Join us at the Old Economy Village Print Shop for a day of exploring the rich history of letterpress printing! Old Economy Village is partnering with the Portersville Steam Show this summer to host a two-day Wayzgoose celebration. On Saturday, August 23, visit Old Economy for themed demonstrations, hands-on activities, and refreshments that will delight the entire family. Then, on Sunday, August 24, head to the Portersville Steam Show Print Shop for more exciting printing experiences!
As part of the day’s special events, Wayzgoose 2025 will showcase the operation of the original 1820 Harmonist Printing Press—the oldest press in the United States still standing in its historic location.
The press will be operated for the first time in decades, producing limited-edition commemorative posters for Wayzgoose 2025. All attendees will receive a poster free of charge.
The Harmonist Press was crafted in 1820 by Adam Ramage, America’s most prolific maker of the “common press.” Ramage built nearly 1,250 presses, of which only about 20 remain today. The Harmonist Press reflects a design lineage tracing back to Johannes Gutenberg, while standing beside an 1833 Philadelphia iron hand press, also by Ramage. Together, these two machines tell the story of printing technology’s evolution—from its earliest wooden forms to its iron transformation in the early Industrial Revolution.
The Portersville Steam Show Print Shop boasts a stunning collection of printing equipment from the 1900s. This working print shop features an array of historic machinery, including a linotype typecasting machine, a Ludlow headline casting machine, and a Heidelberg Windmill platen press. Wayzgoose visitors can see these landmark pieces in action.
This event is included in regular admission. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of letterpress printing!
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