PO Box 9
Kinzers, PA 17535
(717) 442-4249
http://www.roughandtumble.org/
This place is almost beyond description. Hardly a museum in the traditional sense, but very much a museum, nonetheless, Unlike most museums, 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.
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.
Hours: Aside from the Museum's Special Events it is open on Saturdays from May through the Association's October Time of Harvest Event. Call for details. Groups may be able to schedule tours on other days.
Admission: Call for admission. Some events are FREE. Others may have a fee.
Group Reservations: 3 weeks.
Lunch: Nearby restaurants. Groups may eat bagged lunch on grounds.
Handicapped: Partial. Call.
Directions: Rt. 30 West to Kinzers. Watch for sign. Located on Rt. 30.
Time: 60 - 90 minutes west of Philadelphia.
Nearby: Gast Classic Cars , Strasburg Railroad , Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania , Toy Train Museum .