In Indiana, it used to snow a lot more than it does currently, so people haven't been using blowers much.
If it does snow, it's usually light and the the 2-stroke paddle blowers are better suited...
Anyway, they these old auger-blowers sit around unused, become non-functional, and generally just get in people's way.
Considering that, "free" isn't even an unheard of price, lol...