Staib demonstrates 1935 sawmill

Demonstrations of the fair's antique sawmill are happening every day this week in the antique machinery area of the fairgrounds near the grandstand. Calvin Staib, who has been a Senior Fair director for more than 30 years representing Seneca Township, is in charge of the antique machinery area. He said demonstrations are planned for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily. The 1935 Frick 00 Sawmill was donated to the fair seven years ago by the Perry Weiker family. The family used the sawmill for 50-60 years, and then put it in storage about 20 years ago. After the older family members died, the family decided to donate it so people could see it in operation. "It's about 80 years old and needs work," Staib said after a trouble-shooting session early Tuesday afternoon. But he's been operating it for demonstrations every year since the donation. A large belt running from a tractor to the sawmill provides power for operation. Wood is placed on the mill and a large blade cuts logs or boards to the operator's specifications. The machine is housed year-round at the fairgrounds. In addition to the sawmill, Seneca County Antique Machinery Association has a wide variety of tractors, farm machinery and other farm-related items on display. The antique machinery parade took place Tuesday evening in the grandstand area. Also Tuesday, senior citizens ages 60 and older were admitted to the fair free and treated to free ice cream and plenty of entertainment.