A Token with a HI-STORY . . . . . . . .

ZoidMeister

Think back to when you were a child. Perhaps around the age of 6 or 7. The world was a very different place, right. Times were simpler, you had no cares in the world, lifelong friends were made – and lost. What memories still stick with you after ALL THOSE YEARS . . . . . . ?

Maybe you have fond memories of your parents, uncles, or aunts taking you fishing, hunting, or to a theme park? Maybe as a young child you attended a county fair, a state fair, or a festival of some kind?

I know my parents took my sisters and myself to many of these. Living in central Wisconsin on the Mississippi River during the early 1960’s, there was always SOMETHING, some event to attend. Octoberfest, Fishing Contests, County and State Fairs, we did them all . . . . or at least it seemed that way.

One festival that really stuck out in my 7 year old mind was the Steam Engine Days Festival held in Strum Wisconsin. I mean, what’s not to like? Big steel tractors and engines, polyphonic steam whistles, food, and buxom festival girls all vying to be crowned Strum Steam Queen . . . . . it was every boy’s childhood fantasy . . . . .

All those memories would have been locked away in my quickly decaying gray matter, EXCEPT for one chance viewing on fleaBay. Perusing the exonumia and token listings, I happened across this little token. Fairly well preserved for its age, better than myself I might add.

I was intrigued by my first glance of the obverse. I clicked over to the reverse image and WAIT . . . . August of 1965??? My family lived in Prairie du Chien Wisconsin between 1962 and 1972.

I was in Wisconsin in 1965. My parents took me to a Steam Engine Days Festival in 1965. There was only ONE Steam Engine Days Festival being held in middle Wisconsin that year, it was in Strum, and it was only a couple hours from where we lived.

OMG, could it be? Could this token, this little disk . . . . was it made and sold at the same festival that is so keenly etched into my childhood memories! What are the chances?

I purchased it immediately and it arrived to me earlier this week. It’s amazing how one little token, one little $6.50 purchase (including shipping), could bring back such joyful memories, so vividly, of a bygone era in time.

What tokens, medals, or other exonumia have you found and acquired that bring back similar memories of your childhood? Post them up, with their HISTORY for all to enjoy.

Z
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coinsarefun

What a fantastic surprise for you! You actually had me there with you in my mind describing the excitement @ZoidMeister . I have said for years, well since shortly after collecting type coins and Morgan’s that tokens are my love. And, more times that not the best history and memories can be had for a very reasonable price.......but certain ones as this one are priceless.
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ricko

That is a very nice token... Plus, when it ties into such memories, it becomes far more value than the amount paid - which, by the way, was a great buy. Congratulations on a super addition to your collection and memories. Cheers, RickO

ZoidMeister

@coinsarefun said:
What a fantastic surprise for you! You actually had me there with you in my mind describing the excitement @ZoidMeister . I have said for years, well since shortly after collecting type coins and Morgan’s that tokens are my love. And, more times that not the best history and memories can be had for a very reasonable price.......but certain ones as this one are priceless.
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What's really cool about this token, that event in 1965, and the memories it conjours up, is that THEY ARE STILL DOING THIS SHOW . . . . . .

https://www.farmcollector.com/steam-traction/strum-steam-days/
https://www.farmcollector.com/steam-traction/strum-steam-engine-days-report/

It's not being held in Strum this year, but in nearby Edgar, WI.

https://www.edgarsteamshow.com/steam-show

Appreciation for these old steam iron horses continues . . . . . .

Z