Last Sunday, June 9, the Costa Grande Rural Historical Museum was the scene of an exceptional event that attracted mechanics and history enthusiasts from various parts of the country. Under the coordination of its founder and director, Edgardo Stürtz, and the organization of Huellas de Costa Grande and Rural Tourism, an open-air day was held with free admission, where stationary engines were the undisputed protagonists.
From early in the morning, the public began to arrive at the museum facilities, located in a picturesque rural setting. Attendees were able to enjoy a display of sixty stationary engines, brought from different points in Entre Ríos, Santa Fe, Tucumán and Buenos Aires. These engines, relics of the last century, captured the attention of visitors for their history and operation.
Stationary engines, all internal combustion engines, were a crucial technology in the first half of the 20th century. Designed to operate from a fixed position, these engines were used in a variety of agricultural and industrial tasks, from pumping water and grinding corn to operating tools such as saws and hay elevators. Today, their presence at events like this serves to remember and celebrate the ingenuity of bygone eras.
In addition to the engine exhibition, the day included an Expo of artisans and entrepreneurs, various exhibitors, a gastronomic patio and the outstanding live show by singer Juan Bustamante. The combination of activities offered a rich and varied experience for all attendees.
In dialogue with PARARELO 32, Edgardo Stürtz, organizer of the event, highlighted the uniqueness of the day. “It is a unique event in the region where iron friends get together once a year to hold this type of event. The public from the area comes to see these relics that were used by our grandparents in progress,” he explained.
Among the engines on display, Stürtz mentioned some from Industria Nacional “Villa”, used as lawnmowers, and others manufactured in El Trebol, Santa Fe, during the 50s and 60s, which were used in milking machines. He also highlighted the presence of a Deutz engine, imported from Germany in 1920, which was used to pump water and grind corn.
The event had the collaboration of the Antelo Museum staff, who presented four engines and other antiques, further enriching the exhibition. At the close of the day, Stürtz expressed his gratitude to all the exhibitors, entrepreneurs, artisans and the public for his participation. “It is not so easy to organize this in the field, in addition we are going through a complicated national economic situation that affects these calls. Despite this, we are very happy for the good participation,” he concluded.
