Steam engines like this one were primarily used for pulling saw mills and threshing machines in and around the Cumming area in the early 20th century. A.G. "Glen" Thomas started the Steam Engine Parade on July 4th, 1957 by running his engine around the square in Cumming. There are now between 20-25 engines in the annual Thomas-Mashburn 4th of July Steam Engine Parade, still held in downtown Cumming, Ga., the only 4th of July Steam Engine Parade in the country.