Niagara Antique Power Association

In August 1966 Ken Benner heard from Gordon Bellhouse about some kind of old steam show being held in Milton, Ontario. Ken having always been interested in tractors and gas engines. Had asked Gordon to remind him in a couple of weeks about the event. As it happened both Ken and Gordon had forgotten about the show, but Gordon was able to remind him in time for the show in 1967. That summer Ken, his wife Norma and boys Carl and Glen attended their first steam show and enjoyed it immensely. Ken took delight in all the displays, taking pictures and since Ken was a crane operator by trade. He was also very excited to see Ross Johnson's "Erie" steam shovel on the show grounds.

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The following December Ken bought his first Irish Fordson which was the first of many tractors and engines that have been finding their way to his home on Sunset Drive in Fort Erie since.

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As life happens Ken and family sadly did not have a chance to attend any shows in the summer of 1968. However in 1969 they were able to return to the show in Milton, while also attending a show later in Alexander, New York. It was during this period that interest grew in the old tractor and gas engine area, and when visiting these shows Ken met and talked with many people sharing common interests and ideas. Helping one another with their restoration projects. Ken further became inspired to try and help others find and enjoy this type of hobby, and that is when the idea of a club came to him. A club that when members worked together could make a nice show while preserving the items of yesterday.

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At the time of his revelation Ken did not realize just how many he knew in the community that had an interest in gas engines and antique cars.  Larry and Ann Kline and Ray Noxel to name a few, all had his same interests. Ken first met Ray in 1968 while Ray was working on his Model "A" Ford, but it was some years later that Ken and Ray while talking about their interests in old machinery. Decided it might be interesting to have a little show in their area.

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Between 1969 and 1971 Ken thought more and more about having a small antique display in the Niagara area. He knew that there were gas engines and tractors around that had not been out of their sheds in 10 or 20 years. Ken was also thinking about the older people in the area who might be interested in such a show, but were not likely to travel to Milton or Caledonia.

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It was in December of 1971 at Ken's home that it was decided a "Power Round-Up" would be held in early summer. Saturday July 1, 1972 was chosen as the date, and the location was to be Ken's home. More specifically behind his workshop where he played with his old rusted relics. The first show focused on power units (gas engines and tractors), with invitations being sent to all who lived in the area that may have had interest in attending the Power Round-Up.