|
 Harnacke said, "Agriculture has always been the
backbone of America. The tractor came along and made a big
difference in farming. Some of the tractors you see here today are
over 75 years old and can still do what they were built for. When I
see an old tractor, I see a part of American history.
To help celebrate the town's history, part of this year's show was a
tribute to Douglas Equipment, a Massey Ferguson Dealership just west
of town from 1978 to the mid 1980s that carried all types of farm
equipment and serviced all makes of equipment. Harnacke's shop had a
display commemorating their work.
Also on display were several antique tractors with some that were
over 75 years old. In addition, there were other farm implements
such as an antique plow, a seed grader, a corn sheller, and gas
powered stationary engines.
Throughout the day, there were demonstrations of some of the
equipment.
John Wibben had several of the stationary engines, sometimes called
hit-or-miss engines, set up to show what they could do.
Wibben said these engines used to do what electric motors do now.
They were used for such activities as pumping water, grinding feed,
and running washing machines when wooden tubs and agitators were
used.
Others like seeing what the tractors can do. Luke Kirgan, who works
for Harnacke, said he gets to drive the Cub Cadets and likes the
ones that get used the most, which he called the workhorses.
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Young Ryan and his friend Ryne enjoyed playing on the toy tractors and
pretending they had been working in the field.
Additional activities included a pedal tractor pull and parade.
Seven kids participated in the pedal tractor pull, doing three rounds with more
weights added each time to the sled pulled. Most completed a full pull in the
first round.
In the final round, with the sled loaded with 58 pounds of weight, Eli Crane
completed a full pull.
The afternoon parade included tractor brands such as Oliver, John Deere, Allis
Chalmers, Case International and Farmall, in addition to a few mowers, a New
Holland Fire truck, and a horseless carriage.
Those attending the show enjoyed seeing all the tractors and farm equipment and
remembering the town's history. Joann Coers, who has lived in the area for many
years, said the tractor show is good for the town. It gets many people involved
and lets others see what country life is all about.
[Angela Reiners] |
