Howards Host The Antique Stove Association 40th Anniversary Convention

Antique stove enthusiasts from across the United States and Canada gathered in rural Spring Valley, Minn., for their 40th annual convention.  Hosting this event were Gwen and Dennis Howard who agreed, “It has been such fun!”

Their first Howard stove was sited in November 2016 at Ghost Town Museum in Manitou Springs, Colo., they have been collecting Howard antique stoves since then. After their first purchase of this late 19th century line of stoves (made by Howard Stove Company of Ralston, Nebr.) cast iron stoves became a central part of their lives.

The Antique Stove Association provides information about all aspects of antique stoves and related items, educates people about their uses and promotes fellowship among those interested in parlor heating stoves, cook stoves, and many miscellaneous stoves.

“The gratification Dennis has in seeing the Howard name cast in stoves and related items is so strong that once discovering their existence, he works diligently making sure they are not destroyed, which reminds me of his dad and the way Bernard brought John Deere tractors back to life,” mentioned Gwen.  

The Howards have traveled across the United States, buying stoves to add to their collection.   Gwen stated, “It has enabled us to see a lot of scenery in the United States and meet, as well as make, new friends.”

Although some people purchase stoves already refurbished, Dennis seems to  prefer the challenge of giving a rusty stove a “like-new look” by totally dismantling the stove and going through a process similar to an auto or tractor restoration. In order to transform a stove to its near original beauty, many professionals are contacted.   

Brian Spandl of Mill Lake Metal Finishing in Long Prairie has for many years been the “go to” man for refurbishing.  In order to bring back a new look to the accent stove parts, Brian handles each piece 13 times in the process of Nickel Plating.  “When someone enters a home or museum filled with antiques from the 1800s,  attention always turns to the stove,” said Brian.  

After receiving, unpacking and inventorying the pieces to be plated, Brian begins a process of welding, sandblasting, grinding, belt sanding (three different belts – 100/450/700 grit), polishing, cleaning, plating (taking pieces to plate where dipping in 18 different tanks from start to finish), darkening, and packing to ship to customer.  An excellent video created in 2014 by Andrew Ring and Brian Spandl was filmed at Mill Lake Metal Finishing and Prestige Plating and Coating  and shows this process.  (www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UQG68qo9fc&t=6s)

Brian is currently the president of The Antique Stove Association.  He explains that cleaning up and painting an old stove can make it look newer however, it may not be safe to use.  A complete restoration is needed to make sure it is resealed properly. 

When past president and current board member, Paul Farr of Idaho works on a stove, he will completely dismantle it.  “The round oak stoves are riveted, so extremely difficult to take apart and I have only restored one of them,” commented Paul.  “I actually became interested in these stoves in the 1970s, but it wasn’t until after I retired that I became serious about restorating antique stoves.  It’s actually the people involved with this hobby who attend the conventions that I enjoy  the most and the chance to renew old friendships.”

There are over 302 members of The Antique Stove Association in the United States and Canada with 57 gathering at the Howard Museum.  Dennis and Gwen have been planning for this event for over a year and have given visitors a true taste of Spring Valley.   

The three-day convention began Sunday with dinner provided by Pizza Place, followed by a tour of the Howard stove collection.  Monday’s activities included a trading session, tours of Washburn – Zittleman House Museum and  Methodist Church Museum, and an evening banquet held at Isle of Dreams Event Center, catered by Ody’s Country Meats. “As a special treat for the 40th convention, I asked Debbie Westphal to make commemorative antique stove cookies and a special anniversary cake, “ remarked Gwen.  “Then I arranged a surprise appearance by Bob Schlief Music to close the evening.”  The final day found this group touring Duke Baudoin’s gas pump collection in Grand Meadow. The convention was rounded off by the executive board meeting, a TASA annual members business meeting, and a TASA auction at the Howard home, in which Kevin and Mindy Grabau from Spring Valley Sales helped.

Member Greg Earhart traveled from New York state to attend the annual convention and was impressed by Spring Valley, stating, “This is one of the nicest, cleanest little towns I have ever seen and the people are so friendly.”

Both Dennis and Gwen were honored to host this event and invite anyone with a stove interest to join the Association.

For more information on The Antique Stove Association contact antiquestoveassociation.org/