The History of Antiquepowerland
The forerunner to Antique Powerland was annual threshing
bees held on farms in the Silverton and Woodburn areas in the 1950’s and ‘60’s.
Each fall, local farmers would get together for a weekend to test “the mettle”
of their farm tractors and show off heritage apparatus.
The public was attracted to these events and attendance
rapidly grew. To accommodate the growth, a 62 acre parcel of farm land was
acquired in Brooks, Oregon. Western Antique Powerland, Inc. was set up and its
annual event became known as the “The Great Oregon Steam-Up”.
In the beginning, the Show was primarily steam apparatus,
farm tractors, implements and stationary gas engines.. Only a small portion of
the property was used for the event, the remainder was being farmed. However
change was destined to take place!
In 1988, when a site was needed for a proposed heritage
truck museum in the Northwest, Powerland became the location of choice. Oregon
Electric Railway Historical Society followed in 1996, and the Antique Powerland
Museum of today was launched.
Participation by a diverse set of museums and heritage
clubs has grown over the years to now entail fourteen organizations with a wide
range of interests. Included are activities related to blacksmithing, fire
apparatus, electric railroads, miniature railroading, Caterpillar equipment,
antique cars and motorcycles, early day trucks, large steam engines, steam
operated cranes, model railroading and local history.
Its signature is operation of antique machinery and
vehicles, accurately replicating function and use. Through the equipment,
Powerland displays and demonstrates life and work in the period of Oregon’s
early growth and development. Frequently the restored equipment is that which
was used in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
It was a time when steam ran the mills and generated
electricity. Flywheel engines pumped water, operated bridges and powered
industry, and the farm tractor mechanized agriculture. The car and truck joined
the electric street car and steam train in bringing to Oregon mechanized
transportation of both people and goods.
The introduction of powered equipment, apparatus and
vehicles was destined to change our lives forever. Powerland is a “museum of
museums” dedicated to preserving and interpreting that period.
Educational Agenda
All apparatus at Powerland is preserved and being operated
for the education and enjoyment of the visitor, student and enthusiast alike.
Powerland offers every person the opportunity to participate in the many
activities and functions, to learn how to operate the equipment and experience
first hand, heritage at work.
Classes are routinely offered in engine restoration and
steam equipment operation. A series on early electricity is planned and vehicle
restoration seminars are often included in site activities. The museum site and
the many partners are dedicated to continued improvement in authenticity.
Our goal is to engage all ages in developing a desire to
become interested in their own history and function as stewards of heritage. In
addition to individual site visits, group tours are encouraged, particularly
school tours.
Recent Accomplishments
Much has been accomplished at Powerland over the past
decade, and it is noteworthy to briefly review the significant aspects of
expansion.
Electrical service has been upgraded, a second water well
added, natural gas service acquired, excess runoff drainage capacity
constructed, connection to the local sewer district accomplished, a modern
restroom added, and existing restrooms facilities connected to the system.
And then there is expansion, improvements and construction
on the part of partner museums and site organizations.
New groups are organizing around Powerland’s success, the
latest being an International tractor and implements affiliation. We are hosting
major exhibits and more outside heritage organizational functions.
Interestingly, Powerland is becoming a preferred repository
for historical equipment and artifacts. Powerland is challenged by this
confidence to act as a steward of invaluable artifacts of history and heritage.
The most recent planned addition is a large Corliss steam engine that operated
the Boise Cascade, La Grande, Oregon sawmill for many years.
Management and Operations
Powerland is owned by Western Antique Power, Inc. and
operated by the Antique Powerland Museum Association, set up for purposes of
managing and developing the site. APMA utilizes an extensive committee structure
to ensure that partner organizations are actively represented in all phases of
decision making and operations. Committee assignments include planning, site
operations, and joint development.
Powerland is a community of heritage museum organizations
working together toward shared goals in addition to conducting separate
activities in keeping with their respective missions. Successes have included
the provision of infrastructure and utility services needed to support building
construction and planned activities.
The Powerland model is in many ways unique among museums
