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MECHANICAL HISTORY ROUNDTABLE
Rochester, Minnesota



About MHRT



MHRT (Mechanical History Roundtable) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of antique equipment and rural lifestyles in Olmsted County, Minnesota.
We are affiliated with, and located on the grounds of the History Center of Olmsted County (HCOC). We farm a few acres the old way, operate a sawmill, woodshop, tinsmith, and blacksmith shop, and maintain a collection of various mechanical devices and farm equipment.
We like visitors! Stop by and look around anytime our members are available. Bring the Kids. Ask questions. Enjoy the country farm ambiance. Join our group. No admission charged except on show dates.
We normally have a business meeting on the first Tuesday evening of each month in the HCOC museum building.
Annual Club dues are $7.50per individual or $10 per family.


Contact us via e-mail at admin@mhrt.org



MHRT Board Officers for 2023



President - Ken Mueller

Secretary/Treasurer - Kirk Schumacher

HCOC Liaison - Thomas Strain

Records Custodian - Ted Kueker

Dave Schmitt

Marc Lyon




The Beginning of MHRT



In 1968, Lyle Sundry went to Olmsted County Historical Society when it was still located in downtown Rochester within an old church at 214 3rd Ave SW. Director Floyd Shaw III granted permission to display an old engine and burr mill grinding corn near on the south side of the Hadley Valley school house located at the fairgrounds during the fair. The 4hp Fuller & Johnson engine, burr mill, and 6 bags of shelled corn from Roddis Elevator Company (cost = $2/bag) were transported with the assistance of the Ocher's van and trailer. Lyle still has this engine and burr mill in his collection.


Lyle continued this annual display during the August county fair, and was joined by Roger Byrne in 1970 who brought more engines and equipment to display. By 1973, a shortage of space at the fairgrounds influenced the group to demonstrate their antique threshing/tractor/engine equipment at the Robert Hale farm south of Stewartville. By 1974, the Mechanical History Roundtable was formed with OCHS through the efforts of Roger Byrne working with the then Director George Tyrell. The first "Days of YesterYear" threshing show was on the current History Center grounds in 1975.


Above History supplied by Donna Sundry





Updated 03/18/2023