorettasspindles.blogspot.com/.

“About 12 years ago, my husband went to an auction and returned home with two llamas and an alpaca and said that he thought that I should learn how to spin my own yarn,” Loretta chuckled. She added, “I consider myself a spinner first and a crocheter and knitter second.” 

Loretta portrayed and reenacted the act of a spinning yarn as done in the past. She was perched on a stool behind the spinning wheel. Alongside her in a large glass display were caterpillars in various stages to show the process to make silk fibers. The silkworms were busily spinning cocoons. It was insightful and quite interesting to watch the caterpillars quietly go about their business behind the shiny glass barrier.

Stop by the Drentlaw House at the Labor Day weekend show and take a walk back in time. Meet Loretta and watch her demonstrate the art of spinning.

Did you know?

 A single thread from a silkworm cocoon can be about half a mile in length, if carefully unraveled.

 

Glimpses of the Past . . .

                   


 

Click on picture to view in larger size.

                                              


 

37th Annual

8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. all three days!!

11988 Faribault Blvd.

 Click link above for map

Showgrounds, Dundas, Minnesota

(Located 3 miles South of Northfield on Highway 3)

 

 

Featuring

International Harvester

for printable flyer

 


 

12TH ANNUAL

2011 Swap Meet & Flea Market

Rice County Steam & Gas Engines, Inc. Showgrounds

11988 Faribault Boulevard, Dundas, Minnesota

Click link below for map

(Located 3 miles South of Northfield on Highway 3)

 

 

Click here to print auction bill

This weekend!!

Saturday & Sunday

May 28 & 29, 2011

8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

Held Rain or Shine - Free Admission

TRACTOR PULL ON SUNDAY, MAY 29 AT 9:00 AM

May 28 - 29, 2011 Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. Swap Meet & Flea Market!!

Click above for more information and printable flyer.


36th Annual

Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc.

2010 Labor Day Weekend Show

 featured tractor

Case

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 3-5, 2010

Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. show grounds

11988 Faribault Boulevard in Dundas, Minnesota.

 

Click to enlarge

Click here to see photos from all 3 days!!

© Copyright 2010 Cathy Werner

 

  Scenes from the North End of the Show Grounds

Check the website periodically for featured articles...

bulletWatch for information about the Drentlaw House

bulletSee the Summer Kitchen

bulletLearn how syrup is made from sorghum


  Jacob's Journey written by Cathy Werner©


PART TWO:   Jacob Dinkel, 13 years old,   is from Long Prairie, Minnesota. Jacob had Ewing's Sarcoma cancer. He was granted a wish through Make-A-Wish Foundation. His wish was to restore his grandfather's first tractor, a Ford 8N. Jacob is shown in the photo below seated on his grandfather's Ford 8N tractor. His father, Charlie Dinkel is standing behind the tractor.

 

One of the key elements of Jacob’s journey is collaboration. Jacob’s journey is about people meeting people, and working together to reach a common goal. Things that seem impossible can become a reality.

 

To read the version written for the newspaper by Cathy Werner, click here: Jacobs Journey

 

Jacob's Journey book is available for purchase. $15 per book. Email for more information

 Jacob's Journey                                              Before                                                               After 

                                              


Need ideas for Christmas Gifts?

Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. memberships are available.

A gift for yourself and for others!

$20 family, $15 single memberships are available (link).


2010 Labor Day Weekend Show a success!


Jacob Dinkel

PART ONE:   Jacob is seated on his grandfather's Ford 8N tractor. His father, Charlie Dinkel is standing behind the tractor.

Click to read more about Jacob  To be continued...

Jacob Dinkel is from Long Prairie, Minnesota. He recently completed cancer treatments and is now cancer free! Jacob was granted a wish through Make-A-Wish Foundation. His wish was to restore his grandfather's first tractor--a Ford 8N.

Jacob's mother, Linda, emailed Rob Rinaldi of Ford 8N News in Vermont, who in turn contacted Char Hamblin, who is a daughter of the late Palmer Fossum (who was an avid Ford tractor collector). She contacted the Rice County Steam and Gas Club president, Bill Becker in May to see if the club would help to make Jacob's wish come true.

Jacob and Linda Dinkel are pictured below.

                          

Click below: Northfield News article about Jacob

 


 


Annual Labor Day Raffle Winners

Winners were drawn at the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. Labor Day weekend show on Sunday, September 5, 2010. The  1st Prize raffle winner of the 1949 VAC-Case tractor was actor was Ian Shaw, Roseville, MN; 2nd place Case Pedal Tractor was Jim Brown, Montgomery MN; 3rd place 1/16 scale Case collector toy was Ryan Johnson, Belle Plaine, MN. Congratulations to all! Photos provided by Carmen Sevcik

 

Ian Shaw

 

 Jim Brown       Ryan Johnson


 

Click below to view more photos:

 

Provided courtesy of:

Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots Blog
 


 


 

September 2010 Flood

Photos and report by Carmen Sevcik on 9/24/10

 

The Cannon River went over the banks and onto the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc.

show grounds. Only the very tops (tassels) of the remaining rows of the cornfield

are visible, as shown in photos. Water was up to the north edge of the flea market area too.

 

 

 

 

 


 
Click images below to view full page:
 
 
Snow Birds: If you are going to be gone several months and wish
 to receive the newsletter at your winter home,
send your address and the  dates you will be gone to the editor
 

 

Threshing machine donated to the club

 

The late Palmer Fossum stands atop his McCormick-Deering threshing machine.

Photograph was provided courtesy of his daughter, Carmen Sevcik.

The family of the late Palmer Fossum, long time club member,

donated a threshing machine to the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. this fall.

Long time club member, Palmer Fossum passed in 2007.


Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc.

Labor Day Weekend Show

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 3-5, 2010

Showgrounds - Dundas, Minnesota

*Click link below for map

11988 Faribault Boulevard

Gates open from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

 

Click on picture below

to print black and white flier.


Sept. 2, 2010

Carburetor Clinic schedule

 


Happenings out and about   

 

August 5 - 7, 2010                        

2010 MMCI Summer Show

Howard Lake, MN  Photos taken by Cathy Werner©


August 6 - 8, 2010                                                                                                                                         

47th Annual Old-Time Harvest Steam & Gas Engine Festival

Jordan, MN (David Morrison was the parade announcer)  Photos taken by Cathy Werner©  


Looking back at 2009...

Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc.

35th Annual Labor Day Weekend Show

September 4 - 6, 2009

 

Photos below provided by Carmen Sevcik

Click on thumbnail below to view larger picture.

Harry Tuma, the 2009 Raffle Tractor Winner of the JD B.

2009 RCSG Tractor Raffle winner,Harry Tuma won this John Deere B.

The Case VAC is 2010 RCSG Raffle Tractor.

2010 Case VAC is 2010 RCSG Raffle Tractor. Shown running sawmill.

2010 Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. Raffle Tractor - Case VAC.

Harry Tuma picking corn on his John Deere B.

Harry Tuma picking corn on his John Deere B.

Harry Tuma picking corn on his John Deere B.

Harry Tuma picking corn on his John Deere B.

Harry Tuma picking corn on his John Deere B.

Harry Tuma picking corn on his John Deere B.

Harry Tuma picking corn on his John Deere B.

The Case VAC tractor is the 2010 raffle tractor.

Case VAC tractor running the elevator is the RCSC 2010 Raffle Tractor.

Case VAC, 2010 RCSG Raffle Tractor, running sawmill.

Clips of the final day of the show...Sunday, September 6, 2009

  


1921 Advance Rumely road trip to the show grounds

 

Unveiled in the 2009 Labor Day Weekend Show parade...

 

 

 

ANNUAL

WINTER BANQUET

AND LIVE! AUCTION

Friday, January 8, 2010

American Legion Club

112 NE 5th St., Faribault

 

Social Hour 6 p.m.    Dinner 7 p.m.

Menu: Turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Dessert is potluck. Members bring a dessert to share.

Cost: $13 per plate


 

Applications are due by December 15, 2009.

Miss Steamer 2010

 

Candidates must be related to a member of the Rice County Steam & Gas Engines, Inc.

and be between the ages of 13 and 18. Contact Carmen or Ruth for more information.


"This was our first year attending the Steam & Gas Engine show. My husband asked me to come (and I was prepared to be bored!). Boy, was I in for a surprise!! We had so much fun! We came with our 6 kiddos. I just want to thank you for the hands on things. The kids LOVED helping with the sorghum. Even the littlest enjoyed helping pick up potatoes!The sawmill had everyone's attention. Thank you for making an event that everyone enjoyed...even me (the momma).I appreciate that you gave the kids buttons. Several of my kids are still wearing their buttons proudly!!My favorite part??? THE HUGE STEAM ENGINE!! I am now hooked! Plan to see us next year!!

Thank you,

Ruth Frudstrom

*Printed with permission


1921 Advance Rumely's trip to the show grounds

(To print, click on picture to open in browser)

Unveiling of the newly restored 1921 Advance Rumely 18 HP.

Owners: Vic & Bernice Wenzel of Rosemount, MN.

Restoration by members Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc.

Unit was driven to show grounds on September 3, 2009.

 

 Check out this blog:

http://mnprairieroots.wordpress.com/


35th Annual Labor Day Weekend Show

September 4 - 6, 2009

Click on picture


FATHER'S DAY OMELET BREAKFAST

Faribault American Legion

 


Swap Meet & Flea Market

May 2009

 


Click link for details about the upcoming benefit for Brian Randolph on Saturday, March 25 from 6-8 p.m. at United Methodist Church, Northfield. Brian Randolph Benefit


Press Release to Rice County Area:

Miss Steamer Crowned

Miss Steamer 2009, Jennifer Kaul was crowned by Britny Villwock, Miss Steamer 2008 at the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. annual winter banquet held at the Faribault American Legion on Jan. 9, 2009. She is the daughter of Mike and Kristen Kaul of Northfield and attends Northfield High School. Her First Attendant is Anastacia Bouillez, daughter of Sandy Bouillez and Scott Quinnell of Northfield. Anastacia also attends Northfield High School. The royalty will represent the club at area parades, community festivals and other farm shows, besides working at the various club events.

Area businesses who donated gifts to the royalty include: Avon representative - Carmen Sevcik of Northfield, Bridget Hallcock Photography of Northfield, Chappuis Jewelers of Faribault, Dandelet Jewelry of Faribault, Frandsen Bank - Dundas branch, Denise Haaland of Faribault, Kay's Floral of Faribault, Mary Kay consultant - Margaret Speck of Northfield, and Trippers Clippers of Dundas.

The Miss Steamer pageant was organized by the late Luann Barta, in 2000 and is open to youth between the ages of 13 and 18 who are related to a member of Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc.

The club’s grounds are located on Highway 3, south of Dundas. Each year they have a spring swap meet, consignment auction and tractor pull held on Saturday and/or Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and a fall show held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend. This year’s show will feature John Deere. Additional information is available at www.ricecountysteamandgas.com

 

Miss Steamer 2009, Jennifer Kaul (on the right) was crowned at the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. annual winter banquet held on Jan. 9, 2009 Her first attendant is Anastacia Bouillez.


bullet

There is a website page for club member, Brian Randolph, who was diagnosed with Guillen Barre Syndrome, (also known as French Polio). Check the website for updates at www.carepages.com and search: BrianRandolph (one word).

bullet

Congratulations to the new Director on the board, Mike Fuchs. He replaced Dwight Hildebrandt.  

bullet

Miss Steamer 2009, Jennifer Kaul was crowned by Britny Villwock, Miss Steamer 2008 at the Rice County Steam and Gas Engines, Inc. annual winter banquet held at the Faribault American Legion on Jan. 9, 2009. Her First Attendant is Anastacia Bouillez.


Fundraiser held for Club Member

Layton Fossum

Click to view

Printable flier (pdf format) Benefit


Click below for Holiday music


Click here for standalone player

 

ANNUAL

WINTER BANQUET

AND SILENT AUCTION

Friday, January 9, 2009

American Legion Club

112 NE 5th St., Faribault

Social Hour 6 p.m.

Dinner 7 p.m.

Menu: turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Dessert is potluck--Members bring a dessert to share.

$13.00 per plate

Return reservation slips absolutely no later than Monday, Dec. 29, 2008 so we can submit our final plate count. Bring completed form and money to the November or December club meeting or mail to:

R.C.S.&G.E. Inc. - Attn: Carmen

P.O. Box 76

11988 Faribault Blvd.

Dundas, MN 55019