July 13, 2007

It was a beautiful day at the show, moderate temperatures and light breezes made for comfortable conditions for all. Over in the truck exhibit, a wide range of trucks from the 1930's to the 80's ranging from carefully restored trucks of all ages to trucks still hard at work and in their work clothes. From semi-tractors to pickups, all types were there.
In the John Deere area. nearly 500 tractors put on a good show. Numerous rare machines were on hand, some of which are very rare model variations with as little as 3 units produced. JD 330 tractors were low production units anyway, and some here represent the rarest model variations. Among "newer" tractors, the first production 6030 is here, and has been restored in better than new condition.
Charles Q. English brought his one of a kind "Gold Leaf D". This is an otherwise normal John Deere D that was painted gold to be used in special promotion activities in 1937, the 100th anniversary of John Deere's first steel plow. The tractor was eventually repainted green and sold through a dealer in Oklahoma who requested it. The tractor must had a long life in the field, when English acquired it, he described it as the "most worn out" tractor he ahd ever seen. Now thoroughly restored and restored to the gold color, it will now lead a life of luxury.
Nora Fourez's 1937 John Deere "A" has an interesting story, it was the first JD A delivered new on rubber from the dealer in Allerton, Illinois, and 9 year old Nora is the second owner of the seventy year old tractor. Her older sister Jennifer is the third owner of a 1928 John Deere D, both of which came from the same family, and have always been shedded.

Wes Wheeler's Battle Creek Band entertained people in the Pavilion with well played country music in the evening.


To view album of todays pictures, click on the link below.
http://s72.photobucket.com/albums/i190/historicfarmdays/2007%20Penfield%20Show/

More to come about show later....