Jacqueline Y. Farner
Granddaughter, wife, mother – and steam engineer!
Where do we begin telling the story of Jackie Farner? To those who knew her best she was granddaughter, wife, and mother. To those in the world of steam engines – she was an unsung hero.
Jackie was the granddaughter of Frank Bare, the original owner of the 1912 45 HP Case. Frank showed Jackie everything he knew about the steam engine, and she gained not only the knowledge, but also the enthusiasm for the world of steam!
Everything she knew, she learned from Grandpa
Jackie became a master with the 1912 Case steam engine. She was able to run the engine and make most repairs to it by herself! She even joked she could back up a steam engine better than a car. She was able to do this because of her grandfather, Frank. They would work together in the fields with the Case. As time went on, the skills Frank taught Jackie helped him as he started to age because she knew to make the sure the fire was going and the water glass was full.
The duo were close and were also heavily involved in their community. They were involved in the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association and would bring the 1912 Case to exhibit.
A women dedicated to family, steam, and history
Jackie’s passion for steam was not only evident in practice on the steam engine, but also showed with her dedication to the history. She made sure to keep the history of her engine alive when passing it down to the next generation, and she found the perfect person to pass the torch to with Dave Weyand.
As a women in steam, Jackie was a pioneer in the culture for future women. She was a master while operating, and gained herself notoriety after her story was published in the Iron-Men Album magazine (Volume 15, November-December 1960). Jackie was also the first female member of the Williams Grove Steam Association! (and her engine still travels to the show to this day!)
Jackie was able to help future generations of women by following her path of interest in the steam engine realm. She not only raised a family but perused and protected the history of the family case for future generations. Jackie’s story can now continue to encourage women in the steam engine hobby. She was able to have it all back in a day when women typically had to choose!
It’s about keeping the history alive Jackie Farner
