EDGERTON — The owners of United Alloy, in Janesville, have donated a $3 million collection of century-old Fairbanks Morse engines to the Rock River Thresheree in Edgerton.
Organizers of the Thresheree, held every Labor Day Weekend in Edgerton, called the gift from Tom and Michele Baer “a remarkable collection” and “a significant act of generosity.”
Tom Baer is the founder of United Alloy, Inc. The company is currently run and owned by his daughter Vanessa Dubick.
United Alloy serves the power generation industry. In addition to its headquarters in Janesville, it has plants in Quincy, Ill. and Seguin, Texas.
“This donation demonstrates the Baer family’s love of history and bringing together the past and present,” the Thresheree said in a release.
In 2018, the Baers purchased a 1906 power plant in Hawley, Minn. from the Hawley Public Utilities Commission. Its 100-year-old engines were last tested for standby power in 2005. The engines and generators were later moved to Ironwood, Mich.
There, in an old mining building, the power plant engines were restored to their original condition.
“This required parts from all over the country. The pandemic slowed the process of restoration and rebuilding, but in 2023 a plan was developed,” the release said.
The Baers are donating the engines as well as a replica power plant building to the Rock River Thresheree.
The Thresheree is an organization dedicated to preserving agricultural and industrial heritage.
“The engines, known for their sheer power and durability, represent a crucial part of America’s industrial history,” the release said.
The engines will be displayed in a new 7,000-square-foot building designed to resemble a power plant from 1900.
The Fairbanks Morse engines, manufactured in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, played a significant role in powering various industries and agricultural machinery.
“With their distinctive design and reliable performance, these engines became a symbol of American innovation and industrial prowess,” the release said. “The Rock River Thresheree, already known for its comprehensive collection of antique agricultural and industrial machinery, will now become a focal point for enthusiasts, historians, and curious visitors eager to explore the remarkable world of Fairbanks Morse engines. This rare collection will provide a unique opportunity to witness the evolution of engine technology and its impact on the nation’s progress.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Tom and Michele for their generosity and commitment to preserving our shared history. The addition of the Fairbanks Morse engines to our collection will enhance our ability to educate and inspire visitors about the rich industrial heritage of our region,” Thresheree Executive Director, Tod Ligman said in the release.
This 68th annual Rock River Thresheree is Friday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 2. More information, including a full schedule of the weekend’s events, is at www.thresheree.com.
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