Thank you, Jan and Pat and all un-named Linn County volunteers, for your time and efforts! A few comments: >From the book "SCIO IN THE FORKS OF THE SANTIAM" by Carol Bates Page 59 Frank Thayer's chief interest was in harvesting. He started as a small boy tying and shocking bundles as his father cut the grain with a cradle or hand sickle. In 1891 in partnership with Lou Croisant he purchased his first steam threshing machine. They harvested through northern Linn County for many years. At one time he owned an improved and modern combine and operated it several seasons. Once during the low water season, Thayer was called upon to attach his steam engine to the Scio light and water plant and keep it in operation. Frank's daughter, my gr-aunt Freda Thayer, used to say: "Dad's three greatest loves were: his steam engine, his grandchildren, and his children -- in that order!" Thayer was Master of Jordan Valley Grange for many years, a mayor of Scio, and city councilman. He served as a school board member at Mt. Pleasant. "Oh God, here's Thayer's old cookwagon," exclaimed Raymond "Swede" Chromy of Scio. Mrs. Thayer and Oliver Beard's mother followed the threshing machine and cooked for the crew. "That's what they cooked on, this wagon. The hinged sides closed up," said Dolly Flanagan Young of Scio. I have numerous photos of the steam engine, Mt. Pleasant School, and the cook wagon! I'll check with Jan and see if she is interested in posting them on the Linn Co. Web. Thanks again to all the great Linn Co. volunteers! Regards, Lisa L. Jones mailto:[email protected]