The Era of Steam

For 50 long years – from 1870 to 1920 – steam engines remained popular, not only on our farms but in our factories as well. Then the more convenient gas engine arrived, became widely used, and quickly phased out the cumbersome, heavy steam-powered machinery that required large amounts of water and coal to operate.

The shortage of labor on our farms in the 1920s – during the Great Depression and ever since – is believed to have been another contributing factor to the steam engine’s rapid demise. Yet for those five incredible decades, steam engines played a vital role in our country’s development, leading to the high standard of living we enjoy today.

Our Founding – A Spark of Inspiration

It was late 1954 when Mr. Walter Armacost, Mr. Benton “Eddie” Martin, Mr. Howell Leppo, and his son Mr. Raymond Leppo attended a steam show in Kinzers, Pennsylvania. Observing the other visitors, they realized that younger generations no longer knew what the antiquated steam-powered machinery was used for – it had long since disappeared from most farms.

Inspired by the tremendous interest shown at the Kinzers event, the four friends decided to establish an organization in their own community to preserve, exhibit, and demonstrate the operation of the old steam-powered equipment that had served them so long and so well.

The First Meeting – January 22, 1955

The four gentlemen hosted their first meeting at Walter Armacost’s farm equipment business. Joined by five other friends—Harry Severn, Clarence Nott, Edgar Osborn, John Tillman, and Henry Grant—they drew up plans for the new organization. Officers were elected that very evening:

• President: Walter Armacost
• Vice-President: Harry Severn
• Secretary/Treasurer: Charles W. Spicer (later Henry Grant took over as Secretary)

Three directors were selected for the first year: Howell Leppo, Edgar Osborn, and Eddie Martin.

Choosing Our Name

At the second meeting, the group debated a name. Suggestions included “Old Steam Thresherman’s Association of Maryland,” “Maryland Auto Steam Historical Association,” and others. Charles W. Spicer’s suggestion – “The Maryland Steam Historical Society” – was selected unanimously by the twelve members present.

By-laws were patterned after those of the Hereford Volunteer Fire Company, membership dues were set at $2, and ideas for an emblem were discussed (though no final decision was made that night).

Our First Show – 1955

Wasting no time, the Society held its first public exhibit from July 6th–16th, 1955, as part of the Arcadia Firemen’s Carnival. The show started with only five steam engines preserved by our founding members, plus models and antique farm tools from others. The exhibit was a wonderful success and attracted great attention.

Membership grew rapidly: from 23 in July to 32 by December 1955, and 82 by October 1956. The organization was soon incorporated, women were welcomed as members (Mrs. Delton Schaffer was the first), and by December 27, 1956, the Maryland Steam Historical Society was officially recorded with 97 members.

Our Mission Today

Over the decades, our annual steam shows have grown increasingly popular. We believe they provide an educational and fascinating exhibition of the tools and equipment our forefathers used during those incredible 50 years of steam power. We hope they will continue to hold the public’s interest for generations to come.