History

On February 9th, 1958, Irving Charlton invited thirteen men to a meeting at Charlton Park on the Thornapple River, near Hastings, Michigan. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the formation of a club for steam enthusiasts. Ten men attended. They were: Ralph Woodmansee, Harry Woodmansee, Ward Woodmansee, Charlie Halsey, Irving Charlton, Ernie Coplin, George Lewis, Ken Lewis, Warren Hazard, and Ed Tyler.

At the Time, the name, Michigan Steam Engine and Threshers Club was chosen. This club was a spin off from the Michigan Live Steam Club. Mr. Irving Charlton was the club’s first president. The first reunion was held at Charlton Park in July 1958. The records show other paid members were: Bert Stenger, Leonard, Vosburgh, Gerald Tongate, Melvin Lugten, Cornel Cappon, and Douglas O’Leary.

Upon Mr. Charlton’s death, the land at Charlton Park was donated to Barry County, and the Club moved across the Thornapple River to Barry’s Resort in 1966. The Club held a ten year lease at Barry’s Resort but left after seven years, in 1971, when a club member, Charles Smalley, donated twenty-two and one-half acres in Mason for the annual show. In 1988 21 Acres was purchased for parking and additional 10.5 Acres was purchased in 1995 for plowing.

Mason has remained the Club’s home “for the preservation of our agricultural heritage” since the first show there in July of 1972.

What began in 1958 with ten men has grown nearly 100 member families. The year 2008 marked the 50th Anniversary of the Michigan Steam Engine and Threshers Club.