By Russ Baker
As recently as thirty years ago, most people knew how to handle basic repairs around the house or on their vehicles. If a car needed an oil change or a flat tire needed replacing, the average driver could do it themselves. If an appliance broke, the owner would try to fix it before considering a replacement.
Unfortunately, there is a growing disconnect from practical skills in our smart phone-driven world. That disconnect is what makes events like the Richard W. Erickson Foundation’s Antique Power Show more important than ever. Events like these do more than display historical machinery—they connect the past and present, showing the ingenuity and craftsmanship that were the foundation of today’s technology. When people experience antique machines, they get the chance to see and feel how things really work, something a video or simulation just can’t replicate. Hands-on experiences are essential for building the skills we need to invent, create, and innovate in a world that’s increasingly driven by technology.
What the Past Teaches Us About Progress
Early machines were built to last. Unlike today’s disposable, mass-produced items, antique machinery was designed to be maintained and used for decades. Take for example the 1966 Volvo 1800S driven nearly three million miles over five decades by retired science teacher Irv Gordon.
Modern products often prioritize convenience and cost over longevity, leading to planned obsolescence and a decline in repairability. While this shift has undoubtedly driven innovation, it has also diminished the long-term value and usability of many machines.
Despite this, the principles behind antique machinery, like steam and combustion engines, continue to influence today’s designs. Engineers often look back to these earlier models for inspiration, using lessons from the past to solve modern challenges and emphasize durability, efficiency, and sustainability.
Early Electrical Innovations Shaped Today’s Technology
The majority of Americans living today still remember a time when the internet was not part of their daily routine. And you only have to go back a few generations to find a time when electricity was not even found in most homes. When Thomas Edison’s Pearl Street Station began supplying power to New York City in 1882, it didn’t just replace gas lighting—it paved the way for an electrified world. By the 1910s and 20s, electric appliances like vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and refrigerators transformed daily life, making household tasks faster and easier.
The devices we now depend on to work, communicate and live—laptops, smart phones, and cloud-based services—are built on the foundation laid by early machines. We often take for granted how quickly technology evolves, because each breakthrough connects directly to the next, shaping the modern world.
Understanding early machines isn’t just useful for historians or mechanics. Even those who spend most of their working hours in front of a computer screen––engineers, architects, scientists, data analysts and medical researchers, just to name a few––benefit from the principles of early engineering and innovation. Studying these machines offers a deeper understanding of how foundational concepts, like power systems, automation, and data processing, continue to influence today’s advancements.
The Power of Hands-On Learning
In an era where quick, bite-sized videos dominate our learning, there’s a unique power in seeing and experiencing machines firsthand. Watching a 30-second reel on social media can’t compare to the thrill of hearing the roar of an engine or feeling the weight of a well-built tool. These tangible experiences create a deeper connection and understanding of what humanity has built.
Hands-on experiences—such as car shows, living history museums, trade exhibitions, and competitions—allow people, especially younger generations, to engage with the machines that still power our world. They offer more than just education—they ignite inspiration. When children see how a powerful engine operates or witness the intricacies of mechanical design in person, it can spark curiosity about how things work and even encourage them to pursue careers in trades like engineering, mechanics, electrical work, and the agriculture industry which we so desperately need.
We have a responsibility to cultivate a deeper understanding of how things work and the importance of practical skills. Hopefully, we can ensure that the next generation won’t just know how to use a smartphone or a computer—they will continue to understand the power of a wrench, the beauty of mechanical design, and the value of craftsmanship. Experiencing history in motion encourages a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity behind machines, making it more than just learning—it’s an invitation to connect with the past, shape the future, and keep the legacy of practical problem-solving alive for the next generation.
Russell D. Baker has served as Chairman of The Richard W. Erickson Foundation since 2018. His involvement in the Foundation and Museum dates back to 2002, when he combined his love of antique and classic vehicles and motorcycles with his professional expertise in building and running corporations to help curate the Antique and Classic Power Museum’s motorcycle and automobile collections. As an associate and friend of Richard Erickson, Russell is focused on building the future of the foundation to create a lasting legacy that the public can enjoy. In his spare time, Russell enjoys spending time with his wife and family and hunting, fishing, boating and working on the cars and motorcycles in their collection.