50th Annual Steam Show
Jul. 07, 2023 to Jul. 09, 2023
Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association 11472 Ocean Gateway, Easton, Maryland 21601
From Attractions Magazine:
Tuckahoe Steam & Gas Association has turned 50 – it is so hard to believe. What an accomplishment for a small group of people to foster 50 years of cooperation resulting in a beautiful museum and a special community dedicated to preserving our rural heritage. As we prepare for the annual show, to be held July 6 through 9, we are reviewing our own history.
It is clear to all that we preserve antique equipment and machinery, but we also preserve a sense of community, which is a dear commodity. We are preserving the stories of how the Eastern Shore worked together to overcome the obstacles of life, and how changes in the world impacted their day-to-day activities. Our focus begins with the Industrial Revolution because we do love the antiques that we so fondly preserve. The period since then has been full of exciting changes and advancements. The modes of power changed from horse- to steam- to gas-power. Common household items like the washing machine, which we take for granted, were cutting edge technology in those days. Most of the rural Eastern Shore didn’t receive electricity until the 1940s. Just think how your life would be different without these major advancements. We are preserving that story of change. Each piece of equipment has a story to tell and changed the lifestyle of its users.
Tuckahoe Steam & Gas Association started in May of 1973. In December of that year, the first piece of land at our current location was purchased. Countless hours were spent preparing the grounds for the first show held in July of 1974. From the start, Tuckahoe has always been an all-volunteer organization. With the exception of the two recently added buildings, all the structures were built by volunteers. When you visit our grounds and see the maintained park-like setting, the six main museum buildings and all the auxiliary structures it is hard to believe that a group of people have devoted enough time to make all of that exist. Our finances are generated by our events and generous donations from our supporters. All of this makes reaching a milestone of 50 years very special. We are thankful for those who continue to provide countless hours of work to keep this vision alive.
Join us this year to celebrate not only the rural history of our area but also the history of Tuckahoe. There will be lots of demonstrations of equipment and its use in daily rural life. A large flea market will give you the chance to purchase a variety of items from a piece of history to a fun toy. Craft demonstrators, including blacksmiths, fiber spinners, weavers, basket makers and many more, will share their knowledge of forgotten crafts with you. Additionally, craft vendors will be there to sell their homemade crafts. Music, a horse pull, tractor pulls and lots of good food round out the weekend. Come create your memories and share with us as we tell our story.
The showgrounds are located at 11472 Ocean Gateway in Easton. The show will start at noon on July 6 and at 9 a.m. on July 7 through 9. Admission is $10 per person, children under 12 are free. It will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit www.tuckahoesteam.org.
Pat Harvey is vice president and a lifetime volunteer of the Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association.
