Engine Start Up Day
Sunday, May 4, 2025

Join us as some of the engines in our outdoor exhibits come out of winter hibernation, including the steam engine inside the Drake Well replica! The day will also feature a presentation by Norm Shade on the Bessemer Gas Engine Company and its successor, the Cooper-Bessemer Company. The Bessemer Gas Engine Co. of Grove City, Pennsylvania, started in 1899 and by the 1920’s had one of the world’s largest industrial plant foundries among its 29 buildings. Their need for additional capital along with the C & G Cooper Company of Ohio’s need for additional production facilities resulted in the merger and formation of The Cooper-Bessemer Corporation on April 4, 1929. Shade is a volunteer and serves on the board for the Coolspring Power Museum. Regular admission applies for this event.