History

The early Threshing bee gatherings were set up by farmers and harvesters who had worked in the fields using steam, and wished to occasionally “live in the past with their engines.”

The Mikkelsons put on their first show in 1954 and continued thru 1966 until these shows were too much responsibility for one individual to assume. Rodney Pitts also sponsored shows at his place from 1955-1959.The Western Steam Fiends Assoc. (WSFA) held shows in Woodburn from 1967-1969.

A group of people who had been the backbone of past shows formed a corporation under Ed Currans and decided it was time to look for a permanent home for these shows. Western Antique Power Inc. (WAPI) was formed and leased property found in Brooks Ore. from Frank Petzel.

The first Steam-Up held in Brooks was in 1970 and WAPI signed a lease for this property in 1971; WAPI later bought the property and in 2001 Antique Powerland Museum Assoc. (APMA, an Oregon non-profit corp.) was formed to manage the property. In 2017 this property became known as Powerland Heritage Park made up of several museums who continue to grow and work collaboratively to be:

The Home of

The Great Oregon Steam-Up!

The Oregon Heritage Tradition designation recognizes events more than 50 years old that represent what it means to be an Oregonian. Designated events are unique locally, regionally, and statewide. In short, these events add to the livability and identity of the state. The Great Oregon Steam-Up has been designated an Oregon Heritage Tradition.

First Year

1970 was the first year The Great Oregon Steam-Up occurred, attracting 3,000 visitors. Today the event attracts 14,000 plus visitors.

Themes

Every year, since 1987, the Great Oregon Steam-Up has adopted a theme to put extra focus on. Here is a list of the themes to date: