Rough and Tumble Museum
PO Box 9
Kinzers, PA 17535
(717) 442-4249
www.roughandtumble.org

This place is almost beyond description. Hardly a museum in the traditional sense, but very much a museum, nonetheless, Rough and Tumble did not begin as someone's collection of antiques, memorabilia or artwork.

Following the annual harvest it was common for steam threshermen and farm families to gather together for a picnic -- a sort of reunion. There were festivities and games and contests. Prizes were awarded. It was a good old, down home celebration enjoyed by some of the nation's hardiest folk. Salesman and manufacturers commonly showed up to demonstrate their new farming products and apparatus.

The dealers, farmers, and threshermen organized "The Pennsylvania Threshermen and Farmers' Protective Association" to keep the needs of those who used steam farm equipment before the Pennsylvania Legislature.

Eventually, gas and diesel replaced steam as a motive power. In 1948 the Lancaster and Lebanon County Threshermen's Association spent the last of its treasury on a big bash, just across the street from the Museum's current location. The event was so popular that attendees decided to have one every year. The Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association sees that it happens.

Today visitors from all over enjoy these wonderful events. Between events they enjoy the Museum. The site is the home of a wide variety of steam and early gas and diesel farm equipment and other machinery. The collection is simply outstanding and the enthusiasm with which it is maintained is contagious.

• Just some of the tons of equipment that can be seen includes
• Steam Powered Saw Mill
• Steam Powered Tractors
• Steam Traction Engine
• The "Shay," a replica of an old logging train locomotive
• Gasoline Alley, a display of many early gas and diesel tractors

Visitors at any time are likely to find members on the grounds, repairing or restoring equipment. Most are quite happy to share their tales of the past, when this old equipment was the latest thing. Individuals, families and Groups are welcome, including School Groups. With a little teacher/Museum staff collaboration, a school trip will be rewarding and educational.One thing that makes this Museum unique is that everything actually runs, and several times during the year an event is held where visitors can watch all of these fascinating machines doing the things they were designed to do. There are three regularly scheduled events. Call for a calendar.