December 22, 1999

Rediscovering the past

Buckley Engine Club unearths antique treasures at Votruba's

By Justin Trapp
Herald staff writer
       There is something to be said for the attics and basements of old homes, for the treasures and forgotten tools of a simpler time. Like many towns, Traverse City is full of old homes and shops whose exterior beauty is rivaled only by what lies inside.
      The Votruba Leather Goods Company in downtown Traverse City is a perfect example.
      Jim Saiers, a local resident and member of the Northwest Michigan Engine and Thresher Club (N.M.E.T.C.), grew up around the Grand Traverse Bay area, and has been helping the club find antique equipment for years. So when he found the old leather stamping presses in the basement and attic of the Votruba Leather Goods Company, no one was really surprised.
      "Jim Saiers is just an amazing man when it comes to finding equipment," said Jim Luper, a fellow member of N.M.E.T.C. "He finds stuff everywhere."
      The presses are in nearly mint condition, which is rare, since many antiques are left in harsh conditions or neglected. Once used for harness-making, one press dates to the 1930s and the other was made at around the turn-of-the-century. The presses were used in making harnesses, collars for horses, and shoe soles, among other things.
      When Votruba's opened in the 1870s, the shop catered to the needs of farmers and other residents of the area by making leather goods to help with their trades. The presses, which were commercial in their time, have probably not been used since the 1930s, said Saiers.
      Dyes, which fit into the leather presses, were also donated to the club by Votruba's. These dyes come in various sizes and shapes, and were used to cut leather into useful shapes. Several dozen of them have been found so far.
      Saiers inquired of Kerry Glaesmer, the current owner of Votruba's, if it would be possible to have the antiques donated to the N.M.E.T.C.
      "I hounded him and hounded him," said Saiers, who gained permission from Votruba's almost two months later.
      N.M.E.T.C. will take the old equipment to their show grounds in Buckley, where they plan to build an old-time harness shop.
      The club, which is also known as the "Buckley Old Engine Club," is now in its 32nd year, and is an independent, non-profit organization. The Buckley Old Engine Club holds an annual four day show during the third week every August, which attracts between 50,000 and 75,000 people.
      The old-time harness shop will hopefully be completed by the next show, Luper said. Rory Royston, another member of the club, will operate the exhibit.
      For now, N.M.E.T.C. is pleased to simply have the equipment out of Vortuba's. Though the smaller finds had been no trouble in moving, the presses had to be disassembled completely and moved in pieces from the shop.
      The Buckley Old Engine Club is devoted to preserving the past, as well as educating the public, Luper said. Saiers noted that the reason most old equipment gets abandoned is because of changing trends.
      "There used to be horses and trains. Now there's tractors and cars."
      Despite the advancements of technology, people still need to understand where the past has led them, Luper said, and that is one of the main purposes of the club.
      "You're preserving our history," said Luper. "It's just a great feeling to know you're involved."