The Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Association will invite the public to experience living history on the weekend of May 6 and 7 when it holds the 121st Steam and Vintage Rally and celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Howard company.
Set on 38 acres in picturesque Lake Goldsmith, approximately 15 kilometres from Beaufort, the association started in 1942 when a group of local farmers held steam traction engine shows for American servicemen stationed in the area. After the war, the farmers continued to meet and in the early ’60s established a permanent presence on the current site.
Association secretary Graeme Milton has been going to the club since those early days, and his passion for the power of steam has grown throughout the years.
“I love steam and used to read everything I could,” Graeme said.
“I belonged to a club in Melbourne, then heard there was a steam thresher up at Lake Goldsmith. I didn’t even have my driver’s license, but went there with my cousin and never looked back.”
Lake Goldsmith is unique on the Australian Rally scene as it has more than 60 permanent sheds owned by club members which house their collections. As well as on-site displays, the rally will showcase machines owned by avid collectors from throughout the country.
“We have both agricultural and industrial machines, and we encourage collectors to contact us if they are interested in displaying their machines over the weekend,” Graeme said.
With some machines dating back to the 1800s, visitors can learn about the history of steam as it correlates to the history of technical progress throughout the past two centuries. As tractors and trains replaced horses, vast tracts of land were opened for farming, mining and settlement. While many of the items on display have long-ago been replaced, they have been given a new lease of life at the Lake Goldsmith site.
Graeme said there will be catering throughout the day, or visitors are welcome to bring their own food. Gates open at 8am. For more information go to: www.lakegoldsmithsteamrally.org.au
