A highlight of the annual 100-Plus Years of Progress Show in Carthage, North Carolina, is a functioning sawmill powered by an antique Frick Eclipse steam tractor. Demonstrated each year at “Ederville,” the sawmill offers visitors a vivid glimpse into early 20th-century milling practices.
The Eclipse steam engine, surrounded by flying cinders, drives a series of belts that turn the saw blade, cutting logs into lumber just as it would have done more than a century ago. The enduring machinery is part of a broader collection of vintage equipment on display at Ederville, a venue named after the late Ken Eder, a passionate collector of historic tractors, construction machines, trains, and more.
Ken Eder established the sawmill exhibit as a tribute to his father, Martin Eder, who operated the sawmill during the show until his death in 2015. Martin had previously run Eder Lumber in New York before retiring in North Carolina. After Martin’s passing, his son Mike Eder continued the sawmill demonstrations. Ken Eder passed away in 2018, and his wife, Patti Eder, now oversees the event, which takes place each November.
The Frick Eclipse tractor featured at the sawmill was produced by the Frick Company, founded in 1885 in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Known initially for its steam engines, the company saw peak sales in the early 1900s before transitioning to refrigeration products. The Frick name continues today under Johnson Controls, following its acquisition through York International in 1987.
This feature is part of a video series covering the opening day of the 2024 show, showcasing the rich mechanical history celebrated at Ederville. Other installments include demonstrations of antique tractors, classic Caterpillar and International dozers, vintage belt-powered tools, and the quirky mechanics of hit-and-miss engines.
